The 1990s was a time of diverse fashion trends, catchy pop anthems, and iconic TV shows. From grunge to hip-hop, the Friends cast to Clueless, there was something for everyone. Recreating a 90s look for a fancy dress party doesn’t have to be a chore – in fact, it can be a whole lot of fun! This guide will take you on a nostalgic journey through the decade, providing easy 90s fancy dress ideas that are affordable and simple to put together.
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Easy 90s Fancy Dress Ideas for Solos
We’ve compiled a list of easy 90s fancy dress ideas for individuals that will help you create an unforgettable 90s-inspired look. These costumes require minimal effort and can be easily put together with clothing items you may already have in your wardrobe:
| Costume Idea | Clothing Items Needed | How to Achieve the Look | Effort | Image | How to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
90s Skater Guy |
Baggy jeans, graphic t-shirt, skateboard, beanie | Capture the relaxed and casual aesthetic of the '90s skate scene | Low |  |
Make it Yourself | 90s Neon Rollerblade Girl | Sparkly jacket, neon hot pants, over-skate socks and skates | Capture the high energy vibes and show-off your moves with the Rollerblader from your '90s dreams | Low |  |
Steve Urkel from Family Matters |
High-waisted pants, suspenders, glasses, plaid shirt | Embody this iconic nerd with high pants and a quirky attitude | Low |  |
Make it Yourself | Sporty '90s Look | Windbreaker suit, white sneakers, headband | Feel athletic and chic with this bold, colorful look | Low |  |
Pulp Fiction's Mia Wallace | White shirt, black pants, black bob wig | Emulate Uma Thurman's iconic look with a faux bob and dance moves | Medium |  | |
Baywatch Lifeguard | Red swimsuit, whistle, lifeguard float | Dive into this beachy look. Don't forget to practice running in slow motion! | Medium |  | |
Cher from Mermaids |
'60s style dress, red lipstick, curly wig | Cher's retro-chic look from this '90s movie is a fun and stylish option | High |  |
Make it Yourself | Billy Ray Cyrus | Denim shirt, cowboy boots, mullet wig | Embrace the country trend with this laid-back look | Medium |  |
Lara Croft from Tomb Raider | Brown shorts, black tank top, braid, toy guns | Venture out as the iconic video game adventurer | Medium |  | |
The Dude from The Big Lebowski | White v-neck, baggy shorts, sandals, robe | Dress up as this cult classic character for a laid-back costume | Low |  | |
MC Hammer | Baggy gold pants, gold jacket, sunglasses | Get ready to dance in this flashy '90s hip-hop outfit | High |  | |
90s Rave Attendee | Neon clothing, glow sticks, flared pants | Relive the rave scene with this vibrant, energetic look | Medium |  | Make it Yourself |
Pretty Woman's Vivian Ward | Red mid length jacket, blue and white dress, black gloves, short blonde wig | This classic look is synonymous with Julia Roberts' character | High |  | |
Ghostface from Scream | Black robe, ghost mask | This scary movie costume is simple but effective | Low |  | |
Leonardo DiCaprio's Romeo | Black pants, button down shirt, toy sword | Recreate the classic Shakespeare character with a '90s twist | Medium |  | |
The Mask | Yellow suit, green face paint, hat | Transform into this Jim Carrey character with a zoot suit and face paint | High |  | |
Janet Jackson (Rhythm Nation) | Black military-style outfit, black cap, silver hoop earrings | This iconic pop star look is a bold, powerful costume choice | High |  | |
90s Pop Princess | Mini skirt, crop top, platform shoes | Emulate Britney or Christina with this quintessential '90s pop look | Medium |  | |
Forrest Gump | Yellow shirt, red shorts, white socks, running shoes (box of chocolates optional!) | Run, Forrest, Run! This iconic character is easy to replicate | Low |  | |
Aaliyah | Baggy jeans, cropped top, bandana or bucket hat | Pay homage to the Princess of R&B with her iconic street style | Medium |  | |
Matilda | Blue dress, red hair ribbon, stack of books | Emulate the beloved, bookish '90s movie character with this simple outfit | Low |  |
DIY Easy 90s Fancy Dress Looks
To create an authentic 90s look, start by raiding your wardrobe – you might be surprised at what you can find. You’re probably best off picking a generalised look you want to achieve depending on what you have already. We’ve got a few suggestions below for creating the base of a classic 90s look using clothes you probably already have!
Going for the 90s Grunge Look
This look is characterized by its laid-back, effortless style! Think of channelling your inner Curt Cobain for example!
Baggy Jeans
Start your grunge transformation with the key to any 90s outfit – baggy jeans. More often than not, you’ll have at least one pair of baggy or oversized jeans in your closet. Look for jeans that are loose, preferably faded or distressed, and far removed from the tight-fitting, sleek jeans of today’s trends. The 90s were all about comfort and individualism, and your jeans should reflect that.
