Totally Tubular: How to Dress Like a ’90s Teenager (and Nail the Look!)

So, you want to rock that iconic ’90s teen style? Awesome! The ’90s were a vibrant decade for fashion, a melting pot of grunge rebellion, preppy polish, and hip-hop swagger. Recreating this look is all about understanding the key pieces, the attitude, and how to mix and match them for a truly authentic vibe. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know to dress like a ’90s teenager, from head to toe.

## Understanding the ’90s Teen Fashion Landscape

Before diving into the specific garments, it’s important to understand the different subcultures and trends that shaped ’90s teen fashion. Here are a few major influences:

* **Grunge:** Think Seattle, flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and a general anti-establishment attitude. This was all about comfort and rebellion, often featuring oversized clothing and a deliberately unkempt appearance.
* **Preppy/Clueless:** Inspired by movies like *Clueless*, this style focused on plaid skirts, sweater vests, knee-high socks, and a polished, feminine look. Think sophisticated and put-together, often with a touch of playful rebellion.
* **Hip Hop:** Influenced by music and street culture, this style featured oversized jeans, tracksuits, bomber jackets, and athletic wear. Bold colors and logos were common.
* **Rave/Club Culture:** Characterized by bright neon colors, baggy pants, crop tops, and chunky platform shoes. This was all about expressing individuality and embracing a vibrant, energetic style.
* **Casual/Everyday:** This was the most common style, focusing on comfortable jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sneakers. Think *Friends* meets everyday school life.

Knowing these influences will help you pick and choose elements that resonate with your personal style and create a genuinely ’90s-inspired look.

## Key Pieces for a ’90s Teenager Wardrobe

Now, let’s break down the essential clothing items you’ll need:

### 1. Tops:

* **Oversized Flannel Shirts:** A grunge staple. Wear it buttoned up, open over a t-shirt, or tied around your waist. Bonus points for finding one in a classic plaid pattern.
* **How to Style:** Pair with ripped jeans and combat boots for a grunge look. Tie it around a floral dress for a touch of edge. Or, wear it open over a band tee with leggings.
* **Finding the Right One:** Thrift stores are your best friend for finding authentic flannel shirts. Look for soft, worn-in fabrics and classic plaid patterns.
* **Band T-Shirts:** Show your love for your favorite ’90s bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Spice Girls, or TLC. The more vintage and worn, the better.
* **How to Style:** Wear with ripped jeans, a flannel shirt, and sneakers. Tuck it into a high-waisted skirt for a more feminine look. Cut it into a crop top for a rebellious vibe.
* **Finding the Right One:** Check out vintage stores, online marketplaces (like Etsy or eBay), or even create your own with a blank t-shirt and fabric paint.
* **Crop Tops:** A ’90s must-have. Think simple tank tops, baby tees, or even DIY creations.
* **How to Style:** Pair with high-waisted jeans, a skirt, or even overalls. Layer it under a flannel shirt or a cardigan.
* **Finding the Right One:** Pretty much every clothing store carries crop tops. Look for simple styles in solid colors or fun patterns.
* **Baby Tees:** Fitted, short-sleeved t-shirts, often with a fun graphic or logo.
* **How to Style:** Similar to crop tops, baby tees look great with high-waisted bottoms. They’re also perfect for layering under overalls or dresses.
* **Finding the Right One:** Urban Outfitters and vintage stores are good places to start your search.
* **Sweater Vests:** Channel your inner Cher Horowitz with a preppy sweater vest. Look for plaid, argyle, or solid-colored options.
* **How to Style:** Layer it over a collared shirt with a plaid skirt and knee-high socks for a *Clueless*-inspired look. Wear it over a t-shirt with jeans for a more casual vibe.
* **Finding the Right One:** Thrift stores and vintage shops are goldmines for sweater vests. You can also find them at stores like ASOS or ModCloth.
* **Oversized Sweatshirts:** Perfect for a casual, comfortable look. Look for styles with a college logo, a band name, or a fun graphic.
* **How to Style:** Wear with leggings, jeans, or even biker shorts. Roll up the sleeves for a more relaxed vibe.
* **Finding the Right One:** Sporting goods stores, college bookstores, and thrift stores are all great places to find oversized sweatshirts.
* **Tube Tops:** Another ’90s staple, especially for warmer weather.
* **How to Style:** Pair with high-waisted jeans or a skirt. Layer under a denim jacket or cardigan.
* **Finding the Right One:** Similar to crop tops, you can find tube tops at most clothing stores.

