The 90s were a revolutionary time for art, film, and fashion. With the decade’s rapidly growing technology and America’s new-found embrace of multiculturalism, the 90s shot the world, the west in particular, directly into the 21st Century. The 90s were our first real taste of what the modern world would look like. Its characteristically edgy and irreverent fashion set the tone for every fashion trend of the following decades, from chunky sandals to chevron blouses even to the return of JNCOs last year (viaWall Street Journal).
Hollywood in the 90s was, for good reason, the pinnacle of American fashion, from haute couture to streetwear. Forever the decade of the supermodel, the 90s was ruled by experimental designers like Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier. Thanks to these iconic designers lending some of their fashion to films likeCluelessandGia, 90s cinema has seen some of the most memorable looks in the century-long history of the industry. Thanks to the current 90s renaissance, there’s no better time to look back at some of the decade’s most fashion-forward films.
10Poetic Justice (1993)
Starring Janet Jackson in her debut film role as the titular Justice,Poetic Justicefollows a grieving young poet who, in order to distract herself from the loss of her boyfriend, joins her friend,played by Regina King, and her boyfriend on a road trip to Oakland. Along the way, they meet a struggling musician and single father, played by the late Tupac Shakur, and he joins them on their journey.
After Lucky’s cousin and musical partner was killed just before they made it to Oakland, he blames Justice for having held him back from reaching Oakland sooner, and the two part ways, eventually reconciling in the movie’s epilogue. Perhaps the most stylish of the film’s cast, Jackson’s iconic braids and hoops were a staple of the film’s already fantastic costuming and inspired women’s fashion for years to come.
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9The Craft (1996)
One of the most influential films of the 90s,The Craftnot only helped popularize Wicca and New Age spirituality in the United States, but it also helped set the standard for late-90s fashion: grungy, witchy, and most importantly, black. From Fairuza Balk’s mall-goth inspired fishnets and latex skirts to Rachel True’s earthy knits and chunky beaded necklaces, every one of the four main girls offers endless style inspiration throughoutthis witchy 90s classic.
Following an emotional move to Los Angeles with her father and stepmother, Catholic school newcomer Sarah Bailey quickly falls in with a sketchy trio of girls claiming to carry magical powers. The four friends, now with enough members for a full coven, play around with their newly strengthened powers, using them to get back at those who have wronged them. After Balk’s Nancy Downs suffers a tragic fall from grace, endangering herself and the rest of the coven, the girls go their separate ways, traumatized and now (mostly) powerless.
8Basic Instinct (1992)
Though Sharon Stone had already more than proven herself as a talented actress and Hollywood bombshell by 1992,Basic Instinctis the movie that made her a household name for years to come. Playing a sexually liberated and murderous crime novelist by the name of Catherine Tramell, Stone dons thefull range of early-90s fashionin this classic film noir, from high-waisted jeans and belted sweaters to the pure-white, body-conscious dress and coat from her iconic interrogation scene.
The film follows SFPD detective Nick Curran as he investigates the grizzly murder of a former rock star. Conflicting evidence brings the dramatic investigation to a stalemate when Curran starts to consider both Tramell and SFPD psychologist Dr. Beth Garner as suspects, eventually leading to Garner’s death, making this yet another successful murder under Tramell’s belt.
7Jawbreaker (1999)
In the 90s tradition of teenage dark comedies, popularized by movies like 1989’sHeathersand ‘96’sWelcome to the Dollhouse,Jawbreakeris a whirlwind of vibrant colors and murderous high school shenanigans. The cool-girl trio at the movie’s heart are quintessential 90s valley girls: vapid, a little bit shallow, and always dressed to the nines.
The story follows high schooler Courtney Shayne, played masterfully by Rose McGowan, and her two friends, played by Rebecca Gayheart and Julie Benz, as they attempt to cover up the accidental murder of their friend Liz. After the group inevitably splits and Courtney tries to move on from the incident, her ruthless past quickly catches up to her when former popular girl Julie releases Courtney’s confession to the murder at the prom.
