The ’90s style moments that keep guys trawling eBay
Below, the pieces you need for a ’90s hit – and exactly how to style them
A pair of baggy jeans
A small issue: Buying a pair of loose-fit jeans won’t exactly give you a ’90s spin because, well, that’s what we wear right now. But you can get the nod in by being intentional about the colour of the denim. That shade of deep, dark blue was big in the ’90s, whereas modern jeans tend towards lighter blues and blacks. Pair with a vintage tee and an oversized shirt to really take it into the zone, or modernise it with a nice sweater.
A great leather jacket
All the cool guys in the ’90s – including the ones above – were leather jacket guys. In their time, the moto-style shape with lapels and snap-buttons was big. In yours, go for something a little more streamlined. A slick leather bomber can be thrown over a T-shirt or partially zipped over a shirt and tie, if you fancy. Aviator sunnies worn at own caution, of course.
Cos
Black Leather Bomber Jacket
An (not-too-)oversized blazer
In the ’90s, there was none of this slim-fit nonsense. Blazers were long, draping off the shoulders, gaping off the chest – a nod to the New York power suit that took over a few years prior. We wouldn’t recommend going that far, but slouching out the fit of your blazer gives you the same effect without looking like you shrunk in the wash.
Mango
Relaxed Fit Suit Blazer
Rimless sunglasses
Sunglasses did a lot of heavy lifting in the style department in the ’90s, but don’t opt for easy mode. Aviators and Oakley wrap-arounds were big, but you can go way niche-r. A rimless gradient lens pair, like these from Akila, feel of the time but they still work with your chore jacket and cargo combo tomorrow.
Akila
Silver & Purple IO Sunglasses
Hi-top sneakers
When you think of ’90s sneakers, those big chunky sports-style ones dominate the nostalgia. But give a little moment for the Converse Chuck Taylor – still retro in vibe, but sleeker and a bit more modern looking. These ones come with ying-yang details and the classic black and white colourway.
Converse
Chuck Taylor 1970s Hi Sneaker
An artsy necklace
Is there anything more subtly ’90s than a beaded necklace peeking out of your T-shirt collar? See: Leonardo DiCaprio above. Arts-and-crafts necklaces – pukka shells, silver chains, those twisty little chokers girls loved – were big. And you know what? They still work in 2025. This multi-coloured stone one by Peyote Bird is just fancy enough to avoid cosplay associations.
Peyote Bird
Poppy Beaded Necklace
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