Our Favorite Fashion Moments From ’90s Movies
Fashion from the '90s shaped and altered style in a big way.
And these days, we're re-obsessing over all the classic '90s fashions. Celebrities absolutely rocked that decade in terms of style, and we love a good trip down memory lane. Some of our favorite icons from the '90s include Mandy Moore, Julia Roberts, the Olsen twins, Sarah Jessica Parker, Winona Ryder, Christina Aguilera, Kate Moss and Princess Diana—just to name a few.
But what about all of those classic '90s films? There were some incredible fashion moments, and we took a trip down memory lane and rounded up our absolute favorite outfits and fashion moments from some of the best '90s movies.
Clueless: Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz
Clueless shaped an entire generation and made everyone want to get their own "smart closet." In the film, Cher has a closet system that helps her pick and choose which outfit to wear for the day, with the most iconic being her yellow plaid skirt and jacket combo. But it's all in the details—the silver chain, the yellow vest and of course the humongous cell phone truly bring the outfit together. This is just one of many fashion moments from the film—and we suggest watching the movie to find more for yourself. (Hint—the white dress! ????)
Cruel Intentions: Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil
Cruel Intentions is one of those movies you can watch over and over again, without ever getting sick of it. Why? The stars, of course! With talents like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Selma Blair, it's one star-studded film we'll always appreciate. Based in New York City, you see all sorts of styles, but our favorite has to be SMG's character, Kathryn Merteuil. She's definitely the villain of the film, but her style is so impeccable that we don't even care.
10 Things I Hate About You: Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford
10 Things I Hate About You gives us all the feels. First and foremost, it makes us think of Heath Ledger—absolute hunk, incredible actor and gone way too soon. His performance alongside Julia Stiles is one we will never get over. After all, who can forget the bleacher scene? Not us! In addition to the great acting and fantastic, memorable scenes, the fashions were pure genius. We loved watching Kat Stratford going from goody-goody to bad girl, rocking a leather trench coat, middle part and even a braid.
Selena: Jennifer Lopez as Selena
Selena Quintanilla is yet another star who left our world much too soon. Jennifer Lopez played the young singer in the film Selena, in which she portrayed her during her years of fame, leading up to her death. Selena died in 1995, while the film itself came out just two years later, and the fashion depicted was super accurate—even taking real outfits worn by Selena and incorporating them into the movie! Jennifer Lopez perfectly captures the essence of Selena with her bangs, bold accessories, iconic red lip and more.
Dazed and Confused: Milla Jovovich as Michelle
Dazed and Confused is yet another star-studded film, and is actually the movie that put Matthew McConaughey on the map with his impromptu line of, "Alright, alright, alright." Not to mention his incredible pink flare pants! But as for the women, Milla Jovovich's portrayal of the character Michelle had to be our all-time favorite in the film as a whole. And while she didn't get much screen time, her hippy appearance left quite the impression on us. Aside from the thin eyebrows, it looks like she could be dressed in 2021.
She's All That: Jodi Lyn O'Keefe as Taylor Vaughn
Who doesn't love a classic makeover scene? A lot of people think of The Princess Diaries, but She's All That was definitely the OG. Rachael Leigh Cooke played the lead role of Laney Boggs, alongside '90s heartthrob Freddie Prinze Jr. Laney started out as a nerdy type with no sense of style, but once she was given a makeover—or more accurately, had her glasses removed before she was plopped into clothes that actually fit her—it was game over for her love interest. However, in the film, Laney's character wasn't the star in terms of fashion. It was actually Jodi Lyn O'Keefe's portrayal of Taylor Vaughn, the mean girl. Every single outfit she wore was fire—watch the film to find out for yourself.
Never Been Kissed: Drew Barrymore as Josie Geller
This girl gang's outfits are rufus—and if you don't get that reference, go and watch Never Been Kissed right now! Drew Barrymore stars as Josie Geller in this iconic film, where she plays a reporter who goes back to high school, undercover, and tries to get in with the cool kids. Throughout the movie, there are plenty of amazing fashion moments—like hello, the white fur and the prom Barbie scene? But in addition to that, we love when all the girls bought matching cardigans from the mall. This trend is something that's made a comeback in 2021, and we're here for it.
Pulp Fiction: Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace
Perhaps one of the most iconic scenes from the '90s is when Uma Thurman and John Travolta dance the night away together in Pulp Fiction. Even if you haven't seen the film, we're willing to bet you recognize the outfits—every Halloween this costume is worn by the masses. Uma as Mia Wallace is one of our favorite '90s characters of all time, and this is in large part due to her classic look: white oversized blouse, black trousers and of course, her haircut.
Obsessed with '90s fashion as much as we are? Look HERE for our favorite ways to dress up for a '90s-inspired summer.