Sorry, But the '90s Did Summer Dressing Better—5 Looks Inspiring My 2024 Wardrobe

While the '90s gave us countless celebrity outfits made infamous by their boldness and creativity—Liz Hurley in the Versace safety pin dress, Naomi Campbell's thigh-high cobalt blue socks—not all of them are easy to replicate for everyday wear. But if you dig through the archives, you'll discover plenty of understated A-lister looks that don't just shine quietly in the context of the decade, but also fit into 2024's fashion landscape.

With a new, warmer season to dress for, I've looked to five ’90s trendsetters for guidance. The era's aesthetic continues to inspire modern collections, and it's easy to see why: amidst the grunge accessories and daring runway looks, the style was defined by simple silhouettes and elevated basics.

From Kate Moss's timeless outfit formula to SJP's linen-trouser styling, these looks perfectly show the lasting appeal of ’90s fashion.

See 5 '90s Celeb Outfits I'm Copying This Summer:

1. Kate Moss: Tank Top + Jeans

Style Notes: Kate Moss is famous for transforming simple wardrobe staples into It-pieces. Looking at this effortless outfit, I'm suddenly convinced a tank top and jeans are the hottest buys of the summer.

Shop the look:

Arket

Rib Tank Top - White

£17

Arket makes the best basics.

AGOLDE

+ Net Sustain Freya High-Rise Slim-Leg Organic Jeans

£270

Wear these day in, day out.

Reformation

Meena Toe Ring Block Heel Sandal

£198

Style with jeans, dresses, mini skirts, linen trousers...

BOTTEGA VENETA

Gemelli Small Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag

£2510

This has a cool, ‘90s-esque feel.

2. Tyra Banks: Yellow Dress + Metallic Heels

Style Notes: Trends really are cyclical, because this pale yellow dress could have been pulled from a 2024 runway. Tyra has styled it for the red carpet with metallic heels, but you could easily swap them for flats or espadrilles.

Shop the look:

Reformation

Kerrigan Linen Dress

£228

I wasn't sure the yellow trend was for me until I saw this dress.

Lily & Roo

Gold Single Pearl Choker

£65

Pearl jewellery feels so summery—and what's more ’90s than a choker?

MANGO

Metallic-Effect Heeled Sandals

£36

So much fun.

3. Sarah Jessica Parker: Tube Top + Linen Trousers

Style Notes: Rewatching Sex and the City has made me appreciate Carrie Bradshaw's style all over again, but Sarah Jessica Parker's off-screen ’90s looks were also on-point.

Shop the look:

H&M

Microfibre Tube Top

£10

This set looks so comfy.

Reiss

Lori Viscose-Linen Wide Leg Suit Trousers

£188

White linen trousers have become a summer must-have.

The Row

Cybil Heeled Mules 55

£623

The Row consistently delivers beautiful shoes.

4. Claudia Schiffer: Floral Dress + Espadrilles

Style Notes: If I didn't know better, I'd think this photo was taken yesterday. Nothing about Claudia Schiffer's outfit feels dated—in fact, I've already spotted some very similar summer looks on Instagram.

Shop the look:

Reformation

Aribella Silk Dress

£298

Reformation should be your first port of call when seeking a floral dress.

CASTAÑER

Carina 80 Canvas Wedge Espadrilles

£100

A bestseller every year, and for good reason.

BOUTIQUE BONITA

Logo-Patch Palm Basket Bag

£60

Big enough for a picnic blanket, book, snacks and a bottle of vino, perhaps?

5. Jennifer Lopez: Button-Front Dress + Mules

Style Notes: On a warm day, this is exactly the kind of dress that will keep you comfortable and looking cute. If it was good enough for J.Lo circa 1994, it's good enough for us.

Shop the look:

MANGO

Short Buttoned Dress

£30

An easy dress to reach for at the weekend.

Missoma

Classic Large Hoop Earrings | 18ct Gold Vermeil

£135

Gold hoops are an instant outfit booster.

Arket

Heeled Leather Mules - Dark Brown

£199

From the tapered heel to the gently rounded toe to the soft brown shade, these mules are perfection.

DeMellier

The Midi New York | Salt & Pepper Canvas Tan Smooth | Demellier

£425

Tan leather and canvas is such a classic combination.