Every decade had its moment. Let’s break it down, compare the vibes, and see how these iconic styles still influence what we wear today.
The 90s: Grunge, Minimalism, and Supermodel Cool
Mood: Effortless and edgy with a don't-care energy
Style Icons: Naomi Campbell, Winona Ryder, Aaliyah, Gwen Stefani
Key Pieces:
Baggy jeans and cargos
Crop tops and baby tees
Flannels tied around the waist
Slip dresses over tees
Platform sneakers and chunky boots
Tiny sunglasses
Makeup & Beauty: Matte foundation, brown lip liner, super thin brows, and dark eyeliner
The Look: Gritty but intentional. This was the decade of streetwear meeting supermodel polish.
The 2000s (Y2K): Pop Princess Meets Party Girl
Mood: Extra, sparkly, chaotic in the best way
Style Icons: Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Destiny's Child, Christina Aguilera
Key Pieces:
Low-rise jeans and mini skirts
Halter tops and rhinestone camis
Velour tracksuits
Logo bags and mini shoulder purses
Butterfly clips and trucker hats
Makeup & Beauty: Frosted shadow, glossy lips, body glitter, visible lip liner
The Look: All about the details—shiny, colorful, and full of confidence.
Now: Trend Hopping Meets Personal Style
Mood: Mix-and-match, aesthetic-driven, all about self-expression
Style Influences: TikTok trends, Instagram street style, influencers like Emma Chamberlain and Bella Hadid
Popular Aesthetics:
Clean Girl: neutrals, slick buns, gold jewelry
Coquette: bows, lace, vintage romance
Alt/Grunge: layered black, fishnets, oversized everything
Baddie: body-hugging pieces, cutouts, monochrome
Soft Girl: pastel tones, tennis skirts, cardigans
Key Pieces:
Oversized jeans or cargos
Matching sets
Statement sneakers
Layered basics
Thrifted one-of-a-kind finds
Makeup & Beauty: Skin-focused looks, faux freckles, bold brows, playful color
The Look: Nothing is off limits. You can be soft girl one day and edgy streetwear the next. Fashion now is about mood, not rules.
So... Which Era Wins?
Honestly, they all do. The 90s brought us minimal cool and street style. The 2000s delivered glam, glitter, and bold risks. Today, we get to remix all of it—and make it our own.