Some clothes are truly meant for the fall aesthetic. Bulky sweaters, overalls, plaid—no other season can truly encompass the comfort and warmth that Autumn brings. However, current fall fashion trends extend from a singular source: the 90s. The fashion world is currently experiencing a 90s revival, and it has taken the world by storm.
The remaining fashion from the 80s was a little too extravagant for the people of the departing 20th century. Some categorized the 90s as minimalist in comparison to the 80s due to it’s more practical nature. But the 90s still had a lot of added spunk that sets it apart from any other decade, spunk that English Teacher Mrs. Lulis believes is perfect for a revival, and for the fall season.
“I was a high schooler in the 90s, so I wish I had kept all my clothing,” Lulis said. “But in all honesty, I appreciate that 90s fashion is meant for a younger style.”
Despite not living in the 90s, younger generations have been raving about the fashion of the time. It’s impossible to walk down the halls of South without spotting a pair of Doc Martens, or a colorful scrunchie on someone’s wrist, as revisiting the trends of the 90s has become a trend on its own. Trends these days move quickly, but sophomore Verona Relan ’26 wants this one to stay.
“Some people may start a trend, just thinking that it’s a trend, but then that might become their full style,” Relan said. “And I think that’s a good way to find yourself.”
But 90s fashion isn’t just a trend, The clothing choices of the 90s allowed for an accessible outlet to rage against the mainstream fashion machine. Layers and baggy pants tended to be a lot more comfortable than the shoulder pads and puffy sleeves that dominated the 80s. In the 90s, many were striving to be different, just like sophomore Leo Neds-Fox ’26 is today.
“Over the years I’ve individualized my style and I feel pretty comfortable with it,” Neds-Fox said. “Your style is a representation of yourself, it’s like an art.”
However, this revival is nothing new. Revisiting different decades of fashion has become its own trend, previously with 70s, now 90s and soon the y2k will be back in fashion according to the 20 year fashion cycle. With each resurgence comes improvements, and according to Senior Meryn Vick ’24, taking 90s elements and incorporating them into other areas of fashion allows for a better, more modern twist.
“I love to select 90s fashion. Every era of fashion has its weird spots, but overall 90s fashion is really strong,” Vick said.
The 20 year fashion cycle involving the 90s is soon coming to a close, and the fashion world is smoothly transitioning to early 2000s fashion. However, just because the trend is departing does not invalidate the impact of the fashion movement itself. Vick is personally sticking with 90s fashion.
“I hope it’s not just a trend and it dies,” Vick said. “I hope it does stay around a little longer.”
