Fashion and beauty trends are cyclical, meaning when something goes out of style, you can pretty much guarantee there will be a modern take on it in a couple decades. We’re currently in a ‘90s and Y2K resurgence, and as a millennial myself, I can’t say I’m mad about it. Trends of the past are back in a more elevated, stylish way, and I’m loving them now more than ever. From sheer dresses to frosted lips, denim on denim and more, here are 9 fashion and beauty trends that are making a comeback!
9 Fashion and Beauty Trends That Are Making a Comeback
1. Sheer Styles
Sheer was huge in the ‘90s, seen everywhere in pop culture from movies to music videos to TV shows. Off the top of our heads, Clueless, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Destiny’s Child come to mind. Now, we’re seeing sheer styles come back thanks to trends like the balletcore aesthetic and lingerie dressing. Sheer dresses have graced red carpets from the Oscars to the Met Gala, with everyone from from Florence Pugh and Elle Fanning to Dua Lipa and Rihanna playing a part in the sheer resurgence. If you’re looking to add sheer to your closet, consider pieces like sheer button-up tops, semi-transparent skirts, and sheer knit dresses.
2. Plaid and Tartan
Plaid and tartan are making a big comeback, covering everything from jackets to skirts, suits, sweaters, and of course, flannel button-ups. Perfect for the fall season, this country chic trend can be dressed up or down depending on your plans. Plaid became ubiquitous in the 1970s and again in the ‘90s with not only the grunge movement but mainstream movies like Clueless. If you’re planning on sporting the plaid/tartan trend this fall and winter, look for earthy tones like dark greens, browns, and burnt oranges that you can easily match with other autumnal staples.
3. ’90s Blowout
The ‘90s blowout is as iconic as it gets when it comes to hairstyles, and Gen Zs and millennials are all about this “vintage” trend. The voluminous, bouncy hairstyle was made popular by ‘90s super models like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer and is now all over Tiktok, Pinterest and Instagram as a hairstyle of the moment. To get the look at home, use products like a volumizing shampoo, as well as a blowout styling cream and root lifter to give your hair oomf. Style it with a round brush or thermal blow dryer brush for a gorgeous blowout style.
4. Denim on Denim
There may be no more iconic denim on denim look than Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001s American Music Awards. While their matching Canadian tuxedo looks didn’t always make headlines for the best reasons, I think we can all agree it left its mark on the fashion world. When done correctly, denim on denim can look incredibly chic. Think: a form-fitting denim jacket with wide leg jeans in the same colour, or a denim skirt with an oversized denim jacket on top. You likely already have the components for this trend in your wardrobe too!
5. Frosted Lips
Any millennial who loves romcoms will recognize the iconic phrase “frost yourself” from the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. While they were talking about diamonds, it’s not a coincidence that shimmering lips were popular as well. Frosted lips scream “early 2000s” and since everything old is new again, they’ve been dominating the beauty world as of late. Frosted lips are perfect for a playful, flirty night out. You can wear them in any colour, and to give them a more modern take, opt for a more muted, wearable shimmer like the L’Oréal Infallible Lip Gloss in ‘Frosted’.
6. Studs
Studs reigned supreme in the early 2000s thanks to the likes of musicians like Avril Lavigne and P!nk who donned a punk-ish style on concert stages and red carpets alike. Studded clothing and accessories are back in the spotlight, with bags, jeans, belts, boots, and jackets seen on the runways and in stores everywhere. Studs are a great way to add texture and edginess to your ensemble. They’re definitely a statement-maker we’re going to be seeing everywhere.
7. Shorter, Square Nails
It seems like everyone’s opting for the shorter, square nails of the ‘90s, as opposed to almond and oval nails that have dominated the past few years. Like most trends of today, it seems as though Gen Z is behind this, and we have to admit, we’re really into it. Not only do shorter square nails look chic, they’re more practical, too. Shorter nails also means less room for nail art so solid colour and French tips are the way to go for this trend. The French manicure is another big ‘90s trend that’s having another moment.
8. Preppy School Girl Style
School girl style reigned supreme in the late ‘90s/early 2000s, thanks very much in part to Britney Spears’ debut music video for “Baby One More Time.” She will always be an icon, what can we say? Preppy clothing is back, with button down shirts, loafers, blazers, and full skirts making it to the runways of Miu Miu, Victoria Beckham and Tommy Hilfiger. Personally, we love this trend and can’t wait to see more of it IRL.
9. Monochrome Brown Makeup Looks
All over brown makeup looks were worn by ‘90s stars like Drew Barrymore and Victoria Beckham, and brown hues are back. Monochrome brown looks are characterized by soft brown smokey eyes, bronzer on the cheeks rather than blush, and a brown liner or gloss. Brown is a neutral shade that comes in various hues to work for all skin tones. It’s the perfect look to take you from day to night.
These are the fashion and beauty trends you’ll be seeing everywhere. We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to wear them!
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