### 2. Bottoms:

* **High-Waisted Jeans:** The cornerstone of any ’90s wardrobe. Look for styles like mom jeans, boyfriend jeans, or straight-leg jeans. Distressed denim is a plus.
* **How to Style:** Pair with everything! Crop tops, t-shirts, sweaters, flannel shirts – the possibilities are endless. Roll up the cuffs for a more relaxed look.
* **Finding the Right One:** Pretty much every denim brand carries high-waisted jeans. Levi’s, Madewell, and Everlane are all good places to start.
* **Ripped Jeans:** The more rips, the better! These are perfect for adding a grunge edge to any outfit.
* **How to Style:** Wear with a band t-shirt, a flannel shirt, and combat boots for a classic grunge look. Dress them up with a crop top and platform shoes for a more edgy vibe.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find ripped jeans at most denim retailers. You can also DIY them by ripping up an old pair of jeans.
* **Overalls:** A fun and playful ’90s staple. Wear them with one strap undone for a truly authentic look.
* **How to Style:** Pair with a t-shirt, a crop top, or even a sweater. Roll up the cuffs for a more relaxed vibe.
* **Finding the Right One:** Denim brands like Levi’s and Madewell carry overalls. You can also find them at vintage stores and online marketplaces.
* **Plaid Skirts:** Channel your inner Cher Horowitz with a classic plaid skirt. Mini skirts were particularly popular in the ’90s.
* **How to Style:** Pair with a sweater vest, a collared shirt, and knee-high socks for a *Clueless*-inspired look. Wear it with a t-shirt and sneakers for a more casual vibe.
* **Finding the Right One:** Thrift stores and vintage shops are great places to find plaid skirts. You can also find them at stores like ASOS and ModCloth.
* **Leggings:** Comfortable and versatile, leggings were a staple in many ’90s wardrobes. Black leggings were particularly popular.
* **How to Style:** Wear with an oversized sweatshirt, a t-shirt dress, or a long sweater. Pair with sneakers or boots.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find leggings at pretty much any clothing store.
* **Bike Shorts:** A surprising comeback trend from the ’90s.
* **How to Style:** Pair with an oversized t-shirt or sweatshirt and sneakers. Add a fanny pack for a truly ’90s look.
* **Finding the Right One:** Activewear brands and fashion retailers both carry bike shorts.

### 3. Shoes:

* **Combat Boots:** A grunge essential. Dr. Martens were particularly popular.
* **How to Style:** Pair with ripped jeans, a flannel shirt, and a band t-shirt for a classic grunge look. Wear them with a dress or skirt to add a touch of edge.
* **Finding the Right One:** Dr. Martens are the original combat boots, but you can find similar styles at other shoe retailers.
* **Sneakers:** Converse Chuck Taylors, Vans, and Adidas were all popular choices.
* **How to Style:** Wear with jeans, skirts, dresses – pretty much anything! Sneakers were a versatile and comfortable choice for everyday wear.
* **Finding the Right One:** These classic sneaker brands are still readily available today.
* **Platform Shoes:** From platform sneakers to platform sandals, these were all the rage in the ’90s.
* **How to Style:** Pair with crop tops, skirts, and dresses for a fun and playful look.
* **Finding the Right One:** Steve Madden is a brand that is synonymous with ’90s platform shoes. You can also find similar styles at other shoe retailers.
* **Mary Janes:** A sweet and feminine choice, especially when paired with knee-high socks.
* **How to Style:** Wear with plaid skirts, dresses, and sweater vests for a *Clueless*-inspired look.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find Mary Janes at many shoe retailers.

