Seeing the looks you loved in your teens and twenties being brought out as retro or throwback trends can be a painful reminder. That said, if you’re anything like us, you might be excited to wear new versions of your old favorites now that you have the confidence, budget and sense of self you might not have had back then. This is definitely the case when it comes to wearing the retro 90s trend for women over 50.
After all, with age comes wisdom, which might include the wisdom not to wear ultra low-rise jeans, lacy babydoll dresses or baby tees, or anything made of that flammable polyester, no matter how cool these pieces might look on other, trendier people.
The Retro 90s Fashion Trend for Women Over 50
We do like some of the 90s looks that are trending right now, however, and we can’t deny that some things (chunky shoes and oversize flannels, anyone?) are super comfortable. So here are some of the 90s looks we might revisit this fall!
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Chunky Shoes
Classic and comfy brands like Birkenstocks to Doc Martens are trending, so now might be the perfect time to invest in the latest version of some of your favorites. Mary janes, t-straps, and clogs are definitely back as well, especially with a lug sole and stitched or studded details. And a bit of a platform never hurt anyone!
These Mary Jane Docs are definitely back in style (get the white for a more contemporary take on the look), or these Crown Vintage Liberty Clogs for a 90s take on the 70s updated for 2022.
Wide-Leg Pants
We all remember the parachute pants, cargo pants, and massive wide-leg jeans of the 90s. While the extreme styles might be best left to the teens and twenty-somethings, a more refined pair of cargo pants in a looser style or barrel cut jeans can be super flattering.
We’re fans of the Getty style from Rails (available at Nordstrom) for a grown-up rendition of the 90s wide-leg denim and these Banana Republic Factory utility pants if you want to try a cargo style that’s a bit sleeker than most iterations on the market.
Grunge-Inspired
While you might want to skip all the sloppy layers and lingerie-inspired slip or babydoll dresses this time around, a good flannel in fall colors like this one from Madewell is timeless. Size up for that 90s grunge look! We also like worn-in denim in offbeat colors, like these cement-hued jeans from BP at Nordstrom. Plus they’re a steal at only $49.
Big and Slouchy Bags
If you missed your big hobo or slouchy shoulder bag that could hold everything and the kitchen sink, then you are in for a treat with this fall’s handbags. Stick to the classics like this soft leather bag from Hobo International or go for a slightly smaller elongated silhouette like this one from Aimee Kestenberg and enjoy being stylish while having room for all your stuff (and then some).
Retro 90s Trend Square Sunglasses
While we will never give up our cat-eyes or aviators, the somewhat smaller squared-off look that was popular in the 90s is back. Go for a high-end version like these Diors, or pick up a dupe from Kimorn via Amazon for under $10.
Claw Clips
Claw clips or banana clips have never really left, but they are definitely one of this fall’s practical and fashionable trends. Pick up a tortoiseshell set of claw clips for under $10 on Amazon or grab one of these colorful square options from Urban Outfitters for $12. We should all probably skip the sparkly mini ones though – these are best worn to clip back your hair in a French twist or chignon-inspired style if you’re a grown woman.
90s Fragrances
If you don’t want to rock any 90s-inspired fashion, we definitely get it. However, if you want to bring back a little whiff of that era, CK one has held up surprisingly well and this super clean and slightly citrusy fragrance is a little unexpected in 2022, and Clinique’s Aromatics Elixir has also become a classic.
Shop The Retro 90s Trend
Pictured above from left to right:
Image 1
Dr. Martens 8065 Mary Jane, $129.95
Crown Vintage Liberty Clog, $69.99
Rails The Getty High Waist Wide Leg Jeans, $198
Banana Republic Factory Utility Cargo Pant, $50
Madewell Flannel Westlake Shirt, now $54.97
BP. High Waist Wide Leg Jeans, $49
Hobo Render Shoulder Bag, $298
Aimee Kestenberg Nomad Leather Hobo Bag, now $208.50
Image 2
Dior Women’s Rectangular Sunglasses, 53mm, $308
Kimorn Rectangle Sunglasses Trendy Retro Fashion Sun Glasses 90’s Vintage UV 400 Protection Square Frame K1200, 2 for $12.99
Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette, $68
Clinique Aromatics Elixir Mini Perfume Spray, $31
Are you planning on re-wearing any of these 90s styles, even if they make you cringe? Or are you keeping it more classic this fall and skipping anything you might have worn back then? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook group!
–Jacqueline Zenn
You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s fashion posts like What To Wear Now: Our Favorite Late Summer Fashion Staples and The Best Wide Leg Pants For Women Over 50.
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I love this look. I can’t believe clogs are back in style. I loved them when I was a teenager! I am on a hunt for the perfect denim overalls.
I am so excited about clogs too! Not sure I an do overalls again but wide leg jeans and cargos I am down for! Lauren