The '90s have come racing back into the spotlight recently, so much so that we're declaring the entire decade to be more relevant today than it was even then. When we look into what It girls like Noami Campbell and Julia Roberts were wearing 20 years ago, their outfits appear eerily similar to the ones you'd find all over Instagram in 2018, e.g., loads of straight-leg jeans, thin-strap sandals, and some of the coolest double denim looks around. Let's face it: The 1990s' most iconic fashion trends are simply not going anywhere anytime soon.
Sure, there are a good amount of styles we wore back then that we surely wouldn't be caught dead in today, but the trends that have stuck around have proved to be virtually immortal. The most everlasting of them all, though, has to be '90s jean trends. One glimpse at the denim sections of your favorite retailers would prove just how popular shapes like straight-leg jeans are right now—so popular, in fact, they've been giving skinnies a run for their money this year. It's not hard to come across even more of denim trends that have the decade to thank; they're just hiding in plain sight.
From the jean jacket style that dominated then and now to the denim wash that's recently undergone a complete revival, we're highlighting the five '90s jean trends that are only getting more popular these days. Ahead, see how celebs were wearing the styles back then and then shop the modern-day iterations of each one.
WASHED BLACK JEANS
Not quite a true black but not gray either, this denim wash is a cool alternative to your blue pairs.
The button fly lends a vintage appeal.
Wear this pair with all your favorite sweaters for fall.
Everlane's denim is always a hit.
DENIM MIDI SKIRTS
The '00s may have owned the denim miniskirt, but the '90s originated the style—only in a longer midi length.
Channel Gwyneth Paltrow and wear this skirt with knee-high leather boots.
Wear this skirt now all the way through spring—just swap your boots for block-heel sandals.
So '90s it almost hurts.
CROPPED DENIM JACKETS
Denim jackets have been around for every decade, it seems, but '90s kids loved their cropped fits.
Button sleeves. Think about it.
The perfect jacket to wear with high-waisted jeans.
We love the slouchy, oversize fit of this one.
THE NEW MOM JEANS
These high-waisted jeans (more so now than then) have a looser fit throughout but a tailored waist and butt. Think of them as the more flattering update to ubiquitous "mom" jeans.
We love this jean shape worn with pointed-toe kitten heels.
Tuck in your favorite blouse.
The ideal relaxed-tailored fit.
DENIM DRESSES
Nineties girls loved a mood denim dress, especially pinafore styles that buttoned up the front.
If Reformation gets on board, you know it's a trend to pay attention to.
This long-sleeve version is perfect for cooler weather.
Take a cue from the model and layer a white turtleneck underneath.
Speaking of the '90s, get inspired by how It girls wore ankle boots back then.
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