If you don’t have baggy jeans, worry not. You can still achieve a grunge look with straight-leg or boyfriend jeans. Remember, the look is about the vibe, not the label. Cuff the jeans at the bottom for added authenticity and to showcase your footwear (more on that soon).
Oversized Sweaters
The 90s grunge look was all about comfort, and nothing screams comfort more than an oversized sweater. This should be your next port of call when creating your 90s fancy dress. Look for oversized sweaters or flannels in your closet. The ideal 90s grunge sweater should be large enough to drape over your body comfortably. It was an era of layering, so a band T-shirt or a worn-out graphic tee underneath the sweater can add to the authenticity of your look.
The beauty of grunge lies in its nonchalant nature, so your sweater doesn’t have to be in perfect condition. In fact, the more worn-out and vintage it looks, the better. Classic grunge colors include black, gray, and plaid, but feel free to experiment with other earth tones or even bright, unexpected colors for a unique twist.
Chunky Boots
Now, let’s move on to footwear. One cannot imagine the 90s grunge look without a pair of chunky boots. These were the quintessential shoes of the era, adding an edge to the otherwise relaxed ensemble. Black leather or suede, chunky-soled boots, like Doc Martens, were a favorite, but any dark, hefty boot should do the trick.
If you don’t own chunky boots, combat or military-style boots can also work. Even high-top sneakers can fit the bill, as long as they have a rugged and worn appearance. Pair these with black or gray socks peeking out from your cuffed jeans to complete the look.
Going for the 90s Sitcom Look
Think “Friends,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Saved by the Bell” for inspiration. With the right mix of crop tops, denim jackets, and high-waisted jeans, you can create a classic 90s sitcom look for your fancy dress party right from your existing wardrobe.
Crop Tops
When you think of 90s sitcom style, crop tops are one of the first things that come to mind. The crop top was a versatile piece in the 90s, worn by sitcom stars in all kinds of settings, from casual hangouts to more formal occasions. If you have a crop top in your closet, you’re already halfway to crafting your sitcom look.
Crop tops in bold colors, quirky prints, or with graphic logos are all excellent choices. If you don’t have a crop top on hand, you can transform an old t-shirt into one with a pair of scissors. Pair your top with a high-waisted bottom (we’ll get to that next) to balance out the proportions and channel the authentic 90s vibe.
Denim Jackets
Denim jackets were and still are a fashion staple, and they were ubiquitous in the 90s sitcom scene. A denim jacket serves as a practical and stylish layering piece, adding a distinct 90s flavor to your outfit. If you have an oversized or a washed-out denim jacket, even better.
For an authentic 90s look, try to find a denim jacket with a vintage cut, boxy and hitting at the waist. You can also enhance the retro vibe by adding patches or pins, a common trend in 90s fashion. This jacket can be thrown over your crop top or tied around your waist for an effortlessly cool sitcom vibe.
High Waisted Jeans
No 90s sitcom look would be complete without high-waisted jeans. This staple piece defined the decade and was sported by almost all sitcom stars of the time. Their popularity isn’t surprising considering how flattering they are, cinching in the waist and elongating the legs. Look for your high-waisted jeans in a straight-leg or mom jeans style, and don’t shy away from classic blue or acid washes.
Complete your look by tucking in your crop top or wearing it slightly off-the-shoulder. For an added touch of 90s authenticity, pair your high-waisted jeans with a chunky belt.
If you’re lacking in these wardrobe staples, check out vintage stores like Beyond Retro or Rokit Vintage for a range of affordable options.
DIY Easy 90s Fancy Dress Celeb Hairstyles
Hair and makeup can dramatically enhance your 90s look. High ponytails, buns, or the infamous “Rachel” cut (named after Jennifer Aniston’s character on Friends) are all fantastic hairstyles to consider. Hair crimping, a huge trend of the decade, is another fun option.
Rachel
Baby Spice
Brandy
Claudia Schiffer
Meg Ryan
Easy 90s Fancy Dress Celebrity Makeup Looks
The 90s makeup trends were all about a moody palette, muted hues, and a ‘less is more’ approach. Let’s delve into some iconic 90s celebrity makeup looks and tips to recreate them:
Winona Ryder
Drew Barrymore
Courtney Love
Britney Spears
Falling short on a few of the key items to make these looks? Take a look at Superdrug for makeup products to perfect your 90s look.
