The 1990s was an exciting decade that gave us trends like flannel shirts, platform sneakers, and plaid skirts, most of which have found their way back into today’s style. Well, most of these trends came from celebrities and style icons of the decade. We owe many of these trends and outfit inspos to them. Here are five women who greatly influenced 90s fashion and style.
Courtney Love: Redefining the slip dress
Before the 90s, slip dresses were regarded as delicate lingerie only suitable within one’s private space. Well, Courtney changed all that by going toward the edgy side; this bold move remains to date.
Courtney Love often styled the slip dress with baby barrettes, black fishnets, tiaras, and leopard print coats. She would also flaunt her boldness with a coat of red lipstick. This definitely made the slip dress a statement piece for public appearances, not just intimate bedroom moments.
Aaliyah: The pioneer of athleisure
We’ve all admired the amazing athleisure look of the Kardashians and other celebrities, but where did the trend of wearing sweats and heels originate from? Although it wasn’t known as athleisure then, the look came from the 90s R&B singer Aaliyah.
Aaliyah had a unique style of wearing low-slung athletic pants with Tommy Hilfiger boxers peeking out, pairing them with matching bandeau tops. At the time, it was a real innovation to wear baggy pants and crop tops, and that birthed athleisure as we know it.
Madonna: An icon of fearless fashion
Aside from her singing prowess, Madonna has always been a fashion icon. Who else had the nerve to go onstage in a wedding dress accessorized with a boy toy buckle? However, she made major waves in fashion in the 90s.
On the ‘Blonde Ambition’ tour, Madonna wore a cone bra bodysuit, which marked a defining moment in 1990s fashion. Her style of wearing underwear as outerwear encouraged women all over the world to shift towards fearless fashion.
Janet Jackson: Simply feeling good in her skin
Janet Jackson was a fashion trailblazer; her style significantly influenced other celebrities of that time, from Aaliyah to Britney Spears. By being comfortable in her skin, she created several trends that are here today.
The crop top was further popularized by Janet Jackson, who showed off her killer abs. She also made boxer braids, statement earrings, and choker necklaces famous. Janet’s fashion sense wasn’t loud; it was deep.
Winona Ryder: Elegant, but not too elegant
Winona Ryder was one of the most famous celebrities in the 90s. That’s what makes her cool girl next door look more impressive–she wasn’t the type to be held back by style expectations.
Winona Ryder always looked smart and a bit relaxed in her T-shirts, leather jackets, baggy slacks, and oversized blazers. She had this casual plus goth kind of glam, which set her apart. Her pixie cuts were also revolutionary and iconic of the time.