### 4. Accessories:

* **Chokers:** A must-have accessory. Black velvet, plastic, and beaded chokers were all popular.
* **How to Style:** Wear with anything! Chokers added a touch of edge to any outfit.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find chokers at most jewelry stores and online retailers.
* **Scrunchies:** Practical and stylish, scrunchies were a popular way to tie back your hair.
* **How to Style:** Use them to create a high ponytail, a messy bun, or even wear them on your wrist as a bracelet.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find scrunchies at most drugstores and clothing stores.
* **Fanny Packs:** A surprisingly practical and stylish accessory. Wear it around your waist or across your chest.
* **How to Style:** Pair with bike shorts, jeans, or even a dress.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find fanny packs at sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, and fashion retailers.
* **Bandanas:** Wear it in your hair, around your neck, or tied to your bag.
* **How to Style:** So many possibilities! Tie it around a ponytail, wear it as a headband, or tie it around your neck as a scarf.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find bandanas at most clothing stores and drugstores.
* **Hoop Earrings:** Gold and silver hoops were a popular choice.
* **How to Style:** Wear with anything! Hoop earrings are a classic and versatile accessory.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find hoop earrings at most jewelry stores.
* **Sunglasses:** Small, oval sunglasses were a popular trend in the ’90s.
* **How to Style:** Wear them with anything! Sunglasses are a practical and stylish accessory.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find sunglasses at most clothing stores and eyewear retailers.
* **Hair Clips:** Butterfly clips, snap clips, and claw clips were all popular ways to style your hair in the ’90s.
* **How to Style:** Use them to create fun and playful hairstyles.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find hair clips at most drugstores and beauty supply stores.
* **Body Glitter:** For a fun and festive touch!
* **How to Style:** Apply to your face, body, or hair for a shimmering look.
* **Finding the Right One:** You can find body glitter at most beauty supply stores.
* **Doc Martens (Again!)** They are such a key accessory that they deserved to be mentioned twice!
* **How to Style:** As mentioned above, versatile and iconic.

## Hair and Makeup for a ’90s Teenager

No ’90s look is complete without the right hair and makeup:

### Hair:

* **The Rachel:** Inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s character on *Friends*, this layered hairstyle was incredibly popular.
* **Space Buns:** A fun and playful hairstyle that involves creating two small buns on top of your head.
* **High Ponytail:** A classic and simple hairstyle that was popular in the ’90s.
* **Messy Bun:** A relaxed and effortless hairstyle that was perfect for everyday wear.
* **Crimped Hair:** Another iconic ’90s hairstyle.
* **Hair Accessories:** Scrunchies, butterfly clips, and headbands were all popular ways to accessorize your hair.

### Makeup:

* **Brown Lipstick:** A must-have for any ’90s makeup look.
* **Lip Liner:** Dark lip liner paired with a lighter lipstick was a popular trend.
* **Smoky Eyeshadow:** Brown and gray eyeshadows were used to create a smoky eye look.
* **Thin Eyebrows:** A controversial trend, but thin eyebrows were definitely a defining feature of ’90s makeup.
* **Matte Foundation:** A matte finish was preferred over a dewy look.
* **Brown Eyeliner:** Instead of harsh black, brown eyeliner was more common.

## Putting It All Together: Creating Your ’90s Teen Look

Now that you have all the key pieces, it’s time to start putting together your ’90s teen look. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Grunge:** Ripped jeans, a band t-shirt, an oversized flannel shirt, combat boots, and a choker.
* **Preppy/Clueless:** A plaid skirt, a sweater vest, a collared shirt, knee-high socks, and Mary Janes.
* **Hip Hop:** Oversized jeans, a tracksuit jacket, sneakers, and a baseball cap.
* **Rave/Club Culture:** Bright neon colors, baggy pants, a crop top, platform shoes, and body glitter.
* **Casual/Everyday:** High-waisted jeans, a t-shirt, sneakers, and a scrunchie.

