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Cardigans
Fashion seems to have an on-again, off-again relationship with the cardigan. But in the ’90s, there was nothing like an easy cardi to throw over your shoulders in case your spaghetti straps or slip dress got a little chilly.
Fast forward to now, and celebs like Kendall Jenner are wearing ’em cropped or only partially buttoned to show a lil skin. Paired with some wide-leg jeans or a pair of low-rise pants (!), and you’re set.
Sheer Dresses
Remember Kate Moss’s iconic sheer dress from 1993? It’ll definitely go down in fashion history—but it’s not retiring anytime soon. Brandon Maxwell brought back the legendary look for his Fall 2020 during NYFW in February.
Get excited, because 2023’s take on the trend is just as epic, and offers both neutrals and bold hues. You’d be surprised at just how wearable sheer dresses really are!
Knee Socks
Those ’90s school-girl knee socks were another look made famous by Cher in Clueless. High-fashion brands like Prada created an updated version of the trend that is a whole ’fit in itself.
We’re also seeing them come back in a big way, thanks to prep-core style as seen in the reboot of Gossip Girl. After all, what wouldn’t look chic with designer loafers or luxe heels?
Leather Chokers
If you didn’t have the chance to explore your inner punk during the ’90s, get excited because chunky leather and chain chokers have made a triumphant return in recent years—take, for example, Christian Siriano’s Fall 2020 collection.
You can go bold or keep things simple and sleek with a choker. Either way, rest assured these babies add some edge to any ensemble.
Thick Headbands
![NBC's "77th Annual Golden Globe Awards" - Arrivals](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-1191980123.jpg?resize=480:* "NBC's "77th Annual Golden Globe Awards" - Arrivals")
Hair accessories were HUGE in the’90s, and thick headbands were everything. Beanie Feldstein rocked a satin one at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards, reviving the thick headband trend and sending us all into hair-sterics. (Sorry for that one.)
Whether you’re into bedazzled bbs or classic, chic looks that’ll go with a designer gown, you’ll find options for every mood in 2023.
Adidas Slides
In the ’90s, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t own a pair of these fresh slides—and now you’re probably wishing you didn’t get rid of yours. They’ve been spotted on models from Gigi Hadid to Suki Waterhouse (pictured here).
They’re so much more than a shoe you’d wear to meet up with friends at the pool, too. When it’s warm out, Adidas slides add a sporty flair to any lewk.
Claw Clips
ICYMI, hair clips are back in a big—nay, huge—way. And in the ’90s, these babies were the ultimate chic hair accessory. (Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Greene, in Friends, was an avid fan.)
Once they were spotted in the wild at Alexander Wang’s Fall/Winter ’18 show, there was no stopping the resurgence. The trend just keeps getting bigger and bigger, with everything from minimalist designs to seriously quirky clips available.
Contributing Fashion Editor
Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. Along with Cosmopolitan, you can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women’s Health, and House Digest, among others. She’s a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the ’90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram.
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