Spark

As far as we’re concerned, the ‘90s never really went away. We haven't stopped listening to The Spice Girls, Weezer, or Nirvana (we’re well rounded!) and still think Friends is the greatest show ever. The nostalgia is too real, and the rest of the world seems to agree. To our delight, grungy-cool accessories and pre-millennial trends have been popping up everywhere we look, giving us the chance to do it all over again – with a modern twist. So whether you’re a true ’90s kid, or just wish you were, we’ve put together three looks that will make you want to party like it’s 1999 all over again.

Inspiration: Clueless
Let's just take a moment to reminisce about the amazingness that is Clueless. How great are the outfits in that movie?! Amid the bright colours and fluffy pink pens, one of our fave fashion takeaways was the classic two-piece outfit. It screams feminine, and is the perfect way to look fancy and flawlessly pulled together, but not overdressed. We modernized the look by choosing a chic houndstooth skirt – this has the same ladylike feel, without being too matchy-matchy – and sticking to a minimal, understated palette. (Sorry, Cher, but only you could pull off that yellow plaid!) Maroon flats and a cross-body purse are ideal Gen Y accessories. And if you need any more convincing, we saw Gigi Hadid wearing a similar getup at Karl Lagerfeld’s New York cruise this spring. As if!

Inspiration: My So-Called Life
Plaid – the ‘90s’ favourite pattern – is everywhere this season, and this dress really pays homage to Claire Danes’ classic style in the TV series, My So-Called Life. The relaxed fit, the empire waist, the mid-thigh length... this one could have come straight out of Angela Chase’s closet, and into ours. The skater dress is girly and a bit grungy, but what worked in the ‘90s still works today: adding a denim jacket and chunky Timberland boots (this generation’s Doc Martens?) adds structure and balance, toning down the angst and amping up the cool-girl vibes. Try pairing elastic chokers with a longer necklace for a fresh spin on accessories layering.

Inspiration: Grunge
The ‘90s had more than one style movement, and for every Britney fan in a schoolgirl skirt, there was a grunge girl with Pearl Jam blasting on her Discman. This outfit is a play on the quintessential crop-top-and-jeans look that owned the ‘90s. In this updated version, the midriff-revealing top is a little more structured, with a unique wrap-over front, and the jeans a little higher-waisted. We covered up with a leather jacket and the ubiquitous flannel button-up around the waist. Grunge is all about not conforming, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the outfit. We chose a pair of white Converse, round sunglasses, and a vampy lip for edgy finishing touches.

Are you into the re-emerging ‘90s trends? How do you add it to your look? Let us know in the comments!

Did something catch your eye? Visit these St. Vital Centre retailers to shop the looks (check stores for availability):

Look #1: Clueless
White cropped sweater: Hudson's Bay (Design Lab), $48
Houndstooth skirt: RW&CO, $69.90
Burgundy flats: Aldo, $65
Purse: Call it Spring, $34.99
Stockings: Hudson's Bay, $9.50

Look #2: My So-Called Life
Plaid dress: Boathouse (Rebel Rouge), $44
Denim jacket: American Eagle Outfitters, $59.95
Brown boots: Browns Shoes (Timberlands), $170
Chokers: Call it Spring, $9.99 (2 pack)
Black leather bag: Bench, $69
Socks: Boathouse, $8

Look #3: Grunge
White crop top: Garage, $16.95
Red plaid top: American Eagle Outfitters, $39.95
Distressed jeans: Garage, $54.95
Leather jacket: Danier, $299
White sneakers: Browns Shoes (Converse), $65
Sunglasses: Boathouse, $20