The 90s Are Taking Over Closets

Paparazzi photos of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are flooding the media and a new flip phone was announced by Samsung this August. Meanwhile, at the center of the internet, people have implemented 90s statements in their appearance, from bucket hats to Dr. Marten platform boots.  

Although the influence of this era has caught young millennials and Generation Zs attention, they are set out to personalize this trend to reflect their aesthetic. This audience has had encouragement from the body positivity and self-acceptance movement to explore and experiment with styles proudly. 

*John Webb developed his passion for fashion from an early age, but it wasn’t until he left Wallace, Idaho he began incorporating it into his daily routine.  

“When I was a young kid, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and that was a news anchor for television,” Webb said. “I researched it and went to the stations at our local area where I got to know the people who were on the air and dressed very nice. I ask myself, ‘how will I get to that point in my life?’ And at a young age I knew it began with fashion.”  

The fear of possible critics from a small town left the future broadcasting student in limbo, but once he arrived at the University of Idaho, the energy from those who appreciated self-expression through clothes gave him the boost to open up.  

“I had the basis down like solid neutral colors and then I began to add in items I saw online like loafers and necklaces I saw on influencers,” Webb said. “I try to shop at Nordstrom or H&M to find a good deal. I’m not sure what style my closet is but I definitely am drawn to 90s statements.” 

“A lot of people they say that style is not for them,” Brown-Hayes said. “Most people say that because they’ve never experimented. I say try different styles, because you might actually fall in love with a something you thought wouldn’t work for you.”  

Patrick Brown-Hayes, The Killer Clothing Collective.

While students have the ability to experiment with their daily outfits, professionals like Madison Hardy have a  narrow timeframe to wear their favorite outfits.  

“I care less of what people think about me in my personal clothes than when in my professional attire,” Hardy said. “There is more freedom and individuality. I have clothes that are more 90s-esque or that fit the vibe of where I’m heading.”  

Hardy has a greater appreciation for those moments of individuality. She finds inspiration through idols like Jennifer Aniston, who inspired her blow-out hairstyle, and Jennifer Garner. Recently, she purchased a black jean jacket for her 90s goth selection. 

Owner of The Killer Clothing Collective, Patrick Brown-Hayes understands why certain trends return but believes people should look at the original idea for true inspiration. However, with access to an overwhelming amount of shopping sites, it can be intimidating to start searching for the next outfit.  

“Every time you get dressed up that is how you tell the world what and who you are before you speak.”  

Patrick Brown-Hayes, The Killer Clothing Collective.

“If you wanted to go research the 90s, like, really look at what people were wearing in the 90s go look at Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar in the library,” Brown-Hayes said. “Don’t go looking at trash on the internet.” 

* John Webb is a member of the Student Media Board.