Trashy But Iconic Style Of 90s Movies

If you grew up in the 90s you probably can relate to this strange feeling of nostalgia brought on by watching 90s movies. Not only that, but it’s pretty obvious that the fashion industry is trying to bring the 90s back, with all the high-wasted jeans, crop tops, chokers, etc. The weird thing is, as nostalgic as it makes us, 90s kids, feel, it also makes us cringe at some of the fashion choices we made back then. We had no Instagram to draw inspiration from, no fashion bloggers, no Tumblr. We just wore whatever was in the shop or whatever we saw in a movie and thought it looked cool. But was it actually cool? Did it suit us? Did we know how to create a decent outfit? Probably not. So let’s take a look at some prime examples of trashy but iconic style of the 90s movies and see what inspired some of the most cringe worthy outfits we wore as kids.

 

 

Jawbreaker, 1999
1999 still counts as 90’s right? Cause this movie was iconic when it comes to style and fashion choices. The floral dresses, the cropped tops, it’s all so 90s, yet at the same time you wouldn’t be surprised to see clothes like these sold in a shop today, would you? Except now it’s a bit better fitted than it was in the 90s, thank God.

 

 

Romeo + Juliet, 1996
Oh the outfits in this movie. It’s hard to find words to describe how loud and bright and in your face they were. Young Leonardo DiCaprio in a bright colored, baggy, short sleeved shirt that seems better fit for a middle aged man going to Florida for a vacation. You know what, a picture is worth a thousand words, so do yourself a favor and rewatch this 90s classic, if only to remind yourself of the horrors of just how flashy the 90s could be.

Cry Baby, 1990
Let’s set things straight – this was one hell of a strange movie. I’m still not sure whether I like it or hate it. But one thing that I’m absolutely sure of is that whoever was responsible for costume and style got it 100% right. The leather jackets, the hair, the whole biker aesthetic. All I have to say is “YAAAAS, bring it on”.

 

 

Hackers, 1995
This is a prime example of what I would consider 90s punk style. The chains that have no purpose other than to make you look badass, worn both with leather pants, bright colored trousers, and even plain grey baggy trousers. Clearly back then we thought the chains can be incorporated into any outfit. But also can you imagine Angelina Jolie ever wearing something like that all white outfit now? She wouldn’t be caught dead in it.

Natural Born Killers, 1994
So at this point a leather jacket won’t shock anyone, it just looks cool. Even the weird hairstyles and questionable color combinations don’t phase us. But I’d like to draw your attention to that hideous, see-through, orange, mesh shirt Woody Harrelson is wearing. Who made that choice and what was that all about?

 

 

To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, 1995
You hear the name of this movie and you expect bold choices. I mean the whole film is about drag queens, so you know they’re gonna bring it when it comes to style and fashion. And oh boy did they bring it. Every single outfit in this movie is so over the top you can’t help but love it. It’s so bad it’s good. We also have this movie to thank for bringing us the wonder that is Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes in drag.

Trainspotting, 1996
Never in a million years did I think that I’d relate most to Trainspotting in terms of style, but you’ve go to admit that it seems like these days everyone is trying to channel that 90s drug addicted Scotting boys look. And I mean, what’s not to like. It’s simple. It’s practical, it’s comfy. On this picture in particular they look like a boyband about to drop the album of the year. And while everyone usually remembers Ewan McGregor first, you have to agree that in term of style, Sick boy, played by Jonny Lee Miller, was the star of the movie, right?

The Fifth Element, 1997
While everyone thinks Milla Jovovich and Bruce Willis are the stars of this movie, I’m convinced it’s Chris Tucker who’s the real star. I mean, I’m pretty sure Bruce has it in his contract somewhere that he has to wear a wifebeater or a torn up shirt in every movie, so that’s exactly what he wears. Milla show up in a minimalistic mummy outfit. But Ruby Rhod, played by Chris Tucker, keeps bringing us the brightest and most exciting outfits throughout the movie. Starting with a leopard print full body leotard to that black outfit that frames his head with roses. Also, while the stewardess outfits seemed outrageous back then, I can totally see people wearing that top casually today.

 

 

The Craft, 1996
If you’ve seen this movie you’ll remember that it’s in this scene in particular the girls are warned to “stay away from those weirdos” and they reply with “we are the weirdos”. And they might’ve been back then, but let’s be honest, if you saw someone dressed like this today you wouldn’t even think twice about it. Fashion really is cyclical.

Clueless, 1995
Everyone would agree that this movie is all about 90’a fashion. The main character is definitely a fashionista and if she lived in modern day you know she’d be a famous fashion blogger. And while in most cases people remembers the loud yellow checkered co-ord she wore, there were lots of other outfits that are almost identical to ones sold on Asos these days. But that yellow co-ord is iconic, no matter how cringy it is.