So you’re going to a ’90s Party and want to steal the show.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to 15 stunning nineties party outfit ideas: 5 for females, 5 for males, and 5 for couples.
Each outfit idea is rooted in genuine 90s celebrities and their authentic fashion styles.
Also, under each outfit idea, I present you with the most affordable places to shop for the garments, footwear, and accessories required to create these looks.
Without further ado, here’s what to wear to a 90s party – the most relevant outfits of the nineties decade to look the best.
Five 90s Party Outfit Ideas for Females
Below are the 5 popular party outfits for females you can wear at a nineties-themed event.
1. Clueless-inspired Plaid Sets
The plaid set is one of the most recognizable styles of the 90s, attributed to Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) and her iconic yellow plaid blazer and skirt set from Clueless.
The cult classic spawned countless trends defining the 90s era, from fur-lined cardigans to slinky slip dresses.
But, the plaid skirt set cues up nostalgia for the days of beepers, trips to Blockbuster, and beverages like Snapple and Fruitopia.
2. Spice Girls-inspired Outfits
The 90s fashion was profoundly influenced by grunge and hip-hop bands wearing leather jackets, oversized knitted jumpers, one-leg rolled-up pants, etc.
But among all the bands that influenced the 90s fashion trends, the Spice Girls were the most influential with their Posh, Sporty, Scary, Ginger, and Baby outfits.
The British band returned the platform shoe trends of the 70s fashion to the 90s.
Regardless of your outfit choice, be that cheetah print tights, the iconic Union Jack mini-dress, or a pink slip dress with white knee-high socks, pair them with platform shoes for a maximum 90s effect.
3. Britney Spears School Uniform
As a 90s teenage girl, there weren’t many ways to express your signature style, so the school became everyone’s fashion show.
Peaco*cking styles and looks were as important as acing your physics exam and getting your crush to notice you.
One of the most popular 90s party outfits is inspired by Britney Spears’ iconic music video, …Baby One More Time.
The look comprises a black mini-skirt and a white shirt with sleeves up and buttons down – crop-knotted to let the belly button out and see a bit of your bra.
Finalize the look with lots of baby barrette in your hair, a pair of black girl’s straps, and knee-high white socks.
4. Destiny Child Camo Look
Another favorite 90s party costume for girls is the camouflage outfit – Destiny’s Child style.
From their infamous “Survivor” music video, the style is attributed to Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, who served as the band’s official costume designer.
In creating this Destiny’s Child signature aesthetic, Tina drew inspiration from Motown, Grace Jones, and Queen Latifah.
One of the best places to get a 90s Destiny’s Child party outfit is Depop – search “CAMO “to find many costumes listed as Destiny’s Child ‘inspired’ cargo pants and bodysuits.
Don’t forget your army-style boots and, ideally, a helmet for a complete 90s party look that’ll make you stand out from the crowd!
5. Drew Barrymore’s Grunge Style
Made from a wide range of materials – from leather to velour and silk, 90s vests were worn as independent pieces rather than a suit combo and matched with skirts and jeans.
Go for a black velour vest (easy to find in thrift shops) and match it with a logo statement fanny pack and a light blue denim skirt.
Finalize the style with a pair of black Converse and white socks.
Five 90s Party Outfit Ideas for Males
Below are 5 popular 90s party outfits for males, ideal if you want maximum effect at nineties-themed events, celebrations, festivities, and even reunions.
1. Will Smith’s Ryon Shirt and Overalls
Showcased in movies, music clips, and on stage by supermodels, overalls were trendy in the nineties.
However, for a classic 90s party style, you must match your overalls with a rayon shirt and rock it with one strap.
Some popular choices (shirts) came in bright colors with floral prints. Whatever you do, don’t pair a plaid shirt or denim shirt with this look.
Finalize the look with 90s-style Air Jordan basketball sneakers or classic ‘Second Shift Work’ boots from CAT.
2. Andre Agassi 90s Tennis Set
Popularized by tennis stars, 90s thick headbands became a must-wear hair accessory that permeated the catwalk scene.
Headbands were everywhere, from colleges – paired with preppy clothes – to movies and music clips.
This stunning 90s party outfit requires long hair, a 90s tennis polo shirt from Nike or Head, and a pair of acid-washed jeans.
Finalize the look with a color-matching headband and a pair of 90s tennis shoes from FILA, Reebok, or Nike.
3. Run D.M.C. Adidas Tracksuit
The oversized clothing style caught the imagination of everyone, from college students to celebrated hip-hop stars seeking to make a new fashion statement.
This trendy 90s party outfit was an absolute hit in the 90s, thanks to Run DMC’s commercial, My Adidas.
Ideally, you go for a classic dark-colored striped Adidas suit and a contrasting pair of Adidas Superstars lace-free.
Accessorize the look with a large golden chain (or even 2) and a classic Black Fedora hat for maximum effect.
4. Kirk Cameron Rolled-up Sleeve Blazer
Blazers with rolled-up sleeves and t-shirts underneath were a big thing in the early 90s fashion.
Promoted by those time movie stars, the look showcased a smart casual style to be worn at the office, going out, and even on a casual dinner date.
Ideally, go for a white (one size up) jacket, a contrasting color t-shirt, and a pair of light jeans or casual pants – baggy, fitted, cuffed, anything goes.
