10 ’90s Outfits to Shop for Fall, Inspired by Vogue’s New Documentary, ‘In Vogue: The 90s’

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It’s not uncommon for today’s fashion scene to look back on the 1990s with complete awe. From the minimalist aesthetic that defined much of the era to the roster of iconic models who were part of the grunge club scene, the ’90s continue to be an endless source of inspiration for fashion lovers. With such an enduring fascination surrounding the era’s clothing and characters, Vogue has tapped several of its editors and a stellar cast to tell the definitive story of the fashion industry during this decade in a new six-part documentary series, In vogue: the 90s.

VogueThe essentials of the 90s:

• The short leather jacket: Mango Cropped Leather Blazer, $400
• The minimalist handbag: The Row ’90s Round Leather Handbag, $1,190
• The CBK approved headband: Sophie Buhai Bessette headband, $250
• The flannel shirt: Róhe Plaid Cotton Flannel Shirt, $350
• The barely visible ballerina: Everlane the Day Ballet Flats, $148
• Suede Essentials: Madewell x Alexa Chung double-breasted blazer, $498
• The straight and elegant jean: Romie Straight Denim Jeans DL1961, $239
• The babydoll dress: Faithfull Etienne Lace Trim Midi Dress, $340
• The motorcycle boot: Ganni Mid-Calf Biker Boots, $845
• The modern women’s jacket: Toteme jacket in grain de poudre wool blend, $1,040

With key characters from the series like Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell, Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss as inspiration, we’ve created 10 ’90s-inspired outfits that not only showcase the fall season’s must-have buys, but also capture the spirit of the era we all know and love. There are masterful minimalist moments, bold yet refined essentials, sporty styles to steal and so much more. Inspire your fall capsule wardrobe with these ’90s-style outfits, and don’t forget to watch part one of In vogue: the 90s, which is scheduled to premiere today, September 13.

Minimalist clothing style, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy style

If there’s one It girl worth stealing, it’s Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Often considered the ultimate fan-influencer, Bessette-Kennedy’s array of looks included luxe leather suits, flattering A-line skirts, minimalist handbags, and her signature tortoiseshell headbands. For fall 2024, recreate her style with pieces from Mango, Toteme, The Row, and Banana Republic.

We’ll always have the teenage spirit with a flannel shirt

Minimalism wasn’t the only trend that made a splash in the ’90s. Thanks to bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Sonic Youth, grunge was just as big. And the key piece that reigned supreme among them all? The distressed flannel shirt. Wear it here with Proenza Schouler tie-dye jeans, flamboyant Everlane ballet flats, and a python-print crossbody bag from Khaite. A cord necklace and silver cat-eye sunglasses are essential for those late nights.

The 90s Skirt Memo: Legs for Days

Before skirts were treated with the feminine, airy treatment we love today, they were mini and as revealing as ever, with early adopters like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. And for fall 2024, Gucci’s Sabato De Sarno took note. The brand’s butter-yellow leather mini skirt is a chic wardrobe companion to Madewell’s oversized blazer. This ’90s outfit is not only a play on proportions, but also on textures! Complete it with Theory’s cashmere cropped sweater, a pair of Staud knee-high boots, and Toteme’s leather crossbody bag.

A touch of transparency transcends time

Who could forget Kate Moss’ iconic sheer dress from 1993 outside the Elite Model Agency Look of the Year party? We certainly can’t, and it inspired this new ’90s outfit. While not entirely sheer, Third Form’s slip dress is the perfect dose of sexy. For your 9-to-5, pair it with H&M’s slouchy wool coat, a pair of COS kitten heels, and Coach’s coveted top handle bag.

An oversized bomber jacket is a ’90s staple for models off-duty

From the ’90s to today, oversized leather bomber jackets add a laid-back edge to the most polished minimalist looks. Banana Republic’s under-$1,000 option is equally luxe, pairing well with everything from crisp button-downs to straight-leg jeans, another style signature of the era. Havaianas’ square-toe flip-flops were a favorite of the aforementioned CBK and are, in our opinion, the ultimate transitional shoe. Shop the look below.

Bold yet elegant, that’s the name of this 90s game

Step into fall in style with this new ’90s-inspired look. Start with Prada’s mock-neck leather jacket, which immediately had us buzzing when it first appeared on the AW24 runway, and layer it over Faithfull’s lace-trimmed bodycon dress. Ganni’s moto boots add a grunge touch, while accessories from Alaïa and Sophie Buhai bring the cool factor, as if you needed it.

Go for a sporty look with a zip-up, retro sneakers and a wide headband

Sporty style isn’t just about casual wear anymore. We can thank Victoria Beckham’s jersey zip-up sweater, a pair of retro Mango sneakers, and Lelet’s chunky black headband for that. And in many ways, this polished athleisure look harks back to the ’90s, when icons like Sporty Spice and Mary J. Blige showed off their take on the trend. Saint Laurent’s leopard-print tote bag and a pair of yellow-tinted sunglasses from COS take it a step further.

Ladies’ Dress: Yesterday and Today

A-line skirts, women’s jackets, chic daytime clutches: these are some of the key pieces of fall’s women’s outfit trends. Give it a ’90s vibe with Toteme’s collarless jacket, Ferragamo’s mini skirt, and a pair of bright red strappy sandals from The Row. We’re pretty sure supermodel Claudia Schiffer would have worn this exact look.

Loose and undone, with a touch of haute couture

A Hole reunion might seem like a bit of a stretch, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress for the occasion! JW Anderson’s slouchy, tie-detail sweater requires minimal effort, and with the addition of Frank & Eileen’s oversized flannel and a pair of relaxed corduroys, you’ve got a look that’s equal parts cool, laid-back, and edgy. Dive into the ensemble’s boldness by accessorizing with Tory Burch’s studded ballet flats and Khaite’s tote bag.

Before Goop, It Was ’90s Gwyneth Paltrow

Let Khaite’s burgundy leather maxi skirt take center stage and pair it with Guest in Residence’s lightweight cashmere crewneck sweater and Zara’s timeless khaki trench coat. A pair of Weejuns’ ​​tasseled leather loafers complete the look, while Madewell’s soft suede tote bag adds a touch of edge to the look. Top it off with a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses—that’s how we started, after all!