Ready to step back in time and channel your inner 90s icon? Whether you’re “vibing” with the grunge style of Kurt Cobain or the glam of the Spice Girls, a 90s party is the perfect excuse to embrace the decade’s bold and eclectic fashion trends.
Here’s a fun and entertaining guide to help you figure out what to wear to a 90s party, complete with outfit ideas, accessories, and makeup tips to ensure you’re the star of the night!
What To Wear To A 90s Party?
Iconic 90s Wardrobe Essentials
High Waisted Jeans and Baggy Pants
High-waist jeans were all the rage in the 90s. Whether you go for the classic blue denim or mix it up with a pair of black high-waist jeans, these are a must-have. Pair them with a plain t-shirt or an oversized shirt for a laid-back look. Baggy pants and baggy jeans were also extremely popular, especially in hip-hop style. Add a leather jacket to complete the look!
Slip Dresses and Denim Skirts
For a more feminine vibe, slip dresses were a staple. Think Kate Moss and her effortlessly chic style. A denim skirt is another versatile option that you can pair with a crop top or a graphic tee. Don’t forget to throw on a pair of combat boots or chunky sneakers to keep it authentic.
Grunge Style
Embrace your inner Courtney Love with a grungy-style outfit. Ripped jeans, a plaid shirt, and black tights are key components. Add some fishnet stockings and a bucket hat to elevate your grunge look. Pearl Jam and Nirvana fans, this is your time to shine!
Hip Hop and Streetwear
Channel the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with bright colors, gold chains, and a fanny pack. Hip-hop style was all about bold statements and oversized clothing. Think baggy pants, graphic tees, and Timberland boots. Don’t forget the bucket hat and leather jackets for added flair.
Iconic 90s Fashion Icons
Spice Girls and Pop Princesses
The SpiceGirls were fashion trailblazers in the 90s. From sporty tracksuits to glam dresses, they covered it all. Channel your inner Baby Spice with a jean skirt and platform sandals, or go Sporty Spice with a crop top and white sneakers. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera also rocked crop tops and bright colors. Think iconic schoolgirl outfits and metallic everything!
TV and Movie Characters
From Rachel Green’s (Jennifer Aniston) chic ensembles in Friends to plaid sets of Cher Horowitz worn in Clueless, TV and movie characters offer plenty of inspiration. Women with a slip dress and a choker necklace can channel Buffy the Vampire Slayer, while Dawson’s Creek fashion is all about laid-back preppy vibes.
Accessories and Makeup Trends
Hair and Makeup
Butterfly clips, scrunchies, and headbands were all the rage in the 90s. Go for bold and fun makeup trends like frosted lips, glitter eyeshadow, and thin eyebrows. Channel Naomi Campbell’s runway look or Liv Tyler’s edgy style with black eyeliner and glossy lips.
Shoes and Bags
Platform sandals, chunky sneakers, and combat boots are perfect footwear choices. For a more casual look, go with white sneakers. And don’t forget to accessorize with a fanny pack or a mini backpack for that extra 90s touch.
Putting It All Together: 90s Party Outfit Ideas
- Grunge Goddess: Ripped blue jeans, plaid shirt, black tights, combat boots, and fishnet stockings. Accessorize with a choker and a bucket hat.
- Hip Hop Hype: Baggy pants, graphic tee, leather jackets, gold chains, Timberland boots, and a fanny pack.
- Pop Princess: Denim skirt, crop top, white sneakers, butterfly clips, and glittery makeup.
- TV Starlet: Slip dress, black tights, Mary Janes, scrunchie, and a mini backpack.
- Glam Rocker: High-waisted jeans, plain t-shirt, leather jackets, chunky sneakers, and bold makeup.
90s Fashion Do’s and Don’ts
To ensure your 90s party outfit is on point and free from fashion faux pas, follow these fun and helpful ideas:
Do’s
Do embrace bold colors and patterns: The 90s were all about making a statement, so don’t be afraid to wear bright colors and eye-catching patterns.
Do mix and match styles: Combine different 90s trends, like grunge with pop, for a unique and personalized look.
Do accessorize: Use butterfly clips, chokers, and fanny packs to add that perfect 90s touch to your outfit.
Do shop at thrift stores: Authentic 90s pieces can often be found in thrift shops, giving you an edge with genuine vintage items.
Do layer your clothes: Layering was a big trend in the 90s. Think slip dresses over plain t-shirts or flannel shirts tied around the waist.