Easy 90s Fancy Dress Ideas for Couples
Ready to rewind to the 90s with your partner in crime? Fancy dress parties can be twice as fun when you coordinate your looks, but we know it can be a challenge to come up with a unique pair that stands out. Fear not, we’re here to help! In this list, we’ve gathered 10 great picks for couple’s ideas or you can head over to our dedicated article on 90s fancy dress ideas for couples. These are the most simple to put together, without needing to spend big or work too hard. Each idea includes the necessary clothing items and guidance on how to nail the look, and we’ve rated the effort level for each.
| Couple Costume Idea | Clothing Items Needed | How to Achieve the Look | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
The Macarena Dancers | Matching button-down shirts, black pants, black shoes | Master the famous dance move and dress in matching casual attire | Low |
90s Hip-Hop Duo | Baggy jeans, colorful hoodies, bandanas, chunky gold jewelry | Embrace the oversized clothing trend and add bling for the complete hip-hop look | Low |
Britney Spears & Justin Timberlake | (Denim Outfit) Matching denim outfits, sunglasses | Recreate their iconic all-denim look from the 2001 American Music Awards | High |
Wayne & Garth from “Wayne’s World” | Wayne: Black t-shirt, ripped jeans, cap, Garth: Flannel, glasses | Perfect for same sex couples or friends, this iconic duo’s casual look is easy to replicate | Low |
Mortal Kombat (Sub-Zero & Scorpion) | Matching ninja outfits, face masks, colored belts | Capture the essence of these video game characters with matching costumes | Medium |
90s Grunge Couple | Both: Flannel shirts, ripped jeans, band t-shirts, converse sneakers | Go grunge with this low-effort, comfortable look | Low |
Carmen Sandiego & ACME Agent | Carmen: Red trench coat, fedora, Agent: Suit, magnifying glass | Turn detective for a day with these ’90s game show character looks | Medium |
Kurt Cobain & Courtney Love | Kurt: Striped shirt, ripped jeans, Courtney: Babydoll dress, tiara | Embrace the grunge couple look with these iconic musicians’ styles | Medium |
Daria & Jane from “Daria” | Daria: Green jacket, black skirt, glasses, Jane: Red jacket, black shorts | Perfect for same sex couples, dress as the cynically cool best friends from this MTV show | Low |
Men in Black | Both: Black suits, white shirts, black sunglasses | Transform into these cool, alien-fighting agents with sleek suits and shades | Medium |
Easy 90s Fancy Dress Ideas for Groups
| Group Costume Idea | Suitable For | Clothing Items Needed | How to Achieve the Look | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
“Friends” Cast | 6 people | High waisted jeans, oversized shirts, 90s dresses, denim vests | Mimic each character’s signature style from the sitcom | Medium |
“Spice Girls” | 5 people | Platform shoes, little black dresses, track suits, Union Jack dress | Each member embodies one Spice Girl – Sporty, Scary, Baby, Ginger, Posh | Medium |
“Saved By The Bell” Characters | 6-7 people | Brightly colored clothes, 90s denim, preppy shirts, Bayside High shirts | Each person dresses as Zack, Kelly, Slater, Jessie, Screech, Lisa, or Mr. Belding | Medium |
“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” Cast | 6-7 people | Brightly colored clothes, preppy blazers, school uniform, baseball caps | Dress in bold 90s styles for Will, Carlton, Hilary, and others | Medium |
“Backstreet Boys” | 5 people | All black outfits, sunglasses, leather jackets | Think 90s boyband style – coordinated outfits, with each member having a slightly different look | Low |
“Power Rangers” | 5-6 people | Color-coordinated outfits, gloves, boots | Each member picks a Power Ranger color and dresses in matching outfits | High |
“Ninja Turtles” | 4 people | Green clothes, colored masks/bandanas, shells (backpacks work great!) | Each member picks a Ninja Turtle and wears matching colored mask and shell | Medium |
“Clueless” Girls | 3 people | Plaid mini skirts, knee-high socks, cardigans, feather boas | Each member dresses as Cher, Dionne, or Tai, with coordinated schoolgirl outfits | Medium |
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Cast | 5-7 people | 90s casual wear, leather jackets, stake props, librarian chic for Giles | Each member embodies a character from the show – Buffy, Willow, Xander, Giles, Angel, etc. | Medium |
“The Craft” Coven | 4 people | School uniforms, gothic jewelry, black boots, black clothing | Each member dresses as one of the witches from the movie, with a gothic/grunge twist | High |
Remember, the key to a great group costume is commitment to the theme, and of course, having fun! So pick your favorite 90s show or band, gather your friends, and start planning your epic group costume.
Conclusion: Achieving the Perfect 90s Look with Ease
Creating a 90s look for a fancy dress event doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining existing wardrobe pieces, adding a few key accessories, and taking inspiration from iconic 90s figures, you can effortlessly recreate this nostalgic decade. Remember to enjoy the process and let your inner 90s spirit shine through – after all, the most important part of any fancy dress event is to have fun!
Loving the easy 90s vibes? There’s more to explore! If you’re looking for more creative ideas, our Creative 90s Fancy Dress article is a must-read. If you’re after a bit of Hollywood inspiration, check out 90s Movies Fancy Dress. And hey, if you’re looking to make a statement with your partner, our 90s Fancy Dress Couples guide has got your back.