It was the best of times (sleek minimalism, distinct sub-cultures and Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel), it was the worst of times (gaudy trainers, ultra-baggy denim and a lack of online stores). But either way you cut it, the ‘90s were a time of memorable fashion, at least that’s the case for iconic ‘90s winter outfits.
From the reign of supermodels on the runway to the rise of legendary film starlets gaining cultural cache both on and off the red carpet, this decade delivered so many moments to take stock of. Yet, in my personal and professional opinion, there’s no better season for these tropes to excel than in cold weather.
Those with taste always turn to the past for sartorial inspiration. It’s why you’ll always see Alexa Chung channel her inner Courtney Love in a minidress and leopard-print coat, or Lila Moss take cues from her mother’s archive in a silky slip, fur-trimmed jacket or cigarette trousers. Whilst there’s no shortage of looks to mine if you’re ever in need of exemplary displays of style, I’ve always found that cooler settings are where these ensembles shine.
Prolific dressers of the time period delivered a masterclass in how to combat the elements with aplomb, mixing fuzzy coats with thermal layers to showcase how keeping frostbite at bay can actually be a chic affair.
There’s, of course, Carolyn Basette-Kennedy roaming the streets of New York in vintage Prada and Calvin Klein. Or, the likes of Cindy Crawford, who made every outing all the more sophisticated in her commitment to pared-back but well-edited wardrobe staples. Even, on the other side of the country in Los Angeles, someone like Winona Ryder, who proved that tailoring never goes astray.
The best of all, however, is simply how timeless these looks are. Though nearly 30 years have passed since these iconic ‘90s winter outfits were worn, they haven’t been subjected to the way the passing of time can age things. Classic and contemporary in equal measures, these are silhouettes that will only increase in relevance the further that we get away from them. (You only need to see the fervour that surrounds Tom Ford’s collections for Gucci for evidence of this fact.)
But to me, these iconic ‘90s winter looks serve more as an antidote to the vicious hyper-accelerated trend cycle or constant regurgitation of niche aesthetics than anything else. Yes, triangle scarves and textured hats might be trending now, but to truly wear them well, you must look back at when these pieces originated. In fact, I’d even wager that these items are only relevant now because of the elegant It girls who wore them first.
At least, that’s the mood I’m channelling, with the impactful looks I’ve chronicled ahead, ones I’ve pegged to replicate over the next few months. So, without further ado, keep scrolling through for the 11 most iconic ‘90s winter outfits that will certainly influence your own, as they have mine.
But before we begin, test your knowledge of the most iconic ’90s winter outfits with our short quiz, below.
The 11 Most Iconic ’90s Winter Outfits
1. Gwyneth Paltrow
Style Notes: Gwyneth Paltrow has always been a beacon of discerning minimalism. Whilst her looks today lean more clean-cut with a coastal, Californian edge, the actress and wellness maven’s sense of dress back in the ’90s was fitting with the grit and industrial slant of New York, where she spent her teenage years. From charcoal-coloured sets to animal print coats, her wardrobe is a case for polish with an attitude.
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