**Tips for Nailing the ’90s Aesthetic:**

* **Thrift Store Shopping is Key:** Authentic ’90s clothing can be found at thrift stores and vintage shops. This is a great way to find unique and affordable pieces.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match:** The ’90s were all about expressing individuality, so don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and trends.
* **Pay Attention to Details:** The accessories, hair, and makeup are just as important as the clothing when it comes to creating a ’90s look.
* **Embrace the Attitude:** The ’90s were a time of rebellion, individuality, and self-expression. Embrace that attitude and let it shine through in your style.
* **Watch ’90s Movies and TV Shows for Inspiration:** *Clueless*, *Friends*, *Reality Bites*, *Empire Records*, and *My So-Called Life* are all great sources of inspiration for ’90s teen fashion.
* **Don’t be afraid to DIY:** Get creative and personalize your ’90s look by DIY-ing your own clothing and accessories.
* **Comfort is King (and Queen):** While some ’90s trends were undeniably stylish, comfort was also a major factor. Don’t sacrifice comfort for style. Find pieces that you feel good in and that allow you to express yourself.
* **Consider the Occasion:** Are you dressing up for a ’90s themed party? Or are you just looking to incorporate some ’90s elements into your everyday wardrobe? Adjust your look accordingly.
* **Research specific ’90s subcultures:** From grunge to goth to raver, the ’90s were a diverse decade. Diving deeper into specific subcultures can provide even more inspiration for your ’90s looks.
* **Remember the music!** Music played a HUGE role in ’90s fashion. Consider the music you love and let it influence your style choices.

## Where to Shop for ’90s Inspired Clothing

* **Thrift Stores:** The ultimate destination for finding authentic vintage pieces.
* **Vintage Shops:** Curated collections of vintage clothing, often at a higher price point than thrift stores.
* **Online Marketplaces (Etsy, eBay, Depop):** Great for finding unique and one-of-a-kind items.
* **Urban Outfitters:** Carries a mix of vintage-inspired and modern clothing.
* **ASOS:** Offers a wide range of trendy clothing at affordable prices.
* **Forever 21:** A budget-friendly option for finding trendy pieces.
* **Brandy Melville:** Known for its ’90s-inspired aesthetic.
* **Levi’s:** For classic denim pieces.
* **Dr. Martens:** For iconic combat boots.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dressing Like a ’90s Teenager

* **Going Overboard:** Don’t try to wear every ’90s trend at once. Pick and choose elements that work for you and your personal style.
* **Wearing Clothes That Don’t Fit:** The ’90s were all about comfortable clothing, so make sure your clothes fit well and are comfortable to wear.
* **Ignoring the Details:** The accessories, hair, and makeup are just as important as the clothing. Don’t neglect these details.
* **Trying Too Hard:** The ’90s were all about being yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Just have fun and express yourself.
* **Completely disregarding modern silhouettes:** While aiming for authenticity is great, completely ignoring modern cuts and fits can make your outfit look dated rather than stylishly retro. Find a balance.
* **Forgetting about the shoes:** The wrong shoes can completely ruin a ’90s-inspired outfit. Make sure to choose footwear that is appropriate for the look you are trying to achieve.

## Final Thoughts

Dressing like a ’90s teenager is all about having fun, expressing yourself, and embracing the unique style of the decade. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a totally tubular look that will turn heads and transport you back to the ’90s. So grab your flannel shirt, your ripped jeans, and your combat boots, and get ready to rock that ’90s teen style! And most importantly, have fun with it! The ’90s were a time of experimentation and self-discovery, so don’t be afraid to try new things and find what works for you. Now, go forth and rock those ’90s vibes!