5 Celebrity ’90s Dress Trends That Are Back in Style — And How Stars Are Wearing Them

Fashion is constantly evolving. What’s “so passé” one year can quickly become a super hot trend the next. Back in 2015, one of the biggest comebacks in the fashion scene was the revival of ’90s style.

Trends from childhood and teenage years—like chokers and slip dresses—once again dominated runways, red carpets, and street style, as designers and celebrities embraced the nostalgic aesthetic.

Floral Prints: The Timeless ’90s Dress Trend Celebrities Are Reviving

Sienna Miller exudes casual chic in a red floral mini dress with a black belt and flats, spotted in SoHo, New York City on May 4, 2015 (Credit: WENN)

Although floral prints have long been used in dresses, a particular floral pattern reminiscent of the ’90s is in style. Simple and small floral patterns paired with a breezy silhouette make these dresses perfect for casual days out.

Lauren Pope stuns in a blue floral cut-out maxi dress with a thigh-high slit, pairing the summery ’90s-inspired look with neutral ankle-strap sandals at the Look of the Day collection launch in London on May 27, 2015 (Credit: WENN)

Plaid, Flannel, and Gingham: ’90s Grunge Patterns Back in Fashion

Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley effortlessly embraced the ‘90s plaid revival while attending the Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall 2015 Fashion Show on July 6, 2015.

Standing tall at 5ft 9in (175.3 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 9, Rosie elongated her long legs even more with sleek Stuart Weitzman Nudist ankle-strap sandals, perfectly complementing her chic plaid peplum dress and Dior accessories.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley turns heads in a chic plaid peplum dress with matching shorts, elongating her legs with strappy black stiletto sandals at the Dior Haute Couture show during Paris Fashion Week on July 6, 2015 (Credit: WENN)

Plaid and flannel patterns were iconic staples of the grunge era, and they’re making a strong comeback in modern fashion. This trend is now being embraced in various dress styles, with gingham checks also emerging as a must-have look this season.

Nicky Hilton Rothschild rocks a stylish plaid mini dress paired with over-the-knee boots at the season 4 premiere of “Girls” in New York City on January 6, 2015 (Credit: WENN)

Slip Dresses & Camisoles: The Sexy ’90s Red Carpet Trend Celebrities Love

At the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes on May 21, 2015, Sienna Miller delivered a refined take on the ’90s slip dress trend. The British actress wore a custom hand-beaded Ralph Lauren Collection gown that highlighted the effortless elegance of the era.

Completing the look with Atelier Swarovski jewelry, a Nathalie Trad clutch, and metallic open-toe heels, Sienna subtly elongated her 5ft 5in (165.1 cm) frame while channeling minimalist red carpet glamour.

Sienna Miller dazzles in a shimmering silver slip dress with delicate spaghetti straps, pairing the ’90s-inspired gown with metallic open-toe heels at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala during the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2015 (Credit: WENN)

Who could forget this iconic ’90s trend? Every “It” girl of the era, from Alicia Silverstone to Kate Moss, flaunted slip dresses at high-profile events.

Today, the slip dress has reclaimed its status as the ultimate sexy choice for the red carpet. It offers a simple yet effortlessly alluring silhouette that shines, especially when paired with minimal accessories.

Jennifer Lawrence captivates in a sleek velvet slip dress with spaghetti straps, completing the ’90s-inspired look with black open-toe platform heels at the world premiere of X-Men: Days of Future Past in New York City on May 10, 2014 (Credit: WENN)

Denim Revival: How Celebrities Are Bringing Back ’90s Denim Dresses

Denim was a defining staple of ’90s fashion, epitomized by pop queen Britney Spears, who famously wore a head-to-toe denim ensemble to the VMAs with Justin Timberlake—a moment etched in fashion history.

Today, style icons like Alexa Chung and the Jenner-Kardashians bring denim back into the spotlight, frequently showcasing it in casual and off-duty looks.

Alexa Chung embraces retro charm in a denim mini dress paired with ankle boots, attending the AG Collection Launch Party in Los Angeles on January 23, 2015 (Credit: WENN)

Halter Necklines: The ’90s Shoulder-Baring Silhouette Returning to Hollywood

Elizabeth Banks turned heads at the Magic Mike XXL premiere on June 25, 2015, in Hollywood, wearing a dazzling Swarovski-embellished yellow Balmain Spring 2015 dress with sheer inserts that captured the bold, body-hugging silhouettes of ’90s fashion.

Slightly shorter than the average American woman, at 5 feet 4 ½ inches (163.8 cm), the actress elongated her frame with black Pedro Garcia pumps in her US shoe size 7. She completed the striking red carpet look with a Lee Savage Infinite Space clutch.

Elizabeth Banks stuns in a dazzling yellow and black halter dress with a daring low back, pairing the striking ’90s-inspired silhouette with classic black pointed-toe pumps at the Magic Mike XXL premiere in Hollywood on June 25, 2015 (Credit: WENN)

The halter neckline is another sizzling trend that has made a strong comeback on and off the red carpet.

Known for highlighting the shoulders and often paired with daring low backs, this style has been reimagined in countless ways. From glamorous red-carpet gowns to laid-back ’90s-inspired casual wear, the halter neckline continues to captivate with its timeless appeal.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum exudes elegance in a black halter gown with intricate lace detailing and a thigh-high slit, completing the glamorous look with strappy black platform heels at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills on February 22, 2015 (Credit: WENN)

More ’90s Fashion Comebacks: Celebrity Looks & Shoe Highlights

The 1990s marked a significant shift in fashion, embracing minimalist and casual styles that contrasted sharply with the elaborate trends of the ’80s. Key elements included slip dresses, flannel shirts, baggy jeans, bomber jackets, and accessories like chokers and scrunchies.

Subcultural styles such as grunge and hip-hop further influenced the fashion landscape. Dive into these articles to explore the enduring impact of ’90s fashion:

1. Olivia Rodrigo’s Minimalist ’90s Slip Dress

• Event: Crypto.com Arena Appearance
• Outfit: Olivia Rodrigo embraced ’90s minimalism in a sheer black Miu Miu slip dress, featuring spaghetti straps and a floor-length silhouette.
• Footwear: She paired the dress with classic black heels, completing the understated yet elegant look.
• Read more: Olivia Rodrigo Shines in Minimalist ’90s Inspired Naked Dress

2. Katie Holmes’ Retro Revival with Stirrup Leggings

• Event: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Outfit: Katie Holmes brought back ’90s fashion with a denim peplum top and black stirrup leggings, showcasing a blend of retro and modern styles.
• Footwear: She completed the ensemble with Tory Burch slit-toe pumps, adding a contemporary twist.
• See more: Katie Holmes’ Retro Revival: Stirrup Leggings and Denim Peplum Top

3. Dr. Martens: The Grunge Era Staple

• Overview: Dr. Martens boots became synonymous with the ’90s grunge movement, symbolizing rebellion and self-expression.
• Celebrity Influence: Numerous celebrities have embraced Dr. Martens, cementing their place in fashion history.
• Discover more: Celebrities Who Made Dr. Martens Iconic Again

4. Timberland Boots in ’90s Hip-Hop Fashion

• Overview: Timberland boots rose to prominence in the ’90s, becoming a staple in hip-hop fashion and streetwear culture.
• Styling Tips: Learn how to incorporate Timberland boots into modern outfits while paying homage to their ’90s roots.
• Explore more: Timberland Boots: 12 Chic Ways Celebs Are Styling the Iconic Shoe

5. Helmut Lang’s Minimalist Influence

• Overview: Helmut Lang’s designs epitomized ’90s minimalism, influencing contemporary fashion with clean lines and understated elegance.
• Celebrity Endorsements: Celebrities like Rihanna and Miranda Kerr have showcased Helmut Lang’s timeless pieces.
• Read more: Helmut Lang: The Fashion Rebel Who Walked Away from His Own Brand

6. Millie Bobby Brown’s ’90s and Y2K Inspired Footwear

• Event: The Electric State Press Tour
• Outfit: Millie Bobby Brown showcased a range of ’90s and Y2K inspired footwear, from platform Mary Janes to Manolo Blahnik python pumps.
• Footwear Highlights: Her choices reflect a blend of nostalgic and modern styles, emphasizing versatility and trend awareness.
• See her looks: Millie Bobby Brown’s Press Tour Heels Are a ’90s and Y2K Dream!

7. Mckenna Grace’s ’90s-Inspired Ensemble

• Event: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire UK Gala Screening
• Outfit: Mckenna Grace channeled ’90s nostalgia with a lilac pinafore dress layered over a white tee, complemented by Mary Jane pumps and ruffled socks.
• Footwear: The Mary Jane pumps added a classic touch to her youthful and retro-inspired look.
• Discover more: Mckenna Grace Revives ’90s Style in Pinafore Dress and Mary Jane Pumps

These articles offer a comprehensive look at how ’90s fashion continues to influence modern style, with celebrities embracing and reinventing iconic trends from the decade.