Bye-bye ‘Hot Girl Summer’—we’re entering our 90s minimalist era

Black sunnies and suit pants are the assignment for 90s minimalist

Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Julia Roberts photographed in the 90s
(Image credit: Getty Images / S. Granitz/WireImage/ Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection)

90s minimalist style is back and we couldn’t be more on board. Three decades later and the world’s obsession with 90s fashion trends has made a comeback—so much so that this summer has been dubbed as the ‘90s minimalist’ era. So if you’re also a lover of breezy shirts and baggy T’s—here are all the chic 90s staples you need to add to your summer capsule wardrobe.

To capture the 90s minimalist aesthetic all you need to do is picture Kate Moss, Halle Berry and Julia Roberts in their heyday. It was all about flattering, loose-fit trousers, white shirts and wearing sunglasses with everything—even at night. You'll also want a practical accessory, like the Girlfriend Collective fanny pack.

As avid TikTok users will know, minimalist style is very in, thanks to influencers like Matilda Djerf and our ongoing obsession with nostalgia—our need to recreate basically all of Rachel's Green's outfits is all the proof we need really. Another TikToker (@stylemevivi) has coined the new season '90s Minimalist summer'—and before you fret, jumping on the trend won’t cost the earth to do.

@stylemevivi

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The beauty of 90s style and a minimal look is that they can be achieved with just a handful of versatile staples, from a long white shirt to a plain pair of suit pants! 

@yolandainthecity

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How to achieve a 90s minimalist look this summer

Halle Berry, Kate Moss and Winona Ryder in the 90s

(Image credit: Getty Images / Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/ Trevor Gillespie / Contributor)

When it comes to the hottest days of summer, there’s nothing worse than wearing tight jeans and arm-restricting dresses. You want light, airy layering, and loose-fitting clothes—which is why we’re so excited for a 90s-inspired summer where comfort is key!

To build out your 90s minimalist wardrobe, start simple with just some wide-leg jeans and some basic high-waisted suit pants. 

Go for classic blues in the jeans and grey, cream, or black with your trousers as this will ensure you can perfectly mix and match with all your tops.

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ASOS Stradivarius wide-leg jeans with seam detail in light wash

RRP: $50/£49.90

These are the perfect 90s shade and relaxed fit! They'll go with white Ts and blazers for a more refined look.

If you find your current jeans loose their shape, opt for 100% cotton, like these!


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Bershka darted tailored trousers in black

RRP: $35.90/£22.99

You really can't go wrong with a nice pair of black high-waisted trousers.


You then want to stock up on simple white Ts and vests to pair with your jeans and trousers for the perfect and simplest 90s ensemble.

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ASOS DESIGN ultimate t-shirt with crew neck in organic cotton blend in white

RRP: $9/£6

This white t-shirt features the perfect high crew neck style and almost fits like a baby T—very 90s!


A white shirt is also a must—or opt for a blue and white poplin shirt which are plastering our social media accounts right now.

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ASOS DESIGN super oversized relaxed cotton dad shirt in white

RRP: $36/£25

A white shirt is a MUST this summer! They're ideal for throwing over your bikini or pairing with a cute pair of denim shorts.


Two items of clothing that were seemingly the go-to for the likes of Julia Roberts and Kate Moss in the 90s were of course waistcoats and blazers—which can be both dressed up and down depending on the occasion.

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Whistles Boyfriend single-breasted jersey blazer

RRP: $179/£89

A black blazer can take an outfit from basic to chic in seconds.

Opt for an oversized fit in a color that matches or compliments your suit pants.


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Vero Moda Aware tailored suit waistcoat co-ord in mocha

RRP: $57/£28

This chic waistcoat is giving all the 90s vibes and the neutral color will go with most items in your wardrobe.


See—we’re already getting there!

To really tie these pieces together, opting for some gold jewelry and huggie hoops is a must and of course a flattering pair of all-black sunnies.

If you’re a lover of Hailey Bieber’s sunglasses—these styles will also tick that box.

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Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses

RRP: $163/£146

Ray-Ban's are a real classic when it comes to sunglasses, you really can't go wrong with them.

This style offers 100% UV protection and features gradient lenses. Plus they come with a free leather case!


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ASOS Design recycled frame angled slim cat eye sunglasses in shiny black

RRP: $15/£10

These cat-eye sunglasses are the perfect summer accessory and the shape is very 90s. Plus for $15 they're a steal!


Naomi Jamieson
Lifestyle News Writer

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team, where she covers everything from entertainment to fashion and beauty, as well as TikTok trends for Woman&Home, after previously writing for My Imperfect Life and GoodTo. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but lept into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing and earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ.

Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.