Credit: Stylist
Whatever your style tribe, these 12 must-have pieces will help you tap into three iconic 90s knitwear trends…
As buzzworthy as terms like ‘quiet luxury’, ‘demure’ and ‘Brat summer’ are, there’s no getting away from the fact that there’s one decade we keep returning to year after year when it comes to tapping into the season’s hottest microtrends.
Yes, together with Oasis reforming for #OasisLive25 (did you manage to get tickets?), we’re once again looking to the 90s for a dose of autumnal style: and right now, it’s ALL about 90s knitwear.
From Cher’s cute little twinsets (Clueless) to the layered plaid look (as worn by Claire Danes in My So Called Life) to artists such as Björk and Tori Amos teaming cosy jumpers with sleek satin babydoll dresses, the 90s knitwear game was strong – and perfect for helping to elevate an outfit, whatever your style tribe happens to be.
And this season, it’s Uniqlo that’s once again managing to stay one step ahead of the trend game. Luxurious yet affordable, the Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino collection is perfect for cosy, transitional dressing, while still allowing us to embrace the 90s aesthetic. From jumpers to dresses, there really is something for everyone.
Here, we’ve picked our three favourite 90s trends and the top Uniqlo knits to help you hone the look…
All things grunge
From chunky boots to ripped jeans, grunge as a fashion trend has been floating around for the last few years – and with good reason. Comfortable yet effortlessly chic, teaming plaid checks with utility silhouettes was a mainstay of the early 90s Seattle scene. These days, modern grunge (while still feeling very comfortable and low-key) is more about layering textures to create a unique shape. A button-down merino is a great starting point. Wear with a ditsy floral flippy skirt and boots (the bigger the better) for everyday use or with a long black denim skirt and platform sandals for the evening. For everything else, check out the edit below.
It’s giving preppy chic
With films like Clueless and The Craft setting the benchmark for preppy chic, it’s no wonder we see elements from this trend popping up season after season. From summer’s Mary Jane renaissance to pleated kilt skirts for autumn, this nod to high school Americana is everywhere right now (and we’re massively into it). So, grab your fluffy pens and opt for an ultra-soft merino cardigan (in the softest of pastel shades) to wear with light-wash jeans and platform Mary Jane sandals for a cute weekend ensemble. Looking for something more subtle? Tuck a ribbed stripe merino polo sweater into a knee-length pleated skirt and team with chunky loafers for instant office vibes.
The gift of the glam
Sitting at the very apex of 90s fashion was the glam trend. Spearheaded by the likes of Drew Barrymore and singer-songwriters such as Björk and PJ Harvey, this look took luxe fabrics such as silk and satin, and fused them with heavier textures like leather and canvas. Loving your long stain bias-cut skirt right now? Yep, that item was pulled straight from the 90s. In terms of knitwear, achieving this polished look is all about cool colour ways (think pale mint or cream) and simple shapes (such as crew neck sweaters) worn with slinky babydoll dresses and structured blazers. So chic, so cool. Shop our picks below.
For more knitwear inspo and to shop the Extra Fine Merino collection, visit Uniqlo.com
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