Once upon a time, specifically during a little decade called the 90s, we used to appreciate the simpler things in life.
We didn't have smartphones, and, in fact, owning a cell phone at all (especially in the first part of the decade) was sort of a big deal and/or meant you were Zack Morris.
Free time was mostly spent catching Fresh Prince of Bel Air episodes and analyzing the tortured lyrics of Lisa Loeb's "Stay."
Oh, and being on the cutting-edge of fashion, which in those days meant frequenting Contempo Casuals, American Eagle, Wet Seal, and Structure like they were going out of style.
Speaking of going out of style, a lot of these duds, well, didn't. At least not forever.
You heard us. Hopefully you didn't retire too many of those sought-after ensembles because more than just a few of these 90s trends have circled back in a major, MAJOR way.
Before you say, "As if!" (even though we very much appreciate that appropriate throwback lingo), check out our top 10 hist list to prove that these totally bitchin' 90s trends are still all that... And a bag of chips.
Booyah!*
*For the record, the aforementioned 90s expressions haven't also officially come back, but it's still pretty fun to use them. We could probably make it happen.*
1. Birkenstocks
harrigolightly #birkenstocks #sandals #feet #tiles #portugal #lisboa thanks for my pedicure @amankertz #nochips
One of the latest, and might we add, more shocking, trends to come back: Birks!
Who would have thought these Jesus sandals we kept glued to our feet until they were so worn down / smelly our parents tossed them while we were asleep would be considered fashionable in 2015?
Well, it's true. They're now considered very chic. Celebrities are rocking them, you guys.
[anad]
And guess what New Yorkers? This is actually a great thing because, yes, they really are as comfortable as you remember.
Fashionable + being able to walk for miles and miles in them = Every New Yorker's dream.
2. Overalls
fashionfinds74 Who's into overalls? Can't wait to wear mine this fall #overalls #dungaroos #fashion #instafashion
Holy cow, these were cool back in the day! Extra cool points if you pulled off the one-strap look (shout out to 90s Will Smith!)
These days, they haven't lost a step. You can find dungarees / dungaroos at some of the most trendy shop windows in the city and worn by countless fashion icons.
And not just the classic long denim version. We're talking shorts-version, boyfriend jean / frayed versions and even different colors paired with everything from white tank tops to a blazer.
3. Jellies
Peanut butter jelly time! Okay, so not really because that little ditty didn't come out until the early 2000s, but it still kind of works.
Jellies, of the shoe variety that is, were extremely popular in the 80s and 90s on both children and adults alike. These days, adults have taken the helm and continue to spot sparkly, often translucent rubber on their feet in the name of fashion.
4. Keds
If Honda made shoes, it would probably be Keds because that's how flipping reliable these kicks are. Seriously, what other piece of footwear has standed the test of time like these guys?
We're pretty sure we had our first pair of Keds when we were still in our single digits. Yes, we're talking the 7 to 8 year old mark.
[anad2]
And here we are, an undisclosed amount of years later and we still own and regularly wear these things.
What's more, we love them, and they look damn sharp with literally anything.
5. Mom jeans
mattiepdesigns Bc #90s vibes are always #awesome ✌️ Jesse #top in blue #stripes (also available in vintage red) #Fall2015
Did you see Kendall Jenner rocking a pair of high-waisted Mom jeans, with even a very 90s looking belly to match? If you didn't, here's a spoiler alert for you: she looked hot.
So much so, we almost guarantee girls (and even guys!) everywhere were hitting thrift stores to snag a vintage pair of Lee jeans STAT.
,6. Denim on denim (AKA "The Canadian Tuxedo")
stylemaxx_me Denimstyle🌸 #fashion#fashionablecrew#fashionblogger#fashioninspiration#bloggers#blogging#inspiration#blonde#beauty#denimstyle#denim#skirt#ootd#ootdshare#stylemaxxme#inspired#styleinspo#stylemag#stylish#style#trendyfashion#trendsetter#trendy#igers#handbag#hairstyle#streetstyle#instalike
Not to be confused with the denim abomination Justin and Britney tag-teamed on the red carpet circa 2001 (but that was truly epic).
