What to Wear to a ‘90s Party, Whether You’re Going for Casual Cool or Full-On Costume

For a ‘90s look that’s just as stylish in 2024, try copying Drew Barrymore’s grunge-lite ensemble. As for makeup, don’t forget to swipe on some brown lipstick and fill in those brows.

There are so many Princess Diana outfits worth copying, but this one is by far the comfiest—and one of the easiest to recreate using pieces you likely already own.

The Nanny’s Fran Fine was a major fashion icon (and still is) thanks to her over-the-top looks and even bigger hair. Want more Fran fashion inspo? Check out the Instagram account @WhatFranWore for a catalog of all her best looks.

Another impossibly chic TV heroine, Hilary Banks’s outfits are a treasure trove of ‘90s inspiration. Unsurprisingly, she also has multiple Instagram accounts dedicated to cataloging her iconic style.

Make sure to brush up on the lyrics to "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" before you rock Selena’s iconic performance outfit.

Mary J. Blige has been serving looks since the beginning of her career back in the ‘80s, but this leopard-print number has to be one of my favorites. (P.S. This was the performer’s first Grammy win for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By” with Method Man.)

Britney’s first album, …Baby One More Time, dropped in 1999 and instantly solidified her as one of the best new artists of the decade. Of course, her incredible performance looks helped as well.

If you can’t find a denim skirt with embroidery along the hem just like Vivica A. Fox’s, try pinning a ribbon or embellished belt to your skirt to fake the look. Be sure to pin your hair back with a series of butterfly clips, too, for good measure.

I love Kirsten Dunst’s coordinating empire-waist slip dress and longline cardigan, but I adore her Pam Anderson-esque hairdo with, you guessed it, a plethora of butterfly clips to keep it in place.

Speaking of Pam Anderson, the blonde bombshell was one of the biggest stars of the decade, and to this day you can’t look at a red one-piece swimsuit without thinking Baywatch.

Looking for something a bit dressier? You can’t do better than the little black dress seen ‘round the world: Princess Diana’s infamous “revenge dress.”

Or, if you want to go even bolder, why not look to another infamous LBD moment from the ‘90s—Elizabeth Hurley in a stunning Versace frock seemingly held together with gold safety pins. Even better if you can get Hugh Grant to accompany you to the party.

Winona forever, am I right? Channel the Stranger Things actress in all her ‘90s glory with an ensemble that would’ve been a go-to for any young star from the decade.

Go all in on denim with some TLC-approved wide-leg overalls with lots of, er, patches. Throw a plaid shirt on over the top and keep your footwear casual with either Timberland boots or socks and Tevas.

To be honest, I wouldn’t even need to be headed to a ‘90s-theme party to want to copy this matching Donna Karan set from Great Expectations. Don’t forget to add some black strappy sandals and a black croc-embossed tote to truly embody Gwyneth.

You may now associate the Met Gala with over-the-top gowns and wild red-carpet getups, but in 1999, Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney showed up in matching homemade one-shoulder T-shirts pairs with rather casual separates. In all honestly, the duo stayed truer to the Rock Style theme than most guests that year.

Or, if you want to embody another iconic ‘90s duo, opt for a sparkly minidress, crimped locks and a heavy dose of eyeshadow just like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.

Tia and Tamera Mowry’s show Sister Sister was an instant classic, not just because of the real-life twins’ charm, but because of their all-star outfits. Whether or not they opted for matching ensembles, they always looked incredible.

What a girl wants, what a girl needs, is a tutorial for how to achieve Christina Aguilera’s bouncy blowout so I can copy this 1999 look from head to toe.

Before embracing her country side with husband Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani was just a girl with a truly iconic punk rock style and blue hair. I have no doubt her MTV Video Music Awards fit from 1998 will earn you tons of compliments, especially those face gems.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is yet another show chock-full of awesome late ‘90s fashion, but stars Alyson Hannigan’s and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s real-life looks are also worth copying. Case in point, these two takes on party outfits, both of which look perfect with a crimped up-do.

If it’s a ‘90s fashion movie moment you’re after, we think Romy and Michele are the way to go. Their actual reunion looks may require a little DIY to get just right, but any outfit from the film is guaranteed to be a big hit. And don’t forget to bring some Post-Its, too.

When in doubt, look to Friends. The first six seasons of the show offer up tons of ‘90s fashion inspo, whether you prefer Phoebe’s eclectic vibes, Monica’s casual ensembles or Rachel’s more fashion-focused fits. Heck, even the guys might inspire you, especially Chandler’s numerous sweater vests.