While the ’90s gave us countless celebrity outfits made infamous by their boldness and creativity—Liz Hurley in the Versace safety pin dress, Naomi Campbell’s thigh-high cobalt blue socks—not all of them are easy to replicate for everyday wear. But if you dig through the archives, you’ll discover plenty of understated A-lister looks that don’t just shine quietly in the context of the decade, but also fit into 2024’s fashion landscape.
With a new, warmer season to dress for, I’ve looked to five ’90s trendsetters for guidance. The era’s aesthetic continues to inspire modern collections, and it’s easy to see why: amidst the grunge accessories and daring runway looks, the style was defined by simple silhouettes and elevated basics.
From Kate Moss’s timeless outfit formula to SJP’s linen-trouser styling, these looks perfectly show the lasting appeal of ’90s fashion.
See 5 ’90s Celeb Outfits I’m Copying This Summer:
1. Kate Moss: Tank Top + Jeans
Style Notes: Kate Moss is famous for transforming simple wardrobe staples into It-pieces. Looking at this effortless outfit, I’m suddenly convinced a tank top and jeans are the hottest buys of the summer.
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Reformation
Meena Toe Ring Block Heel Sandal
Style with jeans, dresses, mini skirts, linen trousers…
Style Notes: Trends really are cyclical, because this pale yellow dress could have been pulled from a 2024 runway. Tyra has styled it for the red carpet with metallic heels, but you could easily swap them for flats or espadrilles.
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Lily & Roo
Gold Single Pearl Choker
Pearl jewellery feels so summery—and what’s more ’90s than a choker?
3. Sarah Jessica Parker: Tube Top + Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Rewatching Sex and the City has made me appreciate Carrie Bradshaw’s style all over again, but Sarah Jessica Parker’s off-screen ’90s looks were also on-point.
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Reiss
Lori Viscose-Linen Wide Leg Suit Trousers
White linen trousers have become a summer must-have.
4. Claudia Schiffer: Floral Dress + Espadrilles
Style Notes: If I didn’t know better, I’d think this photo was taken yesterday. Nothing about Claudia Schiffer’s outfit feels dated—in fact, I’ve already spotted some very similar summer looks on Instagram.
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Reformation
Aribella Silk Dress
Reformation should be your first port of call when seeking a floral dress.
BOUTIQUE BONITA
Logo-Patch Palm Basket Bag
Big enough for a picnic blanket, book, snacks and a bottle of vino, perhaps?
5. Jennifer Lopez: Button-Front Dress + Mules
Style Notes: On a warm day, this is exactly the kind of dress that will keep you comfortable and looking cute. If it was good enough for J.Lo circa 1994, it’s good enough for us.