21 ‘90s Party Outfit Ideas
Colin Dempsey
Table of Contents
Imagine that you’ve got everything all set for your ‘90s party. The Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls are on your playlist, you’ve got cans of Mello Yello, and your projector will loop episodes of The Simpsons all night. There’s just one issue—what do you wear?
Check out our list of ‘90s party outfit ideas so that you can put together a look that’s as cool as Nirvana and as radical as the X Games. Below, we’ll explore a few different outfit options, including:
- ‘90s party outfits for ladies
- ‘90s party outfits for guys
- ‘90s theme party outfits couples
- ‘90s birthday party outfits
- ‘90s house party outfits
What Makes Up A ‘90s Party Outfit?
You’re going to need a few staples in your ‘90s theme party outfits. While your fit doesn’t have to include all of these items, they’re always a safe bet. Look for clothing like the following:
- Jeans
- Bright colors
- Brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Diesel, and Gap
- Flannel shirts
However, as you’ll see in some of our ‘90s party outfit ideas, there’s plenty of flexibility in terms of what you can wear. So whether you’re planning a ’90s-themed birthday party or house party, you’ll know exactly what to wear.
History Of The ‘90s
The ‘90s came after a decade of Reaganomics drastically affected American culture and media. As such, there was a degree of rebellion against the rampant commercialization of the 1980s as well as the lingering aftereffects of corporations bombarding people with advertisements.
The result was a decade of oversaturation, angst, and extremity. Everything was a bit less sincere and a bit more jaded than in the 1980s. The ‘90s were punctuated by their attitude, their defiance against ‘the man,’ and a search for something outside the confines of corporate America.
That’s why ‘90s fashion became both so daring and so safe. Some designers reveled in the ability to fight against trends of the ‘80s while others took a completely different route and toned down their styles. It’s how brands like Hugo Boss and Toy Machine were able to co-exist.
What Are Some Popular ‘90s Party Outfit Ideas?
Some popular ‘90s house party outfit ideas are drawn from the popular culture of the time.
This includes grunge-inspired outfits that copy the looks of Kurt Cobain, cosplaying as Cool Lisa from The Simpsons, or doing their best Alicia Silverstone from Cluess impression.
21 ‘90s Party Outfit Ideas
#1:
Here’s a ‘90s party outfit idea for ladies that’d still look good today. It obviously comes from Friends, one of the most definitive shows of the ‘90s, and Jennifer Aniston’s look captures that decade’s essence to a tee.
The best part about this outfit is that it’s easy to assemble. All you need to do is pair white sneakers with a blue blazer and denim overalls. If you can’t find the overalls then a good substitute would be a pair of jean shorts.
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Another one of the most iconic ‘90s party outfit ideas is Britney Spears’ look from her “…Baby One More Time” video. A gray cardigan, a black skirt, and pigtails make this a simple outfit that overwhelmingly exudes ‘90s energy.
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The last of our ‘90s party outfit ideas is one for couples and it amounts to dressing in the flashiest clothes you can find.
You’ll want to search for athletic wear from the 1990s—particularly jumpsuits or yoga pieces. Throw some nostalgic sneakers on and you could pass as an extra in an MTV video from that decade.
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Fashion Tips To Avoid With ‘90s Party Outfits
Here are some quick tips to avoid when putting together a ‘90s party outfit.
- Don’t include brands that are more synonymous with the ‘80s or the 2000s
- Don’t play it safe—have some fun!
- Don’t think of the ‘90s as having one distinct look; there’s plenty to draw from
Best Places to Buy ‘90s Party Outfits
In our opinion, the best place to buy ‘90s party outfits isn’t at costume stores but at thrift shops or vintage clothing stores. That’s where you’ll find clothes for the best prices that, more likely than not, are actually from the ‘90s.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the best part about assembling a ‘90s party outfit: you might just find that you begin wearing it after the party ends.
The trends of the ‘90s have made a comeback in recent years and are considered cool again. So you can use our ‘90s party outfit ideas as inspiration to add a little nostalgia to your whole wardrobe.
Looking for more outfit ideas? We’ve got you covered:
