Often when I am putting together wardrobes both for here and for clients, I don’t know what direction I am taking until I find a certain piece.
That piece then becomes the star of the wardrobe in which I build the entire thing around.
Sometimes it is the overall look or unique characteristics, other times it is the colour or just a strong vibe it gives off that guides me.
This week I kept jumping around and changing my mind until I saw a t-shirt that Meg from Jean Genie Vintage was selling, and then it all clicked into place.
She has taken old vintage white tees, and got them screened with the the print “Need Money For VTG Levis” which should actually be my slogan.
And while I immediately went to buy one, I also asked her if it would be okay to include it in this week’s capsule wardrobe.
So this is the piece that I used to direct me this week from it’s vibe, and the vibe it gave off to was modern 90s.
It is a vintage t-shirt with a modern print that is talking about vintage jeans. Need I say more?
Before I jump in, I also want to mention that she is VERY knowledgeable in the world of vintage Levi’s, and has a huge inventory with detailed measurements so you can find your perfect pair.
Small businesses are key, so support them when you can.
What is a Modern 90s Wardrobe?
A modern 90s-inspired wardrobe is all about blending the nostalgia of the decade with contemporary twists for today. It is about mixing casual and cool with a bit of effortlessness, celebrating the decade’s carefree spirit while embracing the elevated silhouettes of modern fashion.
This wardrobe includes 12 items of clothing that are a mix of 90s and modern using new and vintage as a foundation. Shoes and accessories are then added to round out and build the looks. The outfit ideas are farther down the post.
A 12 Piece Modern 90s Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
T-shirt | Vtg Jeans | Brown Boots | Black Bag | Vtg Jacket | Fingerless Gloves | Dark Brown Fitted Cardigan | Brown Baguette Bag | Slip Dress | Ballet Flats | Turtleneck | Brown Trousers | Grey Sweater | Earrings | Black Boots | Cardigan | Grey Trousers | Knee High Boots | Tote | Button Up | Belt | Knit Hood | Striped Sweater | Skinny Scarf | Sneakers
A Modern 90s Winter Wardrobe: A Nostalgic Revival with a Contemporary Twist
90s fashion is one of my favourites, probably because I was a aged 10-20 during the 90s and this time period had a huge impact on my life.
They often say that the music you are drawn to the most is the stuff that you listened to during the prime or most influential years of your life which to me would be the 90s.
I don’t think I listen to anything that is beyond 2004.
The same idea applies to fashion. We are often drawn to the elements of clothing that we wore during certain parts of our lives.
This doesn’t mean that I am wearing the exact same outfit as I did, just elements.
For example, while in the 90s I would wear a bodysuit with my dad’s old Levi’s, a plaid shirt, and docs or sneakers. Today I still wear the men’s Levi’s and sneakers.
So to me the winter is the perfect season to embrace the 90s aesthetic, with its cozy yet effortlessly cool vibe because we get to wear the vintage animal print coats with faux fur collars.
Which is also something that I still wear.
A modern 90s-inspired winter wardrobe blends iconic trends of the decade with contemporary pieces, creating a stylish and nostalgic vibe.
The way I did this was to mix old and new, but you could also do all old or all new and just pick pieces that give off the same feel.
The Outerwear Essentials
Start with outerwear that screams 90s cool. Oversized puffer jackets, shearling-lined denim coats, longline leather trenches, and animal prints are key.
For a modern update, opt for muted tones like beige, cream, or charcoal, or lean into bold 90s colour blocks for a blast of personality. It all depends on your style and the vibe that you are seeking.
These are very easy to amend and adapt to varying personal tastes.
This is the tee that inspired it all which I ordered as soon as she posted them. The Levi’s are vintage and the Big E version which is a highly sought after style.
The handbag is also a piece that I own. It is called the Yves Saint Laurent Easy bag and it is from the mid-ish 00s.
I loved it so much that I also got one in gold which you can see here along with my own modern 90s outfit that I wore today.
As I have mentioned many times, I love men’s sweaters. I tend to find that since the fit is more generous it hangs and drapes in a more comfortable manner and is easier to layer under than most women’s styles.
Don’t overlook menswear, especially when shopping secondhand.
Chunky Sweaters and Turtlenecks
Layering is a must for winter, and chunky knit sweaters are a staple. Choose relaxed, oversized fits in neutral shades or classic patterns like argyle and stripes.
Pair them with ribbed turtlenecks for a nod to the layered 90s look that’s both cozy and chic.
Grunge-Inspired Bottoms
Try some baggy jeans which are my go-to, corduroy pants, and skirts with tights. Look for modern iterations with high-waisted cuts, or wide leg and drapey. Tailored silhouettes will keep the look polished.
Finish with a statement belt featuring a chunky buckle.
Footwear That Stands Out
If you want to embrace authentic 90s footwear then combat boots are the way to go. We wore them all seasons as the non-negotiable item in our wardrobe.
Hell, I even wore them with wool socks in the winter. Apparently, I was immune to heat back then.
But today, I opt for styles that are sleeker and have more of a modern edge. Pointy or square-toe ankle boots are options that float between both worlds.
They are modern but also great options for staying true to the 90s era.
When you are searching for secondhand and vintage items always keep an eye out for pieces by Ralph Lauren. They truly stand the test of time and the sweaters are such good quality and made from natural fibres so most that you find will be in fantastic condition like this blue striped sweater.
I am also partial to a red a navy stripe when I can find them.
This slip dress which I talk about a little farther down is one that I own. It is my classic 365-day-a-year dress that I get a lot of use from.
Accessories with Attitude
It is really funny how fashion cycles back because I am seeing so many 90s things when I am out shopping. Going into Urban Outfitters was like a blast from the past.
You are going to see the quintessential 90s accessories like fuzzy bucket hats, thick headbands, or slouchy beanies (which are not just 90s).
Layer on chunky scarves, and some fun gloves for warmth. Fingerless gloves for some faux warmth but the oh so cool vibe.
For bags we will lean into the era 90s era favourite the baguette and smaller top handle bags. For some 90s flare add a mini backpack.
Winter-Ready Slip Dresses
Maybe it is because I grew up in the 90s and this was something that was done, or maybe it was because we actually really wore out wardrobes and made everything work throughout every season.
Buying new on a weekly basis wasn’t a thing unless it was from a thrift store.
But just in case you need to be told, here is your memo that slip dresses don’t have to be just for summer.
Layer them over turtlenecks or under oversized cardigans and pair them with tights and boots for a winter-appropriate take on one of our favourite 90s trends.
Plus, if you haven’t already heard, we are wearing skirts and dresses over pants again. It is kind of a polarizing trend, many hate it but I loved it before and I love it again.
And if you are undecided or never tried it before, this is the perfect time to give it a go.
Makeup and Hair Finishes
If we want to get to the fine details then to fully embrace the vibe, keep your beauty look simple yet bold. Think dark berry lips, smoky eyeliner, and sleek ponytails or messy buns.
The modern 90s winter wardrobe is all about balance—combining the edgy, laid-back styles of the decade with practical yet stylish updates for today.
There are no rules, so just have fun with it.
Modern 90s Outfit Ideas for Winter
T-shirt | Vtg Jeans | Brown Boots | Black Bag | Vtg Jacket | Fingerless Gloves | Dark Brown Fitted Cardigan | Brown Baguette Bag | Slip Dress | Ballet Flats | Turtleneck | Brown Trousers | Grey Sweater | Earrings | Black Boots | Cardigan | Grey Trousers | Knee High Boots | Tote | Button Up | Belt | Knit Hood | Striped Sweater | Skinny Scarf | Sneakers
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