Sorry, But the '90s Did Casual Dressing Better—6 Easy Outfits That I'd Still Happily Wear Today

A quick jaunt back to the '90s via the internet (or time machine) and you'll find no shortage of inspiration from celebrities on how to style a T-shirt—although it may not be the first wardrobe item that comes to mind when you think of the most iconic '90s fashion moments. Baguette bags, loose low-rise jeans and silky slip dresses tend to be the poster children of the decade, but stars and the fashion set had a heyday with the humble T-shirt too. Whilst some T-shirt outfits reflect exactly the kinds of looks that are having a renaissance this year, others provide a different spin on this closet staple that sometimes feels a little bland.

As a child of the '90s, I feel as if I've already had my fair share of time wearing cargo pants, chunky Mary Janes and extremely-large windbreakers. That said, there seems to be a part of me wanting to live in this era again. Outfits were a little more experimental and people had no issue pairing contradictory accessories and items without worrying about committing a faux pas or wondering if it 'works'. It's an era with a fashion ethos I can get behind, therefore, I've compiled a few T-shirt outfits to help me invite the individualised spirit of the '90s into this year.

My '90s alter ego would say these outfits are pretty rad, and she wouldn't be wrong. Take a look at these six easy combinations below, and shop all the pieces you need for recreating them.

See the '90s T-Shirt Outfits I'm Copying This Season:

1. Black T-Shirt + Cargo Pants + Black Jacket

Style Notes: The silhouettes of the '90s loved to fluctuate between relaxed, baggier looks and sleek, body-hugging styles. It was an era of contrasting—grunge was everywhere but so were silky dresses and glam makeup. If you lean more towards the casual, laidback approach, take a page out of Gwyneth Paltrow's book and opt for a looser monochromatic outfit. Pair baggy black trousers with a black T-shirt and tie a jacket around your waist for good measure—functional and stylish.

Shop the Look:

Skims

Black Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

£48

This top will work with so many different '90s-inspired outfits.

H&M

Coated Cargo Trousers

£40

You can't pay homage to this decade without cargo trousers.

Arket

Padded Liner Jacket

£129

Tie it around your waist or layer up when it's chilly.

2. White T-Shirt + Dungarees + Black Loafers

Style Notes: My ears have pricked up to the subtle dungaree trend slowly but surely making an appearance this fall. It's another nod to the '90s, and it's a perfect pairing with a white tee. Whether you copy Toni Braxton and opt for a casual denim pair or choose edgier black overalls, it's a well-styled outfit that's so easy to do.

Free People

We the Free Ziggy Denim Overalls

£88

The light wash denim fits neatly into this era.

H&M

Fitted T-Shirt

£10

You can't go wrong with a cap sleeve.

Dear Frances

Joss Loafer, Black

£475

I've never considered loafers with dungarees until now—and I love it.

3. Striped Crop Top + Wide-Leg Trousers + Silver Bracelets

Style Notes: If you ever went through a punk era, a black-and-white crop top might make you run in the other direction but don't turn your nose up just yet. Julia Roberts did something fun here. Although the crop top and trousers feel casual, she added a flash of silver with a watch and stacked silver bracelets to slightly elevate a look that would be considered a touch more grunge. See? I told you contradictions were everywhere in the '90s.

Shop the Look:

ZARA

Cropped Stretch T-Shirt

£8

A fun pop of pattern.

Nobody's Child

Black Wide Leg Zeena Trousers

£55

A loose-leg trouser complements a tighter crop top perfectly.

Monica Vinader

Sterling Silver Essential Bangle

£198

Stack it or wear it on its own for a minimalist look.

4. White T-Shirt + Black Minidress + Baseball Cap

Style Notes: You can make a minidress feel sportier and slightly less ready for a night out with the help of a white T-shirt and a backwards baseball cap, à la Jennifer Aniston. It's a fun go-to outfit that's a good replacement on days you're not quite feeling trousers and jeans. Throw a large tote over your shoulder and you've got another '90s T-shirt outfit.

Shop the Look:

hush

Slim Fit Crew T-Shirt

£27

& Other Stories

Strappy Linen Mini Dress

£77

I'd pair this with Vans or trainers to really complete the look

& Other Stories

Cotton-Canvas Baseball Cap

£27

Take it from Aniston and wear it backwards.

5. Leather Jacket + White T-Shirt + Jeans

Style Notes: Cooler seasons like autumn and winter call for a T-shirt layered under jumpers and jackets. For an effortless, off-duty take, I'm looking to Halle Berry's ultra-cool '90s outfit that pairs a nipped-in leather jacket, light wash jeans and a white tee.

Shop the Look:

TOTEME

Hourglass Leather Jacket

£1520

I love the shape of this jacket.

COS

Clean Cut T-Shirt

£30

AGOLDE

'90s Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans

£310

The name of these jeans says everything.

6. Graphic T-Shirt + Jeans

Style Notes: For a simple '90s look that still feels modern, opt for a graphic tee and a pair of jeans. Naomi Campbell was ahead of the times—I could just as easily find someone wearing this outfit this year. Add a pair of chunky-sole trainers and small oval sunglasses to really complete the look.

Shop the Look:

H&M

£12

Graphic tees in neutral colours match with everything.

COS

Facade Jeans - Straight

£95

Straight and loose cuts are so '90s.

NEW BALANCE

2002r Leather-Trimmed Mesh and Suede Sneakers

£130

Just look to chunkier trainer styles from Reebok, New Balance and Adidas for a '90s look.