Complete the look with a belt that matches the color of the jacket and a pair of shoes, ideally a Chuck Taylor Converse, penny loafers, or even suede leather Moccasin shoes with a fringed design.
5. Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson’s Pimp Look
The high-waist jeans and turtleneck sweater combo was another classic piece staple of 90s fashion.
The look was sported everywhere, but Steve Jobs’s 1991 appearance at the ‘PC Forum’ gathering made it a 90s trademark style.
However, Dwayne Johnson – The Rock’s 1996 look showcases the perfect 90s party look, thanks to the high-waisted pants, platform sneakers, and accessories galore.
Match your turtleneck with a pair of grey New Balance sneakers, a jeans belt, and a belt bag.
Ideally, you add many silver accessories such as a necklace, bracelet, and watch.
90s Theme Party Outfits for Couples
The nineties decade was filled with power couples like Britney Spears & Justin Timberlake, J. Lo and Puff Daddy, or Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Below are the most representative 90s couple costumes, suitable for the most demanding 1990s party style.
1. Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow Combo
In the case of Gwyneth and Brad, everything was matching, from outfits to hairstyles, often sporting identically trimmed and dyed bobs.
Dating from 1994 to 1997, the duo nailed 90s couple dressing with clothes that nowadays are staple outfits for a 90s party theme.
This is also the most effortless 90s outfit for a white couple.
All you need is a stripy sweater V-neck vest, a white t-shirt, a pair of high-waist chinos, and Converse (for him).
For her, a long floral dress in boho style matching her partner’s color theme and a pair of platform sandals.
Finalize this 90s party look with tiny, round sunglasses – for both.
2. Puff Daddy and Jennifer Lopez Hip-hop Combo
Lopez and Puff Daddy dated from 1999 to 2001, years that Combs recalls as: “a great time in my life.”
This 90s party outfit for couples is suitable for those with a dark skin complex who love hip-hop music.
Why dark-skin tone? Because white trendy jeans for women, sneakers, sandals, tops, and diamond-like accessories create a stunning contrast with the skin.
Moreover, this style looks fantastic when the couple can pull some hip-hope moves simultaneously.
3. Johnny Depp and Kate Moss’s Rock Style
Johnny Depp and Kate Moss 90s outfits for couples to wear to a 90s partyWhen Johnny Depp and Kate Moss first met, she was a 20-year-old jet-setting model, and he was a 31-year-old Hollywood A-lister obsessed with the Hollywood club scene.
Their passions are visible in the couple’s Rock-style outfits in the 90s, with Moss wearing long, structural coats and Depp ‘deeping’ (no pun intended) in his usual city look: leather jacket, jeans, and monochrome t-shirt.
If you’re playing Johhny, don’t forget the double glasses; there’s a pair on his head – I bet you haven’t seen them until now.
4. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett’s ‘Devil In A Blue Dress’ Outfit
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith ruled the 1990s-style scene.
From micro sunglasses and boxy blazers to excessive leather, the Smiths set the benchmark for ultra-hip dressing that looks just as sharp today.
The Smiths coordinated their outfits beautifully, spotted at the “Devil In A Blue Dress” premiere.
Jada challenges the film’s title with her Hawaiian-style blue dress, matching Will’s oversized striped suit and a white T-shirt.
5. Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love’s Grunge Look
Another 90s power couple to get inspired by for a perfect 90s party costume.
While Love’s overall aesthetic and dressing style is described as ‘kinderwhor*,’ the look is straightforward to construct.
A long white satin dress, pearls bracelet, and white low-heel pointed shoes. That’s it.
The style is equally simple for him, grounded in the classic Grunge style.
From the bottom up, Converse sneakers, ripped jeans, long sleeve sailor-style top with horizontal stripes, and oversized round glasses, ideally in red.
Don’t forget the matching suicidal-bleached hairstyle and a milk bottle for a complete look; the baby’s optional.
Styling Tips
While all 90s party clothes must represent the nineties stylistic decade, choosing the best 90s party outfit for you depends on several factors.
There are specific 90s party clothes and styles for different genders, for women, men, androgynous, and even gender-free.
There are specific 90s party clothes and styles for different body types, from long and tall to petite and curvy, all-inclusive body types.
Even the haircut style and color matter when choosing a great 90s costume party that would have a maximum effect.
So, whether you’re attending a 90s-themed party and need outfit inspiration or want to relive your youth’s decade, this article includes a list of 20 inexpensive but effective 90s party outfit ideas.
Following this article’s 90s party outfit examples, you’ll find that putting together your 90s party-style costume is convenient, affordable, and fast.
As a key takeaway, remember that finding and wearing the best 90s party outfit depends on your current style, age, haircut, and even skin complexion.
Most 90s fashion pieces comprise garments not necessarily representative of those times, such as bowling shirts, flared jeans, skinny jeans, and even double denim.
Other 90s outfits comprise flannel shirts and leather blazers, giving a sense of style more relevant to the 80s fashion.
But, above all, the looks you choose must represent the nineties stylistic decade worn by celebrities of those times.
So, whenever in doubt, return to this article for the best inspiration for all kinds of 90s party outfits.
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Mandy Meyer
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
