High school fashion was characterized by the decade that was the 90s. From grunge to hip-hop this was the period of free declaration and personalism of style which is currently reappearing. When you were growing up, you might have recalled how such a trend affected our dressing, behavior and the way we interacted and expressed ourselves. In this article, we are going deep into the High School 90s Fashion Trends that defined the generation and still influence contemporary outfits even today.
The Grunge Appeal: The Style of the Casual, Carefree Dress.
Grunge was one of the most popular fashion trends in high school in the 90s. Following the fashion scene of Seattle, the grunge fashion consisted of a rebellious, disheveled appearance, which best suited the mood of the angst of the time. Flannel shirts, oversized sweaters, ripped jeans and combat boots became the new high school fashion in order to defy the mainstream. This was the most well-known trend of Nirvana with Kurt Cobain, who wore this casual, scruffy appearance in his normal life.
The grunge culture also enabled the teenagers to show some form of rebellion in fashion by preferring comfort and individuality to the norms of high fashion. The grunge was so beautiful in its simplicity, with all pieces that appeared to have been thrown in, yet were definitely trendy. The style was probably casual, but it was also very carefully thought out, as the overlaying garments made the whole outfit imbue a cool atmosphere that so many teenagers used to embrace in the 90s.
Hip-Hop and Streetwear: The Logo Mania.
It is also during the 90s that the hip-hop culture rose to the forefront and along with it the popularity of streetwear and logo-based clothing. FUBU, Tommy Hilfiger (and Polo Ralph Lauren) were the names that became reminiscent of the high school 90s fashion trends. The fashion of taking on baggy jeans, oversized jackets and sneakers was the main staple of this trend and the larger the logo the better.
The impact that 90s hip-hop fashion had on the high school style was enormous and students around the nation were imitating the style. The music stars such as Tupac and Biggie Smalls shaped not only the clothing of people but their mode of dressing as well. This trend in fashion was bold enough to inspire high schoolers to live their lives in comfort and have individuality in their own right, as they hold their favorite brands and musicians dearly.
Denim: Forever a Staple
The 90s fashion high school cannot be discussed fully without reference to denim. Throughout the 90s, denim jackets, jeans and shorts were pervasive in high-waisted jeans. Be it a baggy pair, a pair of jeans that are frayed, or the perfectly fitting pair of Levi jeans, denim became a necessity in the wardrobe of a high school student.
The number of denim trends that reached iconic status during the 90s was the double-denim look. Denim jackets in combination with denim jeans or skirts were a daring step that was boasted by many high schoolers. This appearance, although controversial to some extent at that time, has since become a staple of the 90s fashion nostalgia. Being a light wash or a black denim, denim has been an all-time classic that characterized the decade and will still be one of the materials that many people rely on today.
Crop Tops and Belly Shirts: The Birth of the Midriff.
The fashions of the 90s in high school were also characterized by a little showing of skin. Crop tops and belly shirts were in every corner especially during the summer season. These shirts were worn with high waist jeans or skirts and concentrated on the midriff and became a standard of the 90s it-girl look.
The celebrity personalities who contributed to the trend are Britney Spears and the Spice Girls who made crop tops a major part of their dressing. High school girls found it easy to adopt the relaxed, fun attitude of this trend and put on the playful and sophomore look that legally displayed a little more than what was previously thought to be acceptable in previous decades.
The Influence of TV Shows: From “Friends” to “90210”
The television also contributed immensely to the high school 90s fashion trends. The television hits that were popular such as Friends and Beverly Hills 90210, were the bible of fashion in the past generation. The characters in these programs were used to wear outfits that teenagers in the country would desire to copy.
The Rachel Green of Friends became a fashion model of the 90s with her trendy dressing that was not excessively expensive. The teens all over the world imitated her multi-layered attire, plaid skirts and fashionable accessories. In the meantime, the perfect California dressing style of polo shirts, cardigans and khakis was donned by Brandon and Brenda Walsh of 90210. In these shows, the teenagers were influenced in the manner in which they perceived fashion and the TV characters were their role models as pertained to fashion.
Sneakers: Not Only Shoes.
