I suppose I should have seen the ‘90s fashion revival coming—after the return of Y2K, it only makes sense for us to keep moving backward in time, feeding off the nostalgia as we shop—but I have to admit, I did not anticipate the trend lasting for quite so long.
It started with white tank tops. Suddenly they were everywhere—all over our TikTok and Instagram feeds, popping up on most-loved lists at retailers like Shopbop and Nordstrom and even making an appearance on the runway at Prada’s FW 22 show. Then followed other simple basics, like non-distressed, medium-wash, straight-leg jeans, mid-rise wide-leg trousers, button-downs that are neither too fitted nor oversize and jersey maxi skirts and tank dresses, all in a range of neutral hues—black, white, camel, slate gray, chocolate brown, beige. On their own, each of these wardrobe staples seems like smart, if slightly boring, investment pieces, but when worn together they evoke images of chic ‘90s minimalism. And shoppers, apparently, can’t get enough.