1990s Fashion

POGS, SCRUNCHIES & MOOD RINGS: THE WEIRDNESS OF 1990S FASHION

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1990s fashion was a decade known for its bold, eclectic, and sometimes quirky fashion trends.

From jelly shoes and butterfly clips to JNCO jeans and crop tops, the '90s had no shortage of memorable and eye-catching styles that left their mark on popular culture.

JELLY SHOES

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Jelly shoes, made from PVC plastic, were a quintessential '90s fashion trend that came in a variety of bright colors and glittery finishes.

Despite their undeniable visual appeal, these shoes were notorious for their lack of breathability and comfort.

They often left the wearer's feet sweaty and prone to blisters.

BUTTERFLY CLIPS

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Butterfly clips, small plastic hair accessories that resemble the shape of a butterfly, were everywhere in the ‘90s.

The clips were often worn in multiples, scattered throughout the hair to create playful and whimsical hairstyles.

SKIDZ

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Skidz, a brand of baggy pants characterized by their wide elastic waistbands and bold, eye-catching patterns—enjoyed a brief but memorable moment of popularity in the early 1990s.

They often featured a mix of bright colors and geometric designs.

POGS

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Pogs, small cardboard discs printed with various designs and images, started as a collectible game in the '90s but quickly transcended their original purpose to become a cultural phenomenon.

The popularity of these discs was so immense that they even influenced fashion trends, with some people incorporating them into their outfits as accessories, such as wearing them as pendants or attaching them to clothing.

SLAP BRACELETS

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Slap bracelets, consisting of flexible metal bands covered in colorful fabric, became a popular accessory among children and teenagers in the '90s.

They were hip because of the unique ability to wrap around the wrist when slapped against it.

Many schools banned these bracelets citing safety concerns, such as the potential for injury if the metal band were to become exposed.

TINY BACKPACKS

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Tiny backpacks, often made of transparent plastic or in vibrant colors, emerged as a popular accessory in the '90s, particularly among young women and teenage girls.

Despite their impractical size, which often barely fit more than a wallet and a few small items, these mini backpacks were cherished for their undeniable cuteness and ability to add a playful touch to any outfit.

JNCO JEANS

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JNCO jeans, an acronym for "Judge None Choose One," were a defining fashion trend of the late '90s, known for their extremely wide leg openings that could measure up to an astounding 50 inches in circumference.

These jeans were favored by ravers, skaters, and alternative fashion enthusiasts who embraced the exaggerated silhouette as a symbol of rebelliousness and individuality.

MOOD RINGS

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Mood rings, which first gained popularity in the 1970s, made a resurgence in the '90s as a trendy accessory that claimed to change color based on the wearer's emotions.

Although the science behind mood rings was questionable at best, with the color changes being attributed to body temperature rather than emotional states.

PLATFORM SNEAKERS

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Platform sneakers, characterized by their thick soles that could add several inches to the wearer's height, became a staple fashion item—particularly within the rave and club scenes.

These chunky shoes were embraced by both men and women who sought to make a bold statement with their footwear while also enjoying the added height and comfort.

TATTOO CHOKER NECKLACES

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Tattoo choker necklaces, made of stretchy plastic adorned with a printed tattoo-like design, became a ubiquitous accessory in the '90s, particularly among young women and teenage girls.

These chokers were worn tight around the neck, creating a bold and edgy look that complemented the decade's grungy and alternative fashion trends.

FANNY PACKS

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Fanny packs, small pouches worn around the waist, experienced a brief resurgence—then a deep decline in popularity during the '90s.

They were often mocked and associated with tourists and unfashionable dads.

SCRUNCHIES

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Scrunchies, large fabric-covered elastic hair ties, were an indispensable accessory for women and girls in the 1990s.

They offered a fashionable and functional way to style hair.

CHAIN WALLETS

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Chain wallets, featuring a metal chain that connected the wallet to the wearer's belt loop, emerged as a popular trend among men in the '90s, particularly within the skate and punk subcultures.

These edgy accessories not only served a practical purpose by preventing wallet theft but also added a rebellious and masculine touch to the wearer's overall aesthetic.

OVERALLS WITH ONE STRAP UNDONE

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Overalls with one strap intentionally left undone became an iconic fashion statement in the '90s, popularized by celebrities and fashion-forward individuals alike.

This casual, laid-back style was often paired with a tight-fitting t-shirt underneath.

CROP TOPS

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Crop tops, especially those with thin spaghetti straps or made from luxurious velvet fabric, were a major fashion trend for women in the '90s.

These midriff-baring tops were frequently paired with low-rise jeans or skirts, creating a sexy and daring look that showcased the wearer's confidence and style.

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