As fashion evolves, the industry continuously updates old trends for new audiences, bringing a sense of nostalgia to fashion. The 2024/2025 season looks to be no different, promising retro-inspired outfits from the 90s buoyed by fresh twists and celebrity influence.
If you’re wanting to prepare for the retro revival trend, dive into the six styles below to help build your collections for 2025.
Table of Contents
6 great retro styles for 2024/2025 collections
Rounding up
6 great retro styles for 2024/2025 collections
1. Grunge
Grunge fashion began in the early 1990s, capturing the “I just rolled out of bed” look before it was cool. Born from the grunge music scene in the American Northwest, bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam played massive roles in making the aesthetic popular. With his ripped jeans and oversized sweaters, Kurt Cobain became an unlikely fashion icon for a generation, eschewing the flashy styles that had dominated the 80s.
Now, in 2024, grunge is making a big comeback. And it’s not just for moody teens – these vintage styles are hitting high-fashion runways, too. Designers have reimagined grunge with a modern twist, blending flannel shirts with silk or turning distressed denim into something artfully crafted. It’s still grunge but repolished for a new generation that may not have been born when it first emerged.
2. Slip dresses
Slip dresses were a 90s fashion staple that became iconic for their minimalist, effortless style. Kate Moss was perhaps the most iconic model of the era, and was able to rock a sheer slip dress as if she had casually picked it off the floor and made it look stunning. The dress embodied the “less is more” idea, blurring the lines between underwear and outerwear.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the slip dress has become more than a minimalist chic style. These dresses are now more versatile than ever, working as a layer over a T-shirt for a laid-back vibe or paired with a leather jacket for an edgy, sophisticated look.
Furthermore, a new generation is discovering slip dresses thanks to celebrities like Taylor Swift and Rihanna. That’ll explain why the keyword “slip dresses” registered an average of 165,000 searches in 2024, up by 20% from 135,000 in 2023, according to Google Analytics.
3. Denim overalls
Moving past their humble beginnings as a trusty companion of farmers and painters alike, denim overalls unexpectedly entered the fashion spotlight in the 1990s. People of that era embraced them for their unrivalled comfort, becing a symbol of youthful rebellion thanks to shows like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and style icons like Aaliyah.
It’s safe to say that denim overalls haven’t lost favor in the eyes of many, making a stylish comeback with some modern updates in 2024, and this trend looks to continue in 2025. Businesses will want to offer these one-pieces in slim-fitted, distressed, and embellished (decorated with patches or embroidery) variants, the perfect range for a generation again touting the benefits of style and comfort.
Denim overalls offer an eye-catching blend of retro and modern aesthetics, pairing well with crop tops or basic tees for a casual look or dressed up with blouses or button-up shirts for something more polished.
4. Neon colors
The 90s did maintain some of the 80s’ influence, especially the continuation of loud and bold neon colors. These striking hues took the world by storm, especially in rave culture and mainstream fashion. They even became the hallmark of the pop and hip-hop scenes.
Neon colors may have lost momentum over the next decade, but they didn’t stay out of the spotlight long. Now, fashion designers are working with neon colors in a more thoughtful way, often as a pop of color in accessories or activewear. Fashion influencers and celebrities like Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish have further helped boost neon color’s popularity with younger audiences.
5. Baggy jeans
Thanks to hip-hop culture going mainstream in the 90s, baggy jeans were another huge trend. Artists like Wu-Tang Clan and Tupac pushed these loose-fitting pants to the spotlight, making them a major era fashion statement and offering a much-needed change from the tight jeans of the 80s.
While baggy jeans were overshadowed by skinny variants through most of the beginning of the 21st century, they’ve since seen a resurgence. Google data shows that this vintage staple attracted an average of 1.5 million searches in 2024, a 10% increase from 1.22 million searches in 2023. High-waisted baggy jeans are one of the more popular styles thanks to their easy pairing with crop tops or sleek blazers.
6. Crop tops
Crop tops are another 90s staple in the retro revival trend. In the 90s, crop tops were a symbol of body positivity and individuality. Icons like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera made these pieces the go-to for youthful energy and a sense of freedom.
Fast-forward to today and crop tops have evolved to cater to an even broader range of body types and styles. Crop tops are also vital to 2020’s most famous outfit: short tops paired with high-waisted jeans or skirts. It’s no wonder this style has taken off with its incredible comfort and style.
Google data also proves crop tops are an unmovable trend, with searches remaining at a steady 1.5 million searches per month since 2023.!
Summary
The revival of these 90s fashion trends proves that the decade birthed some of today’s most enduring styles. Retro revival fashion is a reminder that fashion is never static, with pieces from the past often merging with modern designs to create something fresh and exciting.
Most Vintage-inspired fashion trends are here to stay, so it makes sense to prepare inventories accordingly, stocking grunge-inspired pieces, slip dresses, denim overalls, neon colors, baggy jeans, and crop tops.
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