One thing about fashion is, trends will always be repeated. Everything you loved from the ’90s are officially back; From crop tops to animal print dresses, even color blocking! It’s no doubt that this decade revolutionized the fashion industry. Honestly, wear what you please and style it to suit your individuality, because newsflash; Everything has been worn before.
Fashion trends are so hybrid and unexpected that you almost don’t need to keep up. Trendy pieces are our everyday items. Isn’t it glamourous that lip glosses are stealing the show now? I used to wonder and wonder what lip color would compliment my eyelids; Do I use purple? Maybe make it Ombre? Go with red? burgundy? I’m sad to recount that green lips happened one very, real earth day, yep! I promise I wasn’t an alien on Mars. It really happened.
Thank God for evolution. Makeup is so dewy and fresh these days, we can all pretend to never have been in that phase where we slapped on a finger of cerulean blue shadow on our eyelids to match the blue leggings under our mini skirts. What a time.
The ’90s and early ’00s were not totally incorrigible. In fact, many essential fashion items today were birthed from that beautiful era. These pieces I am about to dive into were once ultra modern and super chic. After a while (or a season), they were considered distasteful only for them to return with even more glamour.
1) The Return Of Crop Tops
Fashion from the ’90s is incomplete without crop tops. Crop tops absolutely fire up that chic look. You know, showing a little belly just above slightly baggy jeans or super short shorts. Crop tops are back and we have never been happier to see midriffs.
2) The Return Of Flared Jeans
This is my favorite look because its just so stylish and comfortable at the same time. I don’t know whether to thank Rihanna, Lady Gaga or Ciara for rocking loose and oversized clothing so well and inspiring my hobo but stylish fits, but yes, thank you! I’m a comfortable dresser so this is really on brand for me. Wide-legged jeans are everywhere now, but if someone wore bootcut jeans or pants in 2010? Let’s just say it would have been a fashion faux pas.
Read: The Science of Picking Jeans, How To Buy The Perfect Pair
Well, Surprise! They are back, you can totally sweep the whole of Lagos with your hem now.
3) The Return Of Shoulder Bags
You know the vibes! Shoulder bags are so cute and sassy. Shoulder or baguette bags give me Barbie and old Nollywood vibes – I know you see it too. You literally cannot point me to any young woman in Lagos who doesn’t own a shoulder bag, it’s everywhere. They are like flip phones for me; cute and petite but still gets the job done (well, sometimes. Those days when I’m carrying the whole world inside my purse, I may opt for a bigger bag). If you don’t own a shoulder bag, what is it you carry with you when you’re going out with your girls, or out for a party, or just.. anywhere?
4) The Return Of Corset Tops
Corset or bustier tops and dresses are in! Interestingly, they were out not too long ago. The milk-maid/Victorian bustier style accentuates the waist, giving the female bodice an amazing aesthetic. Pair a white shirt with a corset for a retro, yet modern look. Love how Kim Kardashian pairs her corset with black pants.
5) The Return Of The Mules
A fashion item from the 90s I adore. This is what excites me about fashion, the comeback! Back in the day, my mom used to wear mules all the time. When I was a lot younger, I never understood why anyone would want to go out with shoes that look unfinished but look at me now, the Mule Queen. Mules do a pretty good job of turning an outfit from 1-10 real quick. This easy-pretty-classy-comfortable fashion item has made a comeback that we are all grateful for.
6) The Return Of Animal Print
The perfect ’90s throwback! Animal prints are all the rage now. Snake print is my poison, it’s just so classy and rakish. I love the tortoise shell print too, then there’s the more common leopard and cheetah prints that compliment dark skin so well. I love animal print on silk shirts, slip dresses and trousers.
There are definitely more fashion items from the ’90s that have made a comeback, however these are my favorites. Also, I hope through this article you were able to get some style inspiration for next time you want to go on a date, or for brunch with the girls. Don’t say 21 never did anything for you!
