Not only did the 90’s create timeless and fashionable looks throughout the decade, it was also a time of amazing
movies. Below I have chosen 9 90’s movies, some of them being my own personal favorites, that all have iconic
pieces of fashion, and characters with styles still loved to this day.
Plus, I included some pieces you can buy to create similar looks!
1.) Pulp Fiction (1994)
Uma Thurman’s starring character of Pulp Fiction, Mia Wallace, can easily be recognized just by the sight of her short, jet – black, bob, but it isn’t just her hair that completes her looks, but also her impeccable style.
Her looks most closely resemble a 90’s minimalistic style, which you can read more about here. Taking typical menswear clothing such as suits and tailored buttons up, giving her character a powerful persona. Her outfits are clean cut, and simple while still staying stylish and creating some of the most memorable looks from the film.
2.) Doom Generation (1995)
Greg Araki’s cut classic Doom Generation is filled with punk rock, vintage 90’s clothing.
Amy Blue is commonly seen in short dresses and small cat eye sunglasses; a
style of glasses that grew popular in the 50’s. Her style is inspired by “girls who would hang out with punk rock bands.”
For further information on the clothes in the film, you can watch this amazing video on it:
3.) Clueless (1995)
We couldn’t talk about 90’s movies without mentioning two of the biggest on – screen fashion icons: Cher
Horowitz and Dionne Davenport!
For the movie as a whole, fashion and style play a big part in the plot, as a central part is when Cher decides to give new – girl Tai Fraiser a makeover.
Cher’s holds her fashion and style on a very high pedestal, so it is no surprise her looks deliver time and time again.
She loves her layers, and we see examples of it in not just these two outfits, but throughout the movie. Compared to some of the other teens in the film, her style is more sophisticated and put together, as
she tries to play the “perfect schoolgirl” type.
As for her best friend Dionne, she can typically be found in brighter, more colorful clothing, a contrast to Cher’s
lighter color palette. The designers for the film did an excellent job at giving the girls two unique styles, but still
creating looks that pair well next to each other. The best example is their iconic plaid school outfits, which have
since become widely popular Halloween costumes. Wore by people such as Kim K and her daughter.
Alicia Silverstone in Clueless (1995) pic.twitter.com/z7m9CyyXga
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) March 17, 2024
4.) Kids (1995)
Kids (1995), A movie where you don’t typically think first of the clothes and fashion, you may think of Jenny and her heartbreaking story, or Casper and Telly skateboarding through the streets of New York City. But the clothes play a bigger role in telling the story than some may think.
At times, the film almost feels like a documentary on the kids’ lives, and rightfully so. The costumes feel as if they came straight from their own wardrobes, and you could imagine seeing them as everyday people even now.
The boys are typically seen in baggy oversized clothes that seem a few sizes
too big for them. Graphic, solid colored shirts are worn by guys and girls
alike.
(Places like Urban Outfitters and H&M are
popular places if you’re looking for baggy
jeans such as the ones in this movie. )
5.) The Craft (1996)
Whether they’re attending a normal day of
school, or casting spells in the woods, the
four girls; Nancy Downs, Sarah Bailey,
Bonnie, and Rochelle are some of the most
fashionable witches of the 90’s.
They turn everyday school uniforms, and
make it their own. Adding accessories such
as long, dangly necklaces, chokers, and big
earrings, creating a witchy vibe throughout
their style.
(Etsy is a good place to shop for jewelry like this.)
6.) Scream (1996)
The 90’s horror movie franchise continues to have new movies up to their most recent one in 2023, and continues to create memorable looks throughout all the films.
One of the most memorable comes from Drew Barrymore’s opening look; an outfit, so simple viewers watching could easily empathize with her, as they wanted to portray her as any everyday girl waiting for her boyfriend to come over.
The cream-colored sweater was specifically chosen, so the blood on the sweater would have an even more
vibrant effect. Along with Ghostface, this has become an iconic Scream outfit, and a popular halloween
costume.
Scream (1996) dir. Wes Craven pic.twitter.com/NuT0J2yRym
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) July 1, 2024
7.) Swingers (1996)
Unlike the others, Swingers is not
particularly known for it’s great
fashion, in fact many people have
criticized the outfits in the film.
The men are commonly seen in
outfits that when picked apart
almost seem comical, but were
accurate for the time. They wear clothes such as bowling shirts and fedoras that all gained popularity in the
1900’s.
8.) Practical Magic (1998)
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock starred in the 1998 movie Practical Magic, as sister witches. The fashion in the film is simple, and to a normal onlooker it might be hard to tell they are witches at first glance, as their clothes don’t fit the usual stereotype.
Sandra’s character, Sally dresses in more laid back clothing, an attempt to seem as “normal” as possible. She is usually seen wearing jeans, tank tops, and cardigans. While her sister Gillian, takes a more of a hippie approach. Taking inspiration from Stevie Nicks and wearing more vintage clothing. Slip dresses, a popular style for the 90’s are a staple part of her wardrobe.
Practical Magic (1998) pic.twitter.com/HkOTkHJOpj
— 𝓢𝓱𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓵𝔂𝓷𝓷 🥀 (@Sherylynn_R2) July 15, 2024
9.) 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
The hit rom – com inspired by William Shakespeare’s novel The Taming of the Shrew, features everyone’s
favorite polar opposite 90’s sisters: Kat and Bianca Stratford.
Similar to Dionne and Cher in Clueless, the girls have their own styles, like their very contrasting personalities,
but their outfits never clash. A reminder that no matter how different they may view the world, they still are
sisters.
Kat’s style reflects her more down to earth, strong – willed personality. She can commonly be found in long pants, cropped shirts, and jackets she pairs with them.
Bianca’s style is more pure, with colors like pink and blue commonly found in her wardrobe. Many of her outfits seem reminiscent of popular clothes nowadays such as Brandy Melville and Betsey Johnson. Floral prints, knee length skirts/dresses, and hair done up are staple parts to her looks.
10 things i hate about you (1999) pic.twitter.com/eaZpfhMIwJ
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) July 1, 2024
Both sisters opt for styles that could still be seen as very modern, and worn by anyone nowadays.