6Death Becomes Her (1992)
Anothericonic dark comedyof the 90s,Death Becomes Herpremiered to mixed reviews from critics, who claimed the movie was a stylish, comedic romp, but lacking in depth and stakes. Despite its initial less-than-satisfactory reception,Death Becomes Herhas since become something of a queer cult classic thanks to its fashionable leading divas and the eternally chic Isabella Rossellini in the role of immortal socialite Lisle von Rhuman.
Playing newly undead frenemies Madeline and Helen, Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn don countless couture looks in this cheeky comedy. Streep’s icy blonde hair with Hawn’s fiery ginger, combined with their dark, sultry fashion, make this movie a staple of 90s Hollywood glamour.
5Cruel Intentions (1999)
This dark romantic teen drama, inspired by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ iconic 18th-Century novelDangerous Liaisons, follows wealthy New York high schoolers caught up in a mess of manipulation, sex, and violence. When sheltered private school newcomer Cecile falls in with rich girl Kathryn Merteuil’s ex beau, Kathryn, portrayed by the queen of dark teen cinema Sarah Michelle Gellar, plots to destroy her reputation.
After placing a risky bet with her brother Sebastian and blackmailing multiple people in her selfish pursuit, Kathryn’s manipulative ways quickly catch up to her when Sebastian dies as a result of her meddling. Gellar’s slinky black dresses and iconic wide-brimmed hat are just a few of this movie’s fabulous fashion moments, adding to the film’s classy old-money atmosphere. Although the plannedCruel Intentionsreboot unfortunately fell through, we could have only hoped to have seen more of Kathryn Merteuil’s iconic wardrobe.
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4Juice (1992)
Much likeThe Craft,Juiceis a harrowing story of four teenagers finding power together and subsequently falling out when one gets reckless from power hunger. Tupac Shakur plays Bishop, the group’s ambitious de facto leader, who suffers a drastic shift in morals after a robbery turns murderous.Juice’smany denim overalls and bucket hats are quintessential 90s streetwear and acted as inspiration for countless men and women throughout the decade.
3Clueless (1995)
The film that skyrocketed Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, and America’s sweetheart Brittany Murphy to superstar status,Cluelessfollows in the 90s tradition of reimagining classic stories with a modern twist, in this case Jane Austen’sEmma.
Cluelesstells the story of wealthy Beverly Hills teenager Cher Horowitz as she meets and befriends rough-around-the-edges newcomer Tai Frasier, played by Murphy. After Cher vows to give Tai the ultimate makeover, Tai’s popularity begins to challenge Cher’s, straining their relationship. The two eventually have a falling out, not long before Cher realizes the importance of appreciating those she loves, and the two reconcile.
2How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Based on the 1996 book of the same name,How Stella Got Her Groove Backfollows a successful stockbroker, Stella Payne, played by the legend Angela Bassett, struggling to balance motherhood and a fulfilling career with her declining self-esteem. After her college friend Delilah suggests she leave for a much-deserved vacation to Montego Bay, Stella meets and falls in love with a younger local by the name of Winston, who quickly causes her to rethink her life so far.
On her hot island vacay, Stella rocks countless iconic summery looks, from magenta two pieces to cream lacey gowns, making her, and Bassett herself, queens of 90s fashion.
1B.A.P.S. (1997)
B.A.P.S.,starring Halle Berry and Natalie Desselle as soul food diner employees Nisi and Mickey, is one of the most unapologetically Black films of the 90s, displaying an honest and open appreciation for Black hair culture and an emphasis on Black success.
The film follows Nisi and Mickey as they travel to California in hopes of getting the money to open their own hair salon-soul food diner combo, and subsequently meet a wealthy older man who helps them get the money they need to get started. Since the movie’s premiere,Berry and Desselle’siconic beehive hairstyles and yellow and orange suits have become some of the most memorable outfits in a film to date.