Don’ts
Don’t overdo the trends: While it’s fun to embrace 90s fashion, try not to wear too many trends at once. Pick a theme and stick with it.
Don’t forget the makeup: The right makeup can complete your 90s look. Go for frosted lips, glitter eyeshadow, and bold eyeliner.
Don’t shy away from oversized: Baggy jeans, oversized shirts, and loose jackets were all the rage. Embrace the relaxed fit!
Don’t ignore your footwear: Shoes can make or break your outfit. Choose chunky sneakers, combat boots, or platform sandals to stay true to the 90s style.
Don’t neglect comfort: While fashion is important, make sure your outfit is comfortable enough to dance the night away.
Guide to Decorations
The 90s were an era of vibrant colors, eclectic music, and unique pop culture trends that continue to evoke nostalgia. If you’re planning a 90s-themed party, capturing the essence of this iconic decade through your decorations is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you create a truly immersive 90s atmosphere, with a focus on balloons, neon, glow sticks, and other relevant décor elements.
1. Balloons: A Burst of Nostalgia
Balloons are a must-have for any party, and a 90s-themed bash is no exception. Opt for bright, bold colors like neon pink, electric blue, and vibrant yellow to reflect the colorful spirit of the decade. Consider the following balloon decoration ideas:
- Balloon Arch: Create a striking entrance with a balloon arch in 90s colors. Mix solid colors with printed balloons featuring iconic 90s patterns such as geometric shapes or graffiti-style designs.
- Balloon Centerpieces: Use clusters of balloons as centerpieces for tables. You can incorporate Mylar balloons in shapes like stars or music notes to add a touch of 90s pop culture.
- Balloon Backdrop: Design a balloon wall backdrop for a perfect photo op. Arrange balloons in a gradient pattern or mix them randomly for a more chaotic, 90s vibe.
2. Neon Lights: Electrifying Ambiance
Neon lights were a hallmark of 90s décor, and they can instantly transform your party space into a retro haven. Here’s how to incorporate neon lighting effectively:
- Neon Signs: Hang neon signs with 90s phrases or shapes like lightning bolts, hearts, or the iconic “Peace” symbol. These signs add a vibrant, electric feel to your venue.
- Neon Strips: Use neon strip lights to outline tables, the dance floor, or the entrance. Choose colors like neon green, pink, or blue to stay true to the 90s theme.
- Neon Party Favors: Provide guests with neon accessories such as bracelets, necklaces, and glasses. These not only enhance the party’s aesthetic but also serve as fun souvenirs.
3. Glow Sticks: Luminous Fun
Image Source: Sven Mandel
Glow sticks are quintessential 90s party items that add an element of fun and interactivity. Here’s how to use them:
- Glow Stick Centerpieces: Fill clear vases or jars with activated glow sticks for a glowing centerpiece. These can be placed on tables or around the venue for a cool, ambient effect.
- Glow Stick Accessories: Hand out glow stick accessories like bracelets, necklaces, and headbands to guests upon arrival. They are perfect for a dimly lit dance floor and add a dynamic visual element to your party.
- Glow Stick Balloons: Insert activated glow sticks into balloons before inflating them. These glowing balloons can be scattered around the venue or used in balloon bouquets.
4. Additional Décor Elements
To complete your 90s-themed party, incorporate these additional décor elements:
- Retro Posters: Decorate walls with posters of popular 90s bands, movies, and TV shows. Think Nirvana, Spice Girls, “Friends,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
- Cassette Tapes and CDs: Use old cassette tapes and CDs as part of your table decorations. Stack them up, spread them out, or use them as part of a larger centerpiece.
- Bean Bags and Inflatable Furniture: Create a chill-out zone with colorful bean bags and inflatable chairs, reminiscent of 90s teen bedrooms and hangouts.
- Video Game Stations: Set up a retro video game station with consoles like the Nintendo 64 or Sega Genesis. This not only adds to the décor but also provides entertainment for your guests.
- Blacklight: Incorporate blacklights to make your neon and glow stick elements pop even more. They create a unique, otherworldly glow that enhances the 90s party vibe.
With these tips and outfit ideas, you’ll have no trouble figuring out what to wear to a 90s theme party. So, break out those high-waist jeans, slip dresses, and oversized shirts, and get ready to dance the night away to the tunes of SpiceGirls, Britney Spears, and Pearl Jam. Happy partying!
