Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

90’s Fashion Guide: How to Get The 1990’s Style

Will Smith Overalls
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you follow the latest trends in men’s fashion, then you’re probably feeling a bit nostalgic for the ’90s. Much like the age of The Fresh Prince and Clueless, this season’s menswear collections featured plenty of boxier silhouettes, athleisure, and minimalist basics paired in myriad ways that would make Will Smith proud.

There’s probably some element of your personal style that has been inspired by the era (we’re living in track pants and hoodies these days, after all). That’s why we rounded up some of the most notable trends of the ’90s, and the best pieces to buy to relieve that decade with a modern approach.

Recommended Videos

Bucket Hats

The Kangol bucket hat was a right of passage for any rapper looking to make it in the music industry, so of course a piece so synonymous with the ’90s has made its way back into our current trends. Nowadays, the bucket hat can be worn a variety of ways from streetwear to casual looks.

Kangol Bermuda Bucket Hat — $63

Kangol Bermuda Bucket Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you want to really relive go with the OG bucket brand hat worn by rappers like LL Cool J.

Nike Washed Bucket Hat — $32

Nike Washed Bucket Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re going for a more athletic approach to the bucket hat trend Nike has a great option in a variety of colors.

Burberry Checked Cotton-Blend Twill Bucket Hat — $320

Burberry Checked Cotton-Blend Twill Bucket Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The bucket hat has made its way into high fashion, rendered in the instantly recognizable Burberry Plaid.

Stussy Stock Bucket Hat — $50

Stussy Stock Bucket Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Streetwear brand Stussy’s bucket hat is perfect for an authentic ’90s look.

Turtlenecks

The turtleneck was a go-to look for teeny heartthrobs like Justin Timberlake, to alpha males like The Rock. These days, Turtlenecks have become a uniform for creative types and tech guys. Plus, they look great on camera.

Neiman Marcus Men’s Chunky Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater — $495

Neiman Marcus Men's Chunky Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This knit channels ’90s Justin Timberlake’s fit at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Topman Black Ribbed Roll Neck Jumper — $42

Topman Black Ribbed Roll Neck Jumper
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re going for the ’90s prep look. you can’t go wrong with this ribbed jumper.

Asos New Look Roll Neck Sweater in Black — $30

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Remember the photo of The Rock with the chain … pretty close huh?

Uniqlo Men’s Soft Touch Turtleneck — $20

Uniqlo Men's Soft Touch Turtleneck
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A lightweight option with breathable material to kick start the season.

Overalls

Probably the most recognized style moment of the ’90s is a good pair of denim overalls (always with one strap down, of course). This look was worn by some of the most notable men of the era, from Will Smith to Tupac.

Shein Men Ripped Slant Pocket Denim Overall — $33

Shein Men Ripped Slant Pocket Denim Overall
.

A modern take on classic overalls with a slim bottom.

Forever 21 Slim-Fit Utility Overalls — $35

Forever 21 Slim-Fit Utility Overalls
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For those interested in adding a pop of color into their wardrobe.

Carhartt Duck Bib Overalls — $80

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The durable and functional option while staying on trend.

Levi’s Denim Overalls — $66

Levi's Denim Overall
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The classic denim overalls for the signature ’90s era look.

Basic White Tee

Arguably the most ubiquitous staple of the ’90s is the white tee. Although basic alone, this t-shirt is super versatile and can be paired with anything from jeans to a biker jacket.

Urban Outfitters Recycled Cotton Crew Neck Tee — $15

Urban Outfitters Recycled Cotton Crew Neck Tee
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Made from recycled cotton, not only will you look good, but feel good.

Bleusalt The Men’s High-T — $100

Bleusalt The Men's High-T
Image used with permission by copyright holder

An ultra-soft tee that you’ll never want to take off.

AllSaints Aldwin Crew T-Shirt — $30

AllSaints Aldwin Crew T-Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Relaxed fit with a little texture in case you don’t want to go too basic.

Banana Republic White T-Shirt — $18

Banana Republic White T-Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Doesn’t get more classic than this one.

