Future Nostalgia: ‘90s Movie Outfits That Still Hold Up

From 'Romy & Michele' to Mia Wallace, what these iconic characters wore is more relevant than ever.

Fashion doesn’t have to be unexpected in order to be fun. In fact, sometimes the most exciting ensembles are ones that return to the familiar—while taking on new life. Luckily, given fashion’s cyclical nature, we can count on the reemergence of trends every couple of decades or so. And, from slip dresses and corsets all over the runway to baggy jeans and chunky platforms dominating the streets, it’s clear the Nineties are back, baby!

There’s no better way to celebrate a ‘90s renaissance than to channel the iconic characters who defined the time. While there is, and can only be, one Mia Wallace, her fashion sense has transcended time​​—as has the costuming of cult classics like Clueless, Pretty Woman, and Romeo and Juliet. The timeless nature of these movie looks means they can be achieved with clothing you likely already have in your wardrobe or can procure with a quick trip to the mall (yes, those still exist; read more here). Ahead, we visit five canonical ‘90s film outfits that look just as wearable today.

Dionne Davenport, Clueless

Best friend duo Cher Horowitz and Dionne “Dee” Davenport brought the first day of school outfit to new heights in coordinated plaid skirt suits. While sweet Cher shined in canary yellow, sassy Dee oozed confidence with bold pops of red, patent leather lapels, and a striking hat—a masterful balance of sophistication, playfulness, and daring. From the moment Dee appears on-screen, it’s apparent she is a fashionista force to be reckoned with—as is the woman behind the 1995 look, costume designer Mona May. With a budget of just $200,000, May knew she had to get crafty, so she sourced pieces from both thrift stores and designer catalogs; the result was a fabulous styling of real clothes rather than a costume. “I am so proud that this film has stood the test of time,” May told The Art of Costume in 2020. “...Even though the outfits were inspired by the '90s, I had a global point of view on fashion. So the movie is not as dated as maybe it was just on-trend. The outfits are so classic.”

Romy White and Michele Weinberger, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion

Sisterhood will never go out of style—and neither will colorful, flirty mini dresses. There’s a lot we can learn from best friends Romy White and Michele Weinberger in the 1997 screwball comedy, especially when it comes to unbreakable bonds and eccentric fashion. Armed with their candy-colored closets bursting with beads, sequins, and glitter galore, the pair showed the world that fashion is all about having fun, being yourself, and embracing boldness. And nothing made more of a stylish statement than their itty-bitty, shiny dresses in hers-and-hers pink and blue.

Mia Wallace, Pulp Fiction

Whether it be for a dance-off in Jack Rabbit Slims or a regular old Tuesday at the office, the classic combo of black and white is ubiquitous. Mia’s deceptively simple outfit made waves in the 1994 film, in part because, in addition to The Twist, she taught us that sometimes it’s not the clothes that matter, but how you wear them. At first glance, the gangster’s wife’s shirt might look like any smart white button-down, but a second look at the piece’s fitted torso construction, flared waist, and angled cuffs reveal the garment is a visual display of confidence. Her oversized trench coat takes on the aura of a cape, and her pedal pusher trousers offer one last discreetly daring touch. Mia’s seductive “bad girl” energy, coupled with the pieces’ cohesiveness, proves even a neutral color palette can make a statement. Thirty years later, the power behind this ensemble hasn't been forgotten, especially on the runways of Dior, Max Mara, and more.

Vivian Ward, Pretty Woman

In Garry Marshall’s 1990 blockbuster Pretty Woman, fashion is a character in and of itself. As Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis’s relationship develops, so does Vivian’s style. There couldn’t have been a better first outfit to don post-lavish shopping spree than the high-neck, belted, polka dot midi dress, coordinating hat, and posh white gloves she wore to the polo match. (No big mistakes here!) Fit for anything from the Kentucky Derby to a Sunday brunch, today’s version by Carolina Herrera marries elegance and playfulness—an embodiment of Vivian’s delightful spirit.

Juliet, Romeo + Juliet

Few garments exude romance quite like a long white dress. While history has seen more than a fair share of swoon-worthy frocks, Juliet’s balcony look from Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy Romeo + Juliet epitomizes the ethereal gown. It is no wonder Romeo falls in love the moment he sees the young beauty in the angelic dress. Whether you are calling out to your beloved from a window, getting lost in someone’s eyes over a candle-lit dinner, or sharing a toast at a picnic, the airy ensemble brings an allure and charm to any occasion.

Credits

• Photographer

• Taylor Rainbolt

• Model

• Danielle Gazi for State Management

• Stylist

• Kevin Huynh

• Hair

• Charles McNair

• Makeup

• Miguel Lledo

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