Outfits inspired by five iconic characters from 90s films

Fashion doesn’t have to be unexpected to be fun. In fact, sometimes the most exciting sets are the ones that return to the familiar while taking on new life. Fortunately, given the cyclical nature of fashion, we can count on trends to re-emerge every two decades or so. And, from slip dresses and corsets all over the runway to baggy jeans and chunky platforms dominating the streets, it’s clear the ’90s are back, baby!

There’s no better way to celebrate a ’90s revival than to draw inspiration from the iconic characters that defined the era. Although there is, and can only be, one Mia Wallace, her fashion sense has transcended time, as have the costumes of cult classics like Distraught, A pretty womanAnd Romeo and Juliet. The timeless nature of these movie looks means they can be achieved with clothes you probably already have in your closet or can pick up on a quick trip to the mall (yes, those exist always; to find out more, click here). We then visit five canonical ’90s movie outfits that look just as wearable today.

Dionne Davenport, Distraught

Best friend duo Cher Horowitz and Dionne “Dee” Davenport took first day of school dressing to new heights in coordinating plaid skirt suits. While sweet Cher glowed in canary yellow, sassy Dee exuded confidence with bold pops of red, patent leather lapels and a striking hat – a masterful balance of sophistication, playfulness and sass. From the moment Dee appears on screen, it’s obvious that she’s a fashionista force to be reckoned with, as is the woman behind the 1995 look, costume designer Mona May. With a budget of just $200,000, May knew she had to be resourceful, so she sourced pieces from thrift stores and designer catalogs; the result was a fabulous style of real clothes rather than a suit. “I’m so proud that this film has stood the test of time,” May said. The art of costume in 2020. “…Even though the outfits were 90s inspired, I had a global point of view on fashion. So the film isn’t as dated as maybe it was just trendy. The outfits are so classic.

Romy White and Michele Weinberger, Romy and Michele’s high school reunion

Sorority will never go out of style, and neither will colorful and flirty mini dresses. There’s a lot we can learn from best friends Romy White and Michele Weinberger in the zany 1997 comedy, especially when it comes to unbreakable bonds and eccentric fashion. Armed with their candy-colored closets bursting with beads, sequins, and sequins, the couple showed the world that fashion is all about having fun, being yourself, and being bold. And nothing made more of an elegant statement than their sparkly little pink and blue his-and-hers dresses.

Mia Wallace, pulp Fiction

Whether it’s a dance party in Jack Rabbit Slims or a regular old Tuesday at the office, the classic combination of black and white is omnipresent. Mia’s deceptively simple outfit made waves in the 1994 film, in part because, in addition to The Twist, it taught us that sometimes it’s not the clothes that matter, but how you wear them. At first glance, the gangster’s wife’s shirt may look like any smart white shirt, but a second glance at the fitted torso construction, flared waist, and angled cuffs reveals the garment to be a visual demonstration of confidence. His oversized trench coat takes on the appearance of a cape and his pedal pants offer a final touch of discreet boldness. Mia’s flirty “bad girl” energy, coupled with the cohesiveness of the pieces, proves that even a neutral color palette can make a statement. Thirty years later, the power of this ensemble has not been forgotten, notably on the catwalks of Dior, Max Mara and many others.

Viviane Ward, A pretty woman

In Garry Marshall’s 1990 blockbuster A pretty woman, fashion is a character in itself. As Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis’ relationship develops, so does Vivian’s style. There couldn’t have been a better first outfit to throw on after a lavish shopping trip than the high-neck, belted, polka dot midi dress, matching hat and chic white gloves she wore to the polo match. (No big mistakes here!) Perfect for everything from the Kentucky Derby to Sunday brunch, today’s version from Carolina Herrera combines elegance and playfulness, an embodiment of Vivian’s delightful spirit.

Juliet, Romeo + Juliet

Few clothes exude romance as much as a long white dress. While history has seen more than just its share of swoon-worthy dresses, Juliet’s balcony look is taken from Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy. Romeo + Juliet embodies the ethereal dress. It is no wonder that Romeo falls in love as soon as he sees the young beauty dressed in an angelic dress. Whether you’re calling your loved one from a window, getting lost in someone’s eyes at a candlelit dinner, or sharing a toast at a picnic, this airy ensemble brings allure and a charm for any occasion.