Chunky boots

The ’90s were all about elevating style, down to the heels. Chunky footwear was popularized by the decade’s grunge scene, which was all about boosting one’s height. Case in point: It was also the same era when Doc Martens took off. Today, the all-American boot brand is still going strong, and has entered the mainstream. Now you can see guys in preppy and normcore styles wearing these thick-soled duds.

Dr. Martens Black Mono 1460 Boots — $145

Dr. Martens

We’re pretty sure these never went out of style.

Dr. Martens Black Jadon Hi Boots — $180

Dr. Martens Black Jadon Hi Boots
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The yellow stitching screams ’90s grunge era.

Bottega Veneta Slip-On High-Top Boots — $1,100

Bottega Veneta Slip-On High-Top Boots
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Easily pair with baggy jeans for a casual look or slim-fit dress pants for a more tailored look.

Asos Design Apricot Premium Leather Chunky Zip Front Boots in Black — $135

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Add another level of ‘cool’ with a zipper hardware look.

Snapback

Another hat style that was popularized by ’90s rappers was the snapback. A lightweight accessory that could be paired with just about anything, snapbacks are typically adorned with a logo or phrase that these celebs “repped.” Today, we still see people wear these baseball caps as a way to show their brand loyalty or promote their merch.

Corridor New York New York Cap — $45

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The birthplace place of Rap, therefore the birthplace of the popularity of the snapback.

Rhude Black and Red Pit Stop Trucker Cap — $165

Rhude Black and Red Pit Stop Trucker Cap
.

LA streetwear brand Rhude pays homage to the ’90s snapback with this merch-style hat.

CCS Thrasher Oval Snapback Hat — $25

Image used with permission by copyright holder

No brainer for ’90s fashion to incorporate a Thrasher hat into your wardrobe.

Bad Birdie Bad “Rope” Hat — $30

Bad Birdie Bad "Rope" Hat
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The ’90s were all about being a ‘Bad Boy’ so why not let everyone know how ’90s you are by wearing it on your head?

Belt Bags

In the past few years, belt bags have been everywhere. Also known as fanny packs, these were worn by guys like The Rock, and were usually paired with a turtleneck and denim jeans. Today, belt bags have into a streetwear staple.

Eastpak Ssense Exclusive Black XL Springer Pouch — $40

Eastpak SSENSE Exclusive Black XL Springer Pouch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Eastpak and Ssense’s collaboration may make this the most ’90s belt bag on the market.

Fiorucci Angels Bumbag Red — $63

Fiorucci Angels Bumbag Red
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This belt bag will complete your nostalgic look with the signature Fiorucci angel motif.

A.P.C Rebound Hip Bag — $125

A.P.C Rebound Hip Bag
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A.P.C’s  XL belt bag is perfect to hold all your ring pops and Dungaroo’s.

Saint Laurent Classic Belt Bag — $870

Saint Laurent Classic Belt Bag
Image used with permission by copyright holder
A high fashion take on the classic belt bag.
Ty Gaskins
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ty Gaskins is a Writer, Stylist, and Public Relations Professional based in New York City. Originally from Virginia Beach…
Style corner: How to wear black jeans
Mastering the men's style staple
Man in all denim outfit

Every man should have a good pair of jeans. They are his best friend, the one garment in his closet that will never let him down. When he is celebrating a victory, the jeans show off his best side at the party. They are in a comfort zone when he is down, keeping him safe and secure. For the same reason, every man must own a good pair of black jeans. They are a men's staple and are good all year round for dressed-up moments or casual engagements. But having a good pair and knowing how to wear black jeans are very different situations. If you wear them right, they will never do you wrong. If you fumble the jean, they can be your worst enemy. So, like always, we here at The Manual have the answers for you on what to wear with black jeans to ensure you are always on the right side of style when you're rocking black denim.

There are a few things you have to know first when it comes to black denim; here are some tips to lock into your memory before we dive into the right outfits:

Read more
Men’s fashion tips: How to wear corduroy pants this fall and winter
Making an old fashioned classic stylish
Corduroy fabric

Alright, gents, let's talk about corduroy. Corduroy