We’re seeing platforms more than ever (hello, Prada and Tibi). From the Spice Girls to runway shows and beyond, they were one of the shoe trends that defined the ’90s. An iconic moment in fashion history is when supermodel Naomi Campbell walked a ’93 Vivienne Westwood show and fell—she was wearing a pair of 8.26 platform heels. So yeah, essentially stilts! Nevertheless, she laughed it off, got back up, and is still killing the game. Platforms, in all their various styles, build character, I’d say.
Platforms
Michael Kors Crosby Leather Platform Moto Boot
A moto boot as cool as this belongs in your wardrobe.
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Platforms
Steve Madden Nabella Mary Jane Pump
These Mary-Jane pumps are mature, but still so fun.
Faux Fur Coats
Valentina Frugiuele//Getty Images
Fun fact: Actual fur coats weren’t a trend in the 1990s primarily because it was the age of anti-fur activism. The better alternative? Faux fur coats. Bonus points for a colorful one (who remembers all those fab music videos on MTV and BET?)!
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Faux Fur Coat
Mango Fur-Effect Jacket with Lapels
Dahhling, you absolutely need to show up and show out in this short coat.
Faux Fur Coat
Apparis Women’s Steffi Faux Fur Coat
Imagine being a celeb in the ’90s…yeah, you’d def wear this showstopping pick.
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Graphic Tees
Raimonda Kulikauskiene//Getty Images
Graphic tees are everywhere and TBH, they’ll always be in style. They are even cuter when they have that cropped ’90s vibe. If you really want to channel the times, however, head to the thrift store for some fun digging! It’ll be easy to find something that fits this aesthetic, I’m sure.
Graphic Tees
HONOR THE GIFT A Lot of Soul Ringer Graphic T-Shirt in Cream
Oh ya know, just making a statement.
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Graphic Tees
Abercrombie Oversized Budweiser Graphic Tee
Cardigans
Arnold Jerocki//Getty Images
Fashion seems to have an on-again, off-again relationship with the cardigan. But in the ’90s, there was nothing like an easy cardi to throw over your shoulders in case your spaghetti straps or slip dress got a little chilly.
Fast forward to now, and celebs are wearing ’em cropped or slightly unbuttoned. Pair them with light-wash jeans and ballet flats like model Taylor Hill at Cannes for a cute look.
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Cardigans
Good American Virgo Rib Zip Cardigan
Signed, sealed zipped, delivered. I’m yours.
Cardigans
H&M Loose-Fit Cardigan
Buttoning just a few will do.
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Sheer Dresses
Taylor Hill//Getty Images
Remember Kate Moss’s iconic sheer dress from 1993? It’ll definitely go down in fashion history—but it’s not retiring anytime soon.
Get excited, because 2024’s take on the trend is just as epic, like this Loewe number on Greta Lee at the most recent Met Gala. But don’t be intimidated. There are plenty of everyday, wearable options out there.
Sheer Dresses
Aritzia Madera Dress
Sheer dresses can be worn in the wintertime, too.
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Sheer Dresses
Bella Venice The Lacy Dress
Bella Venice has tons of see-through and cute options, but I’m partial to this black lace number.
Knee Socks
Jade Tillman Belmes//Getty Images
Those ’90s school-girl knee socks were another look made famous by Cher in Clueless. Now brands like Sandy Liang have made them their own.
Channeling your old school uniform has never been more in, and these socks look chic with anything from ballet flats to loafers to heels.
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Knee Socks
Sandy Liang Recital Socks in Black
Knee Socks
NORDSTROM 3-Pack Sheer Knee Highs
These sheer ones would look jaw-dropping with some stilettos.
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Chokers
Peter White//Getty Images
If you didn’t have the chance to explore your inner punk during the ’90s, get excited because chunky leather and chain chokers have made a triumphant return in recent years—take, for example, Paco Rabanne’s spring/summer 2023 collection.
You can go bold or keep things simple and sleek with a choker. Either way, rest assured these babies add some edge to any ensemble.
Chokers
Jenny Bird Penelope Choker in Metallic Gold.
A gold choker will make your date night look so edgy and chic.
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she’s also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn.
I’m Cosmopolitan’s Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.