8 ways to conquer trends

Clogs and claw clips. Chokers and metallics. Once again, everything old is new in fashion again – this time styles from the 90s (several go back to the 90s). And while the return of some things – namely, low-rise pants and pencil-thin eyebrows – has sparked a lot of discussion (many women just don’t want to overdo it again), many of the previous trends are worth embracing. We asked four stylists what they’re most excited about coming back, and they all said the same thing: non-tight pants. On the following pages, these experts show how they would update the old silhouettes – with several other inpos from the 90s.

The 1990s fashion revival brought back four trouser styles. Get nostalgic – but with these expert tips.

Wide leg

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Wide leg

Catherine Bushera of personal styling company Style by Rachel says fashion in the ’90s was all about cool, edgy simplicity and plus size. One of her favorite trends: the wide-leg pants worn by icons like Princess Diana and Julia Roberts – later this year, but with better structure and shape.

How to wear them: Bushera says it’s important to create a sustainable top – say a jacket over a 90s inspired graphic tee or, as shown in the photo, a loose blouse. For the most current style, add a belt with bold fittings. For a more elegant outfit, pair wide-leg trousers with a loose-fitting blouse and colorful heels. As for jeans, dark and navy clothes, Bushera says, will match your existing wardrobe more easily. Pair them with a cropped sweater and tank top and fun sneakers.

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flare leg

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flare leg

Attorney, fashion influencer and stylist Thai Barker says the mid to high waist of today’s flare jeans sets them apart from the ultra low cuts of the late 90s and early 70s – a version, says Barker, that we should never have messed with.

How to wear them: Barker suggests the full 70s with a button-up shirt and platform loafers. (Add an oversized cardigan or blazer for proportions.) For a more casual look: a white T-shirt with a short leather jacket and a heel with a pointed metallic toe.

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cargo pants

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cargo pants

Stylist Lindsey Evans recalls that she first saw a celebrity wearing cargo pants when the late singer Aaliyah wore them in the mid-90s. The trend continued into the early 2000s with celebrities like Mel B of the Spice Girls and Christina Aguilera, who rocked orange parachutes in her 1999 music video “Genie in a Bottle”. Although cargo pants eventually went anti-chic, they’re back.

How to wear them: For a more “momentary” look, Evans suggests buying them in pink or purple, which seems less practical. Other keys: fitted top, oversized layer and heels. If you’re concerned about drawing unwanted attention to your hips, Evans suggests downsizing and avoiding pockets that crease too much.

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Straight leg

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Straight leg

Stylist Naina Singla loves the minimalist feel of two 90s-inspired trouser trends: straight leg denim and leather.

How to wear them: Straight-leg jeans – high-waisted and paired with a white T-shirt or a T-shirt and jacket – refer to the “model-on-the-duty” look first popularized by supermodels such as Cindy Crawford. To update the outfit for 2023, Singla suggests omitting long, layered necklaces in favor of a “sharp accessory” like a white and gold tennis choker and opting for a peep toe or peep toe heel. As for Singles’ other favorite fashion, leather pants, today’s versions feature a high waist and pant style as opposed to the tight-fitting styles of the 90s. She now likes them in black or even brown or khaki, paired with a sleeveless knit top in neutral color. Then choose other pieces to complete the look: either an off-the-shoulder jumper, gold hoop earrings and black boots, or a long belted trench coat, patent leather loafers and a gold link necklace.

Photo of Jackson by Featureflash Photo Agency/shutterstock.com.
TLC photo by Pictorial Press/Alamy.
Photo of Moss by Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch/Alama.
Spice Girls photo by PA Images/Alamy.
Photo of Aguilera by Pictorial Press/Alamy.
Photo by Everett Collection/shutterstock.com.
Photograph of Princess Diana by Amel Emric/Alamy.
Photograph of Princess Diana by David Parker/Alama.
Photo of Beckham by Bill Belknap/Alama.
Clothes photos courtesy of sellers.
Photo of Mel B by Trinity Mirror/Mirrorpix/Alamy.
Photo of Paltrow by PictureLux/Hollywood Archive/Alamy.
Design by Jennifer Albarracin Moya.