Details: H&M top (retail), Everlane sweater (thrifted), DKNY skirt (Poshmark)
Thoughts: Ahhh, the saga of this outfit! It all started when I saw the H&M ad on the right in their store a few months back. It immediately triggered my deeply rooted 90s nostalgia. Doesn’t it look like all those cool CK ads from the 90s? I was never cool enough to be a CK girl back then. Kate Moss, c’est pas moi. But my 40s are all about boldly going where my teenage self feared to tread, so I set about trying to recreate that ad photo with a vengeance. The first step was breaking my no-retail rule to buy the extra long sleeved white cotton shirt from H&M. It’s not the worst thing; it’s a versatile base layer, and I know I’ll get lots of use out of it. The next step was acquiring a sheer panel skirt. Sheer is a big trend these days (oop!) but, outside of high end designers, finding a similar skirt proved difficult at first. Oh, I forgot to mention: the H&M version was long sold out by the time I started looking. But then! I lucked out BIG TIME. This amazing, vintage DKNY skirt popped up in my Poshmark searches and you better believe I smashed that buy button hard. Well, actually I made an offer and had it accepted but you know. I got it for a great price, and it’s far better quality than the H&M one, I’m sure. Love that for me, haha! It’s also a more wearable skirt because the opaque part actually comes down to just above the knees; I folded over the elastic waistband here so I could make it appear shorter. I love the extra versatility (and being able to control the sexiness quotient).
Details: White + Warren sweater, Nanette Lepore jacket (both thrifted), Contemporaine skirt (swap), Mia shoes (retail)
Thoughts: This was, of course, an homage to Clueless. I did substitute in a (p)leather skirt for a little extra edge. I also decided to give sheer black tights another try. It’s been years since I’ve worn them, but I feel like they were a 90s thing. I always wear some kind of tights with short skirts, because I don’t love the bare-legs look on myself. I still think I prefer opaque tights, but I might also just need more time to adjust to this version.
Details: Obey hoodie (thrifted), BlankNYC jacket (retail), Chicwish skirt (thrifted), Laredo boots (consignment)
Thoughts: This outfit was all about the juxtaposition and contrast — mixing girly with grunge. I loved wearing this outfit so much! I know Chicwish is basically a small step up from Shein, but I have to say this skirt is great for what it is; they didn’t skimp on the tulle layers, and they give the skirt a lot of volume and depth. I’m actively looking to find it in black as well. I must also give a shoutout to these boots. I was a bit unsure when I bought them because I had been looking for a pair of granny boots and these seemed more masc. But they’re perfect! I love that they have a bit of a combat boot vibe, without being full-on. They work well with skirts and dresses in that 90s kind of way. They’re also great with jeans, of course. And they’re super comfortable!
Details: Ralph Lauren sweater (gift), Gap skirt (thrifted)
Thoughts: The 90s loved their leather — leather blazers, leather trenches, leather skirts. This skirt is from 2000 — that was a GREAT year for Gap. I have a few other pieces from that year, and I love them. Similar skirts are all over the stores right now, and they’re selling for $500 and up. I paid $7 for mine. The burgundy colour is so good for fall. Here, I went really simple — the 90s loved their minimalism too — and focused on the textural contrast between the smooth leather and the chunky cable knit.
Details: Revello top (retail), Mexx cardigan, Vince dress, Fluevog shoes (all thrifted)
Thoughts: Is there anything more quintessentially 90s than this outfit? This takes me ALL the way back. Black and brown is one of my fave “under the radar” colour combos, and I think it has a minimalist vibe that works well in this context. The white provides the bit of high contrast that makes the other colours look sharper.
Details: Re/Done tee, Gap blazer, Gap belt, Oak & Fort jeans, Modern Vice shoes (all thrifted)
Thoughts: Last but not least, this outfit was inspired by the one and only Winona Ryder. Her street style, to be exact. Was there anything cooler in the early 90s? Anyway, speaking of leather and 2000 Gap things, this blazer: it’s so good. Just the right amount of oversized, a classic cut. I don’t even remember how much I paid for it anymore, but it was under $30. Good luck finding anything like that in stores now … well, unless you’re hitting up the thrift stores. Which you should 🙂
You are killing it! These outfits are all incredible. I love how they’re all fun and different. All so creative.
Thanks, Joy!
This was so fun! I mean probably for you to put together – but also to view. Many thanks, as always, for sharing.
These are great and it also seems like putting them together is fun and joyful for you 🙂
Oh, it was so much fun! I love revisiting all the fashions of my teenage years 🙂