Over-sized puff vests, overalls, jeans covered in holes and chokers. It’s hard to believe that two decades ago all of these were considered to be ‘high fashion.’
When one thinks of the 90s, one thinks of the emergence of iconic bands like Nirvana and artists like Britney Spears and the rise of subcultures like grunge and the rave scene. Along with the emergence of these things, rise was also given to some pretty interesting fashions.
While most who were children in the 90s may not remember all the chic fashion, 19-year-old sophomore English and French major, Lynda Hutchinson, said she recalls wearing spandex-type leggings in the 90s.
“I used to wear those gross black legging pants all the time,” Hutchinson said. “They were so comfy. I would never wear them again today, but they were convenient and good for playing back in the day.”
Another memorable favorite of CU students is the scrunchie, like for 19-year-old sophomore open-option major Kassanda Kusnich. Patented in 1994, the scrunchie is an elastic hair tie usually covered or ‘scrunched’ in fabric.
“I loved srunchies,” Kusnich said. “I remember that you always had to have one that went along with your outfit and even if a scrunchie wasn’t in your hair it was worn as a wristband.”
Shoes were another element of fashion that received a 90s twist. Guadalupe Ortega, a 19-year-old sophomore international affairs and psychology major, shared her favorites.
“I feel like Keds were a thing in the 90s; I didn’t like them though,” Ortega said. “I did like the little gel sandals that they had though. I think they were called jellies, and they were too cute for little girls.”
Overalls served to make the all-in-one look a staple of the 90s, but not everyone, like 21-year-old design and ethnic studies major Eduardo Viezca, enjoyed them.
“Overalls equal ugh!” Viezca said. “Looking back at pictures, I had so many overalls and I wore them all the time. I liked that they were pretty much a full jean suit and you could wear a shirt underneath, but they definitely are not at all appealing. If you think about it, overalls are pretty much the same as a ‘onesie’ for babies.”
With there being only 360 more days until Halloween, it may be appropriate to wipe the dust off of those old 90s clothes and wear them as a costume next year. Looking back at some pictures of you in your 90s duds you may be left with one question: ‘What the *@#% was I thinking?’
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kenna Egbune at Ikenna.egbune@colorado.edu.
