I wasn’t a child of the 90s, but growing up I fell under the spell of tv shows like Friends and the likes of Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan and Halle Berry. Their films didn’t just shape my notions of romance; they became a blueprint for my own personal style. Wearing velvet slip dresses and leather jackets with big blow-out hair, their wardrobes felt timeless; resonating with me, and continuing to captivate me today.

I’m not the only one. In 2024, the fashion set’s love affair with the 90s, from streetwear to grunge styles, shows no sign of fading. From minimalist basics to baguette bags and satin slip dresses, our wardrobes are getting the classic 90s treatment again this season.  

Just look towards celebrities such as Bella Hadid, recently spotted in cargo trousers, who are bringing back the streetwear favourites a lot of us used to wear the first time round. Taylor Hill has given cosy cropped cardigans and comfy mom jeans a modern twist, and Lori Harvey (as seen below) has paid homage to the decade in a chic grey mini dress and sheer black tights, complete with a Matrix-esque leather trench coat – another firm favourite of the 90s. 

But why is 90s style making such a comeback all of a sudden? According to fashion editor Harriet Davey: “The best trends, and some of the worst – looking at you, low-rise jeans – always come back around. So it’s no surprise when some of the most-loved 90s looks worn by the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss make a return.”

This resurgence marks a shift towards simplicity and is championed by designers such as Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, Helmut Lang and Prada. These labels have always been known to embrace clean, sleek silhouettes, monochromatic colour palettes and functional designs as part of the aesthetic. 

“Slip dresses were key, leopard was the print du jour, and leather blazers were the cover-up every cool girl wore. Add to this baguette bags, mules and claw clips, and it’s basically a checklist of what to wear for 2024,” Davey continues. 

Fashion writer and tastemaker Camille Charrière mirrors Davey’s sentiments. She tells Stylist: “The styles are effortless and easy, allowing everyone to pick what works for them and their world.” Her latest collection in collaboration with NA-KD fashion draws inspiration from her favourite romcoms, featuring faux fur coats à la Anna Wintour, itty bitty mini shorts, co-ordinating slate grey shirts, tiger print dresses, sumptuous brown slip dresses and luxe-leather boots.

Charrière adds: “The women of the 90s dressed in a way where brands and trends weren’t obvious. They weren’t dressing to show allegiance to a tribe; it was all about being comfortable, feeling timeless and adding their own twist.”

Amid the sea of trends that exist today in fashion, the 90s style is an altogether more subtle look. And honestly, what could be better? This cool-weather season is bringing a variety of high street styles that are redefining the classic 90s aesthetic. Whether you’re emboldened to go full sheer in silky sheath dresses or choose to opt for animal print to command attention, 90s fashion is back in full force.

Keep scrolling to see my round-up of cult 90s styles to add a little touch of nostalgia to your wardrobe. From slip dresses to animal print and leather blazers, channel your inner 90s romcom heroine with these chic high street buys.

1. Supercharged silk slips 

Remember Kate Moss’s iconic sheer slip dress from 1993? The boudoir style is back, according to the autumn/winter 2024 collections: sheer at Gucci, ditsy and dainty at Blumarine and ultra-feminine at Eudon Choi. 

Bias-cut slips are the backbone of any 90s wardrobe, with bonus points if they have thin spaghetti straps and romantic lace details, which always turn up the volume with very little effort.

2. Baguette bags 

Amid all the studded and sparkly bags this season, make way for buttery soft leather baguette bags. With a compact design, they’re a sleek and chic way to nail the It girl look that dominated the 90s. 

3. Chic hairbands

Whether you’re looking for something simple and functional or bold and decorative, hairbands are a fantastic way to enhance your style with minimal effort.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was an early proponent of a minimalist approach, often seen pairing a tortoiseshell Alice band with oval sunglasses and a simple white T-shirt.

More recently, Lily-Rose Depp and Kaia Gerber have been spotted sporting chic hairbands in all their streetwear looks. From plain black elastic bands to padded and embellished styles, they can effortlessly elevate any look.

4. Animal print

The beauty of maximalist animal prints is that they can be considered a neutral. You can pair them with brown, black and beige, making them fit seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. 

Just look towards the autumn/winter 2024 shows: Zimmerman boasted statement-making billowing blouses, while sleek leopard trench coats prowled down the Dior catwalk. From tantalising tiger to look-at-me leopard, animal print always adds a playful element to your outfits. 

5. Comfortable mom jeans

Looking for a great transitional piece that will work hard in your wardrobe across all seasons? Opt for mom jeans with a relaxed, high-waisted fit.

From stonewash to black and indigo blue, mom jeans can serve up some serious style points when worn as part of your everyday wardrobe. 

Just pair them with a tank top and ballet flat in the autumn. For winter, simply switch to a roll-neck, blazer and ankle boots to achieve the off-duty model look.

6. Luxe leather jacket

So easy to throw on with any outfit, a leather blazer or trench will always make you seem cooler. From Winona Ryder to Kate Moss, the casual, thrown-over-the-shoulder leather jacket was the fashion outerwear piece of the decade… and still is for 2024, according to the likes of Allsaints and Anthropologie. 

7. Megawatt mules 

Paired with denim, a tank top and a leather blazer, mules are the ultimate off-duty look. Ridiculously sleek, they give off that classic Halle Berry 90s vibe. The edit below will banish any wardrobe boredom you may have and elevate all your new-season clothes. 

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands