Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

90’s Fashion Guide: How to Get The 1990’s Style

Will Smith Overalls
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you follow the latest trends in men’s fashion, then you’re probably feeling a bit nostalgic for the ’90s. Much like the age of The Fresh Prince and Clueless, this season’s menswear collections featured plenty of boxier silhouettes, athleisure, and minimalist basics paired in myriad ways that would make Will Smith proud.

There’s probably some element of your personal style that has been inspired by the era (we’re living in track pants and hoodies these days, after all). That’s why we rounded up some of the most notable trends of the ’90s, and the best pieces to buy to relieve that decade with a modern approach.

Bucket Hats

The Kangol bucket hat was a right of passage for any rapper looking to make it in the music industry, so of course a piece so synonymous with the ’90s has made its way back into our current trends. Nowadays, the bucket hat can be worn a variety of ways from streetwear to casual looks.

Kangol Bermuda Bucket Hat — $63

Kangol Bermuda Bucket Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you want to really relive go with the OG bucket brand hat worn by rappers like LL Cool J.

Nike Washed Bucket Hat — $32

Nike Washed Bucket Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re going for a more athletic approach to the bucket hat trend Nike has a great option in a variety of colors.

Burberry Checked Cotton-Blend Twill Bucket Hat — $320

Burberry Checked Cotton-Blend Twill Bucket Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The bucket hat has made its way into high fashion, rendered in the instantly recognizable Burberry Plaid.

Stussy Stock Bucket Hat — $50

Stussy Stock Bucket Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Streetwear brand Stussy’s bucket hat is perfect for an authentic ’90s look.

Turtlenecks

The turtleneck was a go-to look for teeny heartthrobs like Justin Timberlake, to alpha males like The Rock. These days, Turtlenecks have become a uniform for creative types and tech guys. Plus, they look great on camera.

Neiman Marcus Men’s Chunky Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater — $495

Neiman Marcus Men's Chunky Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This knit channels ’90s Justin Timberlake’s fit at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Topman Black Ribbed Roll Neck Jumper — $42

Topman Black Ribbed Roll Neck Jumper
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re going for the ’90s prep look. you can’t go wrong with this ribbed jumper.

Asos New Look Roll Neck Sweater in Black — $30

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Remember the photo of The Rock with the chain … pretty close huh?

Uniqlo Men’s Soft Touch Turtleneck — $20

Uniqlo Men's Soft Touch Turtleneck
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A lightweight option with breathable material to kick start the season.

Overalls

Probably the most recognized style moment of the ’90s is a good pair of denim overalls (always with one strap down, of course). This look was worn by some of the most notable men of the era, from Will Smith to Tupac.

Shein Men Ripped Slant Pocket Denim Overall — $33

Shein Men Ripped Slant Pocket Denim Overall
.

A modern take on classic overalls with a slim bottom.

Forever 21 Slim-Fit Utility Overalls — $35

Forever 21 Slim-Fit Utility Overalls
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For those interested in adding a pop of color into their wardrobe.

Carhartt Duck Bib Overalls — $80

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The durable and functional option while staying on trend.

Levi’s Denim Overalls — $66

Levi's Denim Overall
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The classic denim overalls for the signature ’90s era look.

Basic White Tee

Arguably the most ubiquitous staple of the ’90s is the white tee. Although basic alone, this t-shirt is super versatile and can be paired with anything from jeans to a biker jacket.

Urban Outfitters Recycled Cotton Crew Neck Tee — $15

Urban Outfitters Recycled Cotton Crew Neck Tee
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Made from recycled cotton, not only will you look good, but feel good.

Bleusalt The Men’s High-T — $100

Bleusalt The Men's High-T
Image used with permission by copyright holder

An ultra-soft tee that you’ll never want to take off.

AllSaints Aldwin Crew T-Shirt — $30

AllSaints Aldwin Crew T-Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Relaxed fit with a little texture in case you don’t want to go too basic.

Banana Republic White T-Shirt — $18

Banana Republic White T-Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Doesn’t get more classic than this one.

Chunky boots

The ’90s were all about elevating style, down to the heels. Chunky footwear was popularized by the decade’s grunge scene, which was all about boosting one’s height. Case in point: It was also the same era when Doc Martens took off. Today, the all-American boot brand is still going strong, and has entered the mainstream. Now you can see guys in preppy and normcore styles wearing these thick-soled duds.

Dr. Martens Black Mono 1460 Boots — $145

Dr. Martens

We’re pretty sure these never went out of style.

Dr. Martens Black Jadon Hi Boots — $180

Dr. Martens Black Jadon Hi Boots
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The yellow stitching screams ’90s grunge era.

Bottega Veneta Slip-On High-Top Boots — $1,100

Bottega Veneta Slip-On High-Top Boots
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Easily pair with baggy jeans for a casual look or slim-fit dress pants for a more tailored look.

Asos Design Apricot Premium Leather Chunky Zip Front Boots in Black — $135

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Add another level of ‘cool’ with a zipper hardware look.

Snapback

Another hat style that was popularized by ’90s rappers was the snapback. A lightweight accessory that could be paired with just about anything, snapbacks are typically adorned with a logo or phrase that these celebs “repped.” Today, we still see people wear these baseball caps as a way to show their brand loyalty or promote their merch.

Corridor New York New York Cap — $45

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The birthplace place of Rap, therefore the birthplace of the popularity of the snapback.

Rhude Black and Red Pit Stop Trucker Cap — $165

Rhude Black and Red Pit Stop Trucker Cap
.

LA streetwear brand Rhude pays homage to the ’90s snapback with this merch-style hat.

CCS Thrasher Oval Snapback Hat — $25

Image used with permission by copyright holder

No brainer for ’90s fashion to incorporate a Thrasher hat into your wardrobe.

Bad Birdie Bad “Rope” Hat — $30

Bad Birdie Bad "Rope" Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The ’90s were all about being a ‘Bad Boy’ so why not let everyone know how ’90s you are by wearing it on your head?

Belt Bags

In the past few years, belt bags have been everywhere. Also known as fanny packs, these were worn by guys like The Rock, and were usually paired with a turtleneck and denim jeans. Today, belt bags have into a streetwear staple.

Eastpak Ssense Exclusive Black XL Springer Pouch — $40

Eastpak SSENSE Exclusive Black XL Springer Pouch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Eastpak and Ssense’s collaboration may make this the most ’90s belt bag on the market.

Fiorucci Angels Bumbag Red — $63

Fiorucci Angels Bumbag Red
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This belt bag will complete your nostalgic look with the signature Fiorucci angel motif.

A.P.C Rebound Hip Bag — $125

A.P.C Rebound Hip Bag
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A.P.C’s  XL belt bag is perfect to hold all your ring pops and Dungaroo’s.

Saint Laurent Classic Belt Bag — $870

Saint Laurent Classic Belt Bag
Image used with permission by copyright holder
A high fashion take on the classic belt bag.

Editors' Recommendations

Ty Gaskins
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ty Gaskins is a Writer, Stylist, and Public Relations Professional based in New York City. Originally from Virginia Beach…
How to wear 1970s fashion if you aren’t Harry Styles
Thanks to Gucci and Harry, 1970s style is back — this is how to add it to your wardrobe
Harry Styles at the 2022 Venice Film Festival

Harry Styles may only model as a hobby when he isn't busy being one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, but he still managed to take over the 2022 Venice Film Festival with just two looks. The two Gucci ensembles, personally curated by Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele, went so viral over Labor Day Weekend that they overshadowed everything else at the legendary film festival. Styles has been collaborating with Gucci for years, replacing Jared Leto as the unofficial face of the brand. While everything Gucci creates is heavily inspired by the 1970s, they have leaned into that decade especially hard recently when outfitting Styles for brand campaigns and public appearances.

'70s outfits for men are still a thing, and here's how to do it
While Gucci and Styles had the menswear community salivating, the looks they put together are admittedly too eccentric for even the most fashion-forward common man. However, that doesn't mean the rest of us mere mortals can't embrace the 1970s aesthetic. The decade provides some fun inspiration for anyone's wardrobe with big lapels, bigger pants, and the biggest swagger. So we put together this guide on how to wear 1970s fashion if you aren't Harry Styles.
The jacket
Jackets from the 1970s were all about wide lapels and bold shoulders while maintaining a form-fitting but not tight silhouette. The style offers a fresh alternative to the slim cut, soft-shouldered, narrow lapel look that dominated suiting in the 2010s. It is also a more refined look than the 1990s-inspired big, baggy suiting that has trended recently.

Read more
Men’s fashion advice: How to get F1 driver Lewis Hamilton’s look without spending a fortune
Step one: Be bold
Lewis Hamilton at the Miami Grand Prix 2023

Besides being one of the most successful and prolific drivers on the Formula 1 grid, Sir Lewis Hamilton is also an iconic style star. There are plenty of reasons why Hamilton is as big of a sports star as he is; besides winning 7 World Drivers’ Championships and dominating for several years, Hamilton is also the current face of the sport. Anyone who has followed Hamilton’s journey since 2007 will have witnessed the immense style journey of the driver and the influence Hamilton has had with crossing fashion and sports. 

While we are used to seeing Hamilton in his typical F1 gear, his paddock walks are his version of the red carpet and runway. Always donning the most talked about looks, there’s no doubt why his arrivals are always news. From high-street fits to over-the-top looks, Hamilton proves you can simultaneously be a successful sports star and one of the best fashion icons. 

Read more
Men’s fashion: These casual styles for men will keep you looking cool while staying warm
Winter weather fashion trends that will keep you stylish
Man canoeing in a pullover sweater

It's that time of year. Summer is a distant memory, and when you get up in the morning, you notice frost on the window. Yup, winter is coming. As winter temperatures drop and snowstorms blow in and out, you may find yourself wanting to stay in as much as possible. However, if you feel the need to leave your warm haven and brave the snow and ice, you can do so while staying warm and trendy with some of our favorite men's fashion trends.

While style trends come and go, there are some men's casual winter fashion items that never go out of style. If you don't have some or all of these items, pick them up ASAP to make yourself the most stylish and warmest guy in your group.

Read more