We're referring more to the classier denim on denim that has essentially taken over the fashion world as of late.
Think everything from jean skirts and denim jackets (both, might we add, super 90s items) paired with something else equally as denim, likely in a slightly different shade.
[anad]
In fact, the Canadian Tuxedo as a whole may be considered one of the more stylish casual looks of present day -- and we have Britney and Justin to thank.
No we don't.
7. Plaid flannels
beautiful__dead Party was fun as fuck tonight. #party#streetparty#parkinglotparty#rowdy#fun#nightlife#music#dancing#whipnaenae#applebottomjeans#shots#scene#darkhair#brighteyes#stressed#depressed#singlelife#rebel#rebellious#dark#vans#flannal#rocknroll
Remember when you wanted to wear everything the entire cast of My So Called Life wore? Rayanne, Angela... Jordan Catalano! Those peeps knew how to rock some seriously awesome 90s grunge looks, including their absolute favorite: the unbuttoned, over-sized, or tied around the waste plaid flannel.
Well, feel free to channel them once again (that is if you ever stopped), and this time you don't have to ask your parents to drive you to Abercrombie & Fitch.
Those same flannels are pretty much everywhere as the look is so popular, these shirts originally designed for, um, keeping warm, are even worn in places you really never need to own a flannel. Ever. Fashion comes first, right?
8. Chokers
We can thank singers who double as fashion icons (looking at you, Rhianna) for bringing one of this very 90s trend back.
These days, you can see even see chokers grazing the very skinny necks on the catwalk. Yep, models are sporting gold and pearl versions of these necklaces that make it look like you're wearing some sort of collar.
The price point may have gone up from the what you may have been used to from Claire's Accessories, Delia's, and Limited Too (RIP).
9. Crop tops
madita_wu95 Let that shit burn I'mma let that shit burn let that shit burn The roof on fire I'm only gettin' higher 🔥 #meekmill #reebok #blackjeans #whiteshoes #twins #croptop #bauchfrei #burn #letthatshitburn #illuminati #wegedreieckundso #dreieckeüberall
Did you ever have a two-piece prom dress? Maybe your older sister, hip aunt, or even your mom did? Hopefully one of you kept it, because this is maybe the most fashion forward outfit in the game right now.
[anad2]
Jessica Alba recently walked the red carpet in this extremely trendsetting ensemble, and for Pete's sake...
PEOPLE ARE WEARING CROP TOP DRESSES TO WEDDINGS NOW. Weddings, you guys. That takes the cake. Literally.
10. Leather biker jackets
panedge #mensgear #menstyle #menswear #mensstyle #menwithstreetstyle #menwithstyle #ootd #ootm #dnesnosim #bikerjacket #denim#streetstyle #streetfashion #styleiswhat #fashionmen #fashionable #fashionista #mystyle #instastyle #menstreetstyle#rolex#ootdmen#fashionmen #mensfashionpost #mensfashion
Let's face it: these have been cool since Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp used to don them at movie premiers, and even when A.C. Slater threw one on to to preserve his tough guy image. They're synonymous with "Mess With Me, You Get Messed With."
Ok, maybe not, but they still always look cool.
And the clothing industry most certainly agrees given the original biker jackets have evolved into some of the chicest and most fashionable signature items a closet can hold, with high-end labels including Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Vince and Chanel making their own unique versions of leather outerwear.
So, if you were lucky enough to steal one from your dad, you could probably sitting on some major bucks now. Hold onto it. Style has no price. Unless, it's like, a lot of money.
Check out 9 Things You Can Do to Reminisce About the Good Ol' Days in NYC.
[via Loop Clothing]