Five 90s Styles You Can Bring Back

Some of the style choices of the past are questionable, like pants so wide you could fit a small child in each leg. These fashion failures should never be recreated, but there are some styles from the nineties that you can bring back with a little bit of modernization.

Here are five nineties fashions to try.

1 – Mood Rings

At one point we all had mood rings. Whether or not they worked, they were a staple in our accessory arsenal. The good news is you can bust them out of their jewelry box prison, or pick one up online.

The basic premise of a mood ring is that it changes colour according to your mood, but that’s not the important part of bringing them back into style. Chunky jewelry is a great way to dress up a casual outfit without creating a diamonds-on-Sunday-morning vibe.

A mood ring can also give your neutral outfit a pop of colour. Most mood rings are an oval shape so you get to see a lot of the colour.

2 – Bleached blonde hair

Given the variety of hair colour available its not surprising that bleach blonde is making a comeback. Plus, the science behind hair colour is drastically different than it was in the nineties, so dying your hair much safer than it used to be.

If you want to try platinum locks, head to a stylist. A professional will be able to give you an even white or silver tone. Once you’ve gone blonde, the upkeep is important. Managing bright blonde requires toning, conditioning, and regular touch ups to avoid getting grown-out roots.

3 – Over-sized striped sweaters

This trend has started to find its way into modern style, but with a bit of a twist. Loose knitted pullovers were essential in the nineties, and we’re going to leave that part of this trend in the past. To work an over-sized striped sweater, choose one that is open in the front.

A pullover that is too big will make you look disproportionate by making your top half look much larger than your lower half. This effect is amplified for women with large chests. The open front creates a vertical line for the eye to follow, which is visually more slender than a wide knit.

Look for either pinstripes or wide stripes. Since pinstripes are so subtle, they are great for mixing with other patterns. Wider stripes are a statement on their own, and pair nicely with solids.

4 – T-shirts and blazers

We have teen comedies to thank for this one. Just about every nineties heartthrob wore a jumbo-sized suit with a black T-shirt tucked in. Fortunately, bringing this style back doesn’t come with so much extra fabric.

Choose a solid T-shirt that has a V-neck. The solid colour will let you pair it with any blazer and the V-neck is an adult version of the crewneck. Make sure your shirt doesn’t have giant logos all over it. This pairing can work for business casual, but not if you’re advertising for all sorts of brands.

The blazer should be fitted, but not tight. To get the right fit, you’ll probably need to get it tailored. Look for a piece that lands at your hips – a blazer that is too long or too big is reminiscent of the eighties.

5 – Hoop earrings

Hoop earrings were once all the rage for girls’ night out. As long as you don’t overdo it on the size, hoops are totally acceptable accessories.

Look for hoops that are fairly thin, and stick to basic designs. Anything thick will be too heavy to wear for a whole day or night. Also, look for a butterfly back. This is the same sort of back that a stud has. Many hoops have the little lever that opens, and swings back over the end of the post. If you work in an environment where you talk on the phone, this kind of back will hurt after one call.

Campus Style That Stands Out

Sometime over the last few years, university-goers have developed a dress code. We’ve all seen it – leggings, plaid shirts, Ugg boots, and oversized scarves. While we love all of these things, we don’t love being identical to several hundred other people.

Paying attention to your campus style can easily fall to the bottom of your priority list, especially when you are overloaded by classes, exams, studying, working, and maintaining your social life. Being stylish on campus doesn't have to take a lot of effort - a few key pieces can spice up your wardrobe and make you stand out from the crowd (in a good way).

Here’s everything you need to know to stand out on campus.

Get a pair of jeans that fit like a dream.

Denim Skinny Jean, $46

When you spend all day in class, comfort is a necessity. This is why leggings are so comfortable. Like leggings, jeans that fit properly are super comfy, and go with everything. Jeans also tend to be more durable, and can be worn all year round. 

Jeans that have a high amount of stretch are comfortable enough to last all day without becoming a baggy sack by mid-afternoon. Dark denim is versatile enough to take you from class to post-exam drinks, whereas light washes are much more casual.

Opt for a mid-rise instead of something super low cut to prevent having to pull them up every ten minutes. A skinny or boot cut leg can be paired with flats, runners, or tucked into boots without extra fabric sticking out.

Try a different kind of boot.

As a Canadian, I understand the need for practical footwear in the winter. However, Ugg boots are not the only option. They do, however, make the perfect commuter shoe. If you want to keep your toes dry and warm during the winter, Uggs are a great option. Once you get to campus though, consider switching them out for a different shoe. 

Try a faux-leather boot lined with fleece. The lining makes them just as warm as Uggs, plus there are a ton more options for styles. For an added bonus, they’re water resistant. Boots that reach mid-calf will keep the snow out while looking fabulous. Knee-high versions will keep your legs toasty, but may be too warm for a whole day inside.

Before the snow flies, go for an ankle boot. This cute alternative to a mid-calf boot will keep your toes warm without extra bulk. These boots also pair perfectly with skinny jeans to give you a put-together style without looking like you spent an hour choosing an outfit.

Swap your top.

When everyone wears a version of the same shirt, we all start look like clones.

Faux Suede Cardigan, $41

Sure, plaid flannel is trendy right now - it's cute, casual, and appropriate for daytime.

Start your own trend with a long-sleeve blouse, tanks layered under a loose cardigan or a thin-knit sweater. Don’t worry – your favourite scarf will still go with all of these.

Cardigans that are open with a draped front are flattering for larger busts, and allow you to wear tanks or t-shirts underneath. A solid cardigan can be paired with patterned shirts and vice versa.

Have an idea for campus chic clothing? Share with us in the comments.