The sneakers were a fashion statement in the 90s, not only in sports. The sneaker culture and the emergence of brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok saw sneakers being placed as a critical component of the high school 90s fashion. From Air Jordans to the popular Adidas Superstars, the shoes were a means for teenagers to express themselves.
The sneaker boom accompanied the developing trend of the hip-hop style whereby the high-end sneakers were an essential asset and were likely to be worn to distinguish oneself in the crowd. Sneakers became an essential thing among high school students and taking the newest and the most exclusive shoe model became a symbol among a lot of people. Sneaker culture will still be felt to this day, as sneakerheads are still ruling the fashion industry.
Windbreakers and Track Suits: Athleisure Before It Was Cool.
Windbreakers and track suits were another trend that was popular in high school fashion in the 90s. Nike, Adidas, and Reebok have helped companies such as these brands make their athletic clothes fashionable and affordable to everyone. A popular outer garment among high schoolers was windbreakers in bright colors and geometrical patterns that helped teenagers be active and at the same time look good.
With a cool and easy appearance, track suits were worn with sneakers which were mostly made of nylon or polyester. The trend of athleisure that incorporates athletic items with casual style was introduced in the 90s and gave way to the current addiction to sporty-chic style. The trend was essentially comfortable and practical yet still fashionable, which made it the ideal choice for the active high school lifestyle.
Chokers, Bandanas, and Other Accessories.
The accessories cannot be mentioned as a high school 90s fashion trend. High school girls needed chokers, which were commonly worn with virtually every single outfit. Chokers became the 90s look whether made of velvet, leather or plastic. Another popular accessory was bandanas which were frequently tied around the head or the wrist and this gave an outfit a bit of edge.
These accessories were used to finalize the appearance and enable high schoolers to make their outfits more personal. Accessories in the 90s, whether it was the simplicity of chokers or the outrage of bandanas, were a key element in the uniqueness of an outfit.
The Return of High School 90s Fashion Trends
However, the 90s fashion trends of high school are in full swing today. The so-called old stuff is now a cool, retro style of movement that has come back into popularity. Such styles are quite appealing to the current generation of young people due to their comfort, personality, and daringness. Brands are re-releasing the iconic 90s pieces and even celebrities have the retro look.
The old is newly re-emerging and the trends of fashion inspired in the 90s are still going strong and keep inspiring both designers and other influencers. It could be the grunge or the hip-hop street attire or the all-time favorite denim, the 90s style will never go out.
FAQ’s
What were the most trendy 90s attire styles in high school?
The trends of high school fashion of the 90s were grunge fashion (such as flannel shirts, street style, and denim jackets), crop tops, and athletic fashion (such as windbreakers and track suits).
What is the reason behind the re-emergence of 90s fashion trends?
The fashion trends of the 90s are coming back to life due to the effect of nostalgia and the desire to have the comfort and uniqueness that these fashions can bring. Also, fashion designers and influencers are taking on the daring styles that characterized the decade.
Which shoes were fashionable in high school in the 90s?
Sneakers such as Nike Air Jordans, Adidas Superstars and Reebok Pumps were a huge fashion accessory in high school in the 90s, and they would be used in outfits as a statement piece.
What did TV shows do to high school fashion in the 90s?
High school fashion was significantly influenced by such shows as Friends and 90210. The characters of these shows established fads of which teenagers nationwide wanted to be copycats such as the layered looks of Rachel Green and the preppy-influenced attire of the Walsh twins.
What were the trendy accessories of the 90s?
The 90s fashion included chokers, bandanas and oversized sunglasses as some of the most desirable accessories. They were the products that put the 90s into perspective and the boys as well as the girls wore them in their attire.
Conclusion
The High School 90s Fashion Trends were a colorful blend of fashions that varied between the grunge, hip-hop, and the preppy chic. These tendencies gave teenagers a chance to demonstrate their individuality and creativity through the way they dress. It is very surprising that nowadays some of those tendencies are returning to us, so we should remember how eternal the fashion of the 90s is. It could be a pair of jeans, a pair of sneakers, or a crop top. The nineties have made their mark on the wardrobe of the whole world, and it is apparent that these brand-name garments are here to remain.