7 Iconic '90s Fashion Looks That Still Work Today

From Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy to Gwyneth Paltrow, these '90s style staples are making a comeback.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:48pm

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The '90s were a defining era for fashion, with looks ranging from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's minimalist elegance to Gwyneth Paltrow's velvet Gucci suits. While some trends have faded, many of the decade's most iconic styles are making a comeback, with modern updates that capture the effortless, playful, and timeless appeal of '90s fashion.

Why it matters

The resurgence of '90s fashion reflects a broader trend towards minimalism, investment dressing, and a nostalgic embrace of the decade's most memorable looks. By reinterpreting these styles for the present day, fashion is tapping into a sense of timeless style that resonates with today's consumers.

The details

The article highlights seven key '90s fashion formulas that still work in 2026, including Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's elegant minimalism, Princess Diana's approachable athleisure, Sarah Jessica Parker's iconic slip dress, Gwyneth Paltrow's velvet Gucci suit, Sharon Stone's menswear-inspired eveningwear, Halle Berry's bold leopard print, and Jennifer Aniston's Rachel Green-inspired collarless blazer. Each look is given a modern twist, blending the decade's signature styles with contemporary silhouettes and styling.

  • In the last few years, the fashion industry has embraced minimalism and investment dressing, setting the stage for a '90s fashion comeback.
  • The 'What were you like in the '90s?' social media prompt has also sparked a renewed interest in the decade's style.
  • The article was published on March 13, 2026.

The players

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

A style icon known for her elegant, minimalist approach to fashion, including her black-and-white evening looks, slip dress wedding gown, and penchant for fitted skirts.

Princess Diana

A fashion influencer whose style ranged from off-duty athleisure to the iconic 'Revenge Dress', but who is particularly remembered for her approachable, everyday looks.

Sarah Jessica Parker

The actress who famously wore a form-fitting slip dress, a big silhouette in the '90s, to the 1997 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards, cementing it as one of the decade's most iconic looks.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The actress who wore a Tom Ford-era Gucci velvet suit, a defining fabric of the '90s, to the 1996 VMAs and again to Alessandro Michele's Gucci show in 2021.

Sharon Stone

The actress who reimagined the classic white button-down in elegant, unexpected ways, pairing it with sweeping skirts for a dressy evening look.

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What they’re saying

“Even before Ryan Murphy's Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette injected a renewed interest in Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's style, signs of a '90s fashion comeback were already there.”

— Irina Grechko, Author

“In 2026, the same high-low formula still holds up. But rather than veering into cosplay, today's best '90s-inspired outfits capture the decade's mix of effortless, playful, and timeless appeal but updated for the way we live (and dress) now.”

— Irina Grechko, Author

The takeaway

The resurgence of '90s fashion proves that some trends are simply too good to leave behind. By blending the decade's signature styles with contemporary silhouettes and styling, fashion is tapping into a sense of timeless appeal that resonates with today's consumers.