7 '90s Autumn Jean Outfits to Try This Season
When you think of the '90s, what instantly comes to mind? It was a decade packed with pop culture moments that years later, we still can't seem to let go of. From the creation of "The Supers" (that special breed of super supermodels) to the dawning of hip-hop and grunge, the inception of Sex and the City and Friends… the list goes on. But above all the chaos, when I think of the era, I think of the golden age of denim.
Be it Calvin Klein’s now-iconic ads to Tommy Hilfiger dressing the music icons of the moment, many of the decade’s most memorable looks had one staple at the core: a pair of jeans. The overarching '90s aesthetic we tend to think of favoured clean lines, sleek silhouettes and a generally muted colour palette, so it makes sense that denim would rise in popularity.
Levi’s 501s, with their relaxed fit, hit the casual-cool sweet spot. The mid-rise, straight-leg silhouette in a perfectly faded, lived-in wash was a must-have for people everywhere. Today, fashion people (myself included!) still scour vintage stores and charity shops in search of that ever-elusive perfect pair, especially in the autumn, when our jeans can really shine.
Blue jeans were the uniform of the cool. I can think of so many examples: Tyra Banks in a double-denim get-up in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's entire capsule wardrobe; not to mention Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, who played some of the decade's most iconic film and TV characters. The '90s were filled with celebrities who made jeans feel like more than just another trend, so it’s no surprise that modern denim brands like Agolde and Re/Done have looked to the era for inspiration, reimagining those timeless silhouettes for a new audience craving that same cool.
With a plethora of '90s trends back at the forefront, channelling the decade’s style has never been easier. For me, the best autumn jeans outfits all tap into that authentically cool, carefree minimalism the era did so well. So, if you’re keen to give your wardrobe a ’90s injection but don’t fancy looking like Scary Spice (no offence, Mel B), scroll on for the 7 best '90s autumn jeans outfits to recreate this season.
7 '90s Autumn Jeans Outfits to Recreate This Season:
1. Cindy Crawford: Blazer + Jumper + Jeans + Boots
Style Notes: I had to do a double-take when I spotted Cindy Crawford in an '90s jeans ensemble that I know I've seen people wearing today, butter yellow jumper and all. Wearing square-toe boots, a light brown leather blazer and a soft pop of yellow via her jumper, she uses her jeans as the grounding base. It’s a masterclass in texture and tone, balancing laid-back cool with a pulled-together edge. Proof, if ever we needed it, that great denim styling never dates.
Shop the Look:
This tee is available in every shade imaginable.
AGOLDE
'90s High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
AGOLDE produces some of the best 90s-inspired jeans I’ve ever tried.
The Frankie Shop
Basel Cotton-Blend Sweater
A butter yellow cashmere jumper? Sign me up.
Whistles
Stevie Leather Blazer
Such a good price for a leather jacket.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Hedda
These look almost identical to the boots Cindy wore decades ago.
Jimmy Fairly
Coline Sunglasses
These are a staple of fashion people everywhere.
Massimo Dutti
Small Nappa Leather Bag With Compartments
2. Drew Barrymore: Blazer + Cargo Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: Drew Barrymore might be admired today as a warm, talk show host, but back in the '90s, she was the ‘it-girl’, especially when denim was involved. Often embracing a relaxed, slightly undone aesthetic, Drew’s outfit leans into the timelessness of minimalism. Her loose blazer paired with low-rise cargo jeans, well-worn loafers, oval sunglasses this look is a true reminder that an unfussy look will always be better.
