Skip to main content
"Zendaya at the Golden Globes red carpet"
"Aqua blazer on display"
"Bess vintage combat boots with gold grommets"

Shop

4 Bad '90s Trends We Never Expected To Be Cool Again

May 5, 2010 by Marisa Siegel
shefinds | Shop
Featured image
house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!

Fashion faux-pas from the ’90s makes us cringe–yet some of the big trends are here to stay–at least for awhile. And dare we say, some of them are kind of growing on us.  Here’s our blast from the past trends to take note of, so you don’t make those same styling mistakes this time around.

Combat Boots

In the early 90’s, Claire Danes played a perpetually angsty and grunge-loving adolescent on My So Called Life.  Today, much less angsty Emma Roberts looks more casual-chic than punk rock concert ready–but the combat boots are back.

Kourtney Kardashian in a stylish aqua blazer.Vintage boots showcasing unique fashion flair.

This Aqua blazer ($68.60, down from $98 captures the look perfectly. What do you think about Bess’ ($460) take on Doc Martens by adding blinging gold grommets to the tops of combat boots?

Shoulder Pads

Joan Collins exuding timeless elegance in classic attire.Kim Kardashian striking a pose in trendy fashion.

Looking back on Dynasty we can now understand that it wasn’t exactly the pinnacle of high fashion.  Joan Collins went all out with a colorblock jumpsuit, but we much prefer Kim Kardashian’s glittering party girl look.

Alice and Olivia's stunning sequin dress on display.

Strong shoulders (whether shoulder pads are added or not) are everywhere. This Alice + Olivia sequin dress ($485)  is no exception.

Acid Wash Jeans

Iconic scene from Beverly Hills 90210 series.Nicole Richie showcasing her chic bohemian style.

The power of acid wash jeans was once so strong that even the guys on Beverly Hills 90210 wore them.  We’ve stopped idolizing Dylan since, but the allure of the acid wash has not faded.  Take a cue from Nicole Richie and pair them with hippy chic pieces inspired by the 1960s, so people don’t mistake you for a member of the Peach Pit clique.

Michael Kors fashion piece highlighting modern sophistication.Alloy's stylish collection for contemporary wardrobes.

These Michael Michael Kors skinny jeans ($44.90, down from $99.50)are great if you want to test, not invest in the acid wash trend.  Add a  floral crocheted blouse, like this one from Alloy ($34.90-$36.90).

Delia's fringe bag adding flair to any outfit.

To finish it off in true Richie style, add a suede fringe bag from Delia’s ($49.50) mixes decades to create a decidedly modern outfit.

Wooden Clogs

Girl in traditional Dutch attire, showcasing culture.Alexa Chung's fashion moment captured in candid shot.

You get the idea: who could have ever predicted that wooden clogs would make a comeback?  We truly hate to say this, but Alexa Chung looks pretty darn cool in head to clog Chanel, making us sufficiently jealous of her look.

Joie clogs representing comfort and stylish footwear.

We think that Joie’s black snakeskin clogs ($335)  may be even better than Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel clogs.

Find out about all the latest trends with our guides to spring fashion, including flat shoes and rain boots.  Check out all the best online deals with our list of this week’s online sample sales.

Author:

Comfortable and stylish shoes from Nordstrom sale.
Beauty products featured in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Taylor Swift's BTS video featuring her beautiful, makeup-free look.
LED therapy light and lipstick at Nordstrom event.
Stylish summer bottoms perfect for warm getaways.
Floral pieces to refresh any wardrobe effortlessly.
LivDry showcasing innovative fashion and comfort.
Everyday beauty essentials for a flawless look.
Chic summer finds for Fourth of July celebrations.
Must-have summer essentials for every woman.
Best beauty deals available on Amazon Prime Day.
Amazon Prime Day logo on smartphone and laptop.
Top Prime Day deals of 2026 worth purchasing.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished modern look.
Best summer fragrances according to beauty editors.
Car Pro smart fragrance diffuser for a fresh scent.
Wavy Eva beach tote bag for summer outings.
Spa-like beauty tools for an at-home routine.
Woman showcasing elegant jewelry accessories.
Ruffle cap sleeve dress paired with cotton trousers.
Black-and-white portrait celebrating a woman's achievement.