Fashion Trends From the 90s That Are Better Left in the Past

The end of the Willennium was a wild time for fashion, blending grunge, hip-hop influences, and a touch of neon insanity. Sure, some trends from the era have made a stylish comeback (hello, flannel shirts), others are best remembered fondly — or forgotten entirely. From oversized jeans to questionable accessories, these 90s fashion choices are ones we’re glad stayed in the past.

If you were a teen in the 90s, you might remember the infamous JNCO jeans, the pants with leg openings wide enough to swallow your entire shoe (and maybe even a small pet). These oversized jeans became a symbol of rebellious streetwear, especially among skaters and rave kids. They were impractical at best, often dragging on the ground and collecting dirt. While baggy pants have made a small comeback in recent years, nothing has approached the absurd width of JNCO jeans. They were a statement piece, but looking back, the trend feels more like a wardrobe malfunction than a fashion choice.

In the 90s, if you wanted to look like the ultimate pop star, frosted tips were the way to go. This hairstyle involved bleaching the ends of your hair to a bright, almost white blonde while leaving the rest of it dark. From boy band members to local skaters, everyone seemed to jump on this trend. It was often paired with spiky hair gel, giving the wearer a look that screamed “I just walked off the set of TRL.” But, you know, without having to talk to Carson Daly.

Platform flip-flops were a bizarre footwear choice that combined the casual vibe of beachwear with the towering height of a platform shoe. Popularized by brands like Steve Madden, these shoes were clunky, uncomfortable, and a twisted ankle waiting to happen. They were particularly popular among teens trying to emulate the Spice Girls, who were famous for their towering platform shoes. While platform sandals have made a comeback, the specific blend of beachy flip-flop and chunky platform feels like it should stay in the past, right next to our collection of Delia’s catalogs.

The chain wallet was the ultimate accessory for anyone who wanted to look tough while also being paranoid about losing their cash. Popular among skaters, punks, and anyone trying to channel a rebellious look, the chain wallet dangled conspicuously from baggy jeans. It added a bit of edge to an outfit and was supposed to keep your wallet secure — though it mostly just got caught on things.

Bucket hats became a staple of 90s fashion, worn by everyone from rappers like LL Cool J to kids trying to emulate The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The appeal was in their casual, almost comical design, which made them feel effortlessly cool. But as the decade wore on, bucket hats became more of a joke than a fashion statement, associated with bad tourist outfits and cringe-worthy music videos. While they’ve made a small comeback in streetwear, the classic 90s bucket hat, often paired with loud, oversized shirts, feels like it belongs in a time capsule.

Nothing says 90s quite like a neon windbreaker. These brightly colored, often shiny jackets were a favorite among kids and adults alike, combining practicality with a bold fashion statement. The neon craze extended to nearly every color — from electric pinks to highlighter yellows. They were the go-to outerwear for gym class and casual outings, but looking back, the color palette is almost blinding. While windbreakers are back in style, the neon versions remain a loud reminder of a trend we’re happy to leave in the past.

Overalls were everywhere in the 90s, but it wasn’t enough to just wear them; you had to rock them with one strap hanging down. This look was part of the hip-hop style of the era, made popular by artists like TLC and Will Smith. It was casual and cool, signaling that you didn’t care too much about fashion while also being a very deliberate choice. The look hasn’t aged well, though, and today it feels more like a costume than a serious outfit. Overalls have come back, but the one-strap-down look should stay in the vault.

Visors were a popular accessory for 90s kids who wanted to add a sporty edge to their outfit, but the trend took a bizarre turn when people started wearing them upside down and backwards. It was a style statement that was more about looking “cool” than actually blocking the sun. This look was often seen at summer camps and music festivals, giving off major frat boy energy. The visor trend fizzled out quickly, and while they’ve made a minor comeback in golf fashion, the upside-down-and-backwards style feels like a ridiculous relic.

If you were anyone in the late 90s, you had a velour tracksuit. Popularized by brands like Juicy Couture, these plush, matching sets were worn by celebrities, soccer moms, and teens alike. They were cozy and glamorous, a perfect blend of comfort and ostentation. But by the early 2000s, the trend had become oversaturated, turning into a symbol of tacky excess. While tracksuits have made a fashion comeback, the velour versions are best remembered fondly and left in the past with our collection of chunky platform sneakers.

Tattoo choker necklaces were everywhere in the 90s, a stretchy, black plastic accessory that looked like it was inked right onto your neck. They were cheap, easy to wear, and gave off a grunge vibe that made them irresistible to teens. Almost every girl in the 90s had one, pairing it with spaghetti strap tops and flannel shirts. While the trend has seen a brief resurgence, it’s mostly as a kitschy throwback. The original choker craze, however, feels like a fun, slightly embarrassing fashion memory we’re fine with leaving behind.