There wasn't just one look that defined the'90s. “The short cropped bob, voluminous, bouncy blowouts, long hair with blunt ends and face-framing layers, sleek updos with face-framing pieces, and voluminous bombshell updos with face-framing pieces were all popular during this time period,” says Marjan.
Popular hairstyles in the 1990s included the pixie, box braids, the bob, chunky highlights, and high ponytails, among others. The blend of rebellious and laid-back was an expression of the 90s style.
Big hair was still on trend from the 1980s, but '90s styles were less about teased volume and more about natural frizz. Bouncy curls, feathered bangs, and crimped waves were all options when going for volume looks. More relaxed '90s hairstyles featured middle parts, straight hair with curled ends, and messy buns.
In the 90's we called it the 'Mushroom Cut'.
Many women wore denim button-down Western shirts, colored jeans in medium and dark green, red, and purple, metallic Spandex leggings, halterneck crop tops, drainpipe jeans, colored tights, bike shorts, black leather jackets with shoulder pads, high waisted ankle length jeans (aka mom jeans) and pants both styled plain ...
'90s fashion for teens
For girls, common styles were babydoll and denim dresses over t-shirts and leggings, fuzzy sweaters, oversized sweatshirts, and plaid shirts over acid washed or light high-waisted straight leg jeans, capri pants, or denim and patterned shorts.
While the 90s was host to a wide range of different fashions, some are more notable and distinct than others. Cargo pants, baggy clothing, flannel shirts with ripped jeans, and crop tops all take the lead for the most popular 90s styles.
Although the side ponytail started in the 1980's, it was still a favourite in the 1990's too.
The '90s blow-dry works best when the client has the right foundational haircut in place — we recommend face-framing layers, layers through the back, and a sweeping fringe. "The foundational cut definitely needs more forward graduations around the face — clients would think of it as 'feathering'.
Grunge. The grunge movement emerged in the early 90s and had a huge influence on fashion and design. It was characterized by its rebellious and non-conformist attitude, reflected in its casual, second-hand style. Flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and band tees were inspired by famous style icons like Kurt Cobain.
There wasn't just one look that defined the'90s. “The short cropped bob, voluminous, bouncy blowouts, long hair with blunt ends and face-framing layers, sleek updos with face-framing pieces, and voluminous bombshell updos with face-framing pieces were all popular during this time period,” says Marjan.
Butterfly Clip
The Butterfly clip in the '90s was just an easy way to get that long hair out of your face while you waited for your dial-up internet to load (if you don't know what that is, consider yourself lucky). Its purpose has remained the same since although some have been featured on the runway very recently.
Pigtails were one of the trendiest hairstyle go-tos during the 90s. At least, in part, because of Britney Spears and her iconic "Baby One More Time" video. We're here to tell you that pigtails are cool again! Whether in the form of ponytails or french braids, this 90s hair trend is back.
A shoulder-length chop paired with rounded, wispy, blended bangs may be a quintessential '90s cut, but the shape is timeless enough to spark inspiration in the present tense.
From Brandy's braids to Mariah's curls. There isn't just one way to do '90s-inspired hair. There were Rachel Greene's layers, Mariah Carey's curls, Winona Ryder's slicked-back bob, and Brandy's braids. Gothic micro bangs, supermodel blowouts, and tousled pixie cuts—you get the picture.
"The nineties bob is a statement cut that can be any length between a pixie cut and a bob, usually worn wide with a bend or a wave and a statement fringe," says Cobella. (Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)
Scrunchies were particularly popular in the 1980s and 1990s, including larger, more elaborate versions. Scrunchies regained popularity in the mid 2010s.
Among the most enduring trends is “The Rachel”, a 90s layered haircut, made famous by Jennifer Aniston's character, Rachel Green, on the beloved TV show “Friends.”
Slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts were all the rage during the '90s — and many of these fashion trends are working their way back into vogue (although some of these pieces may have never left your closet).
Mid 1990s fashion
By 1994, fashion took a turn to more polished form-fitting styles. Popular mid '90s looks for women included tailored skirt and pantsuits, slip dresses, hot pants, and skirts in satin, metallic, sequin, and vinyl fabrics. Animal prints and bright colors were popular carryovers from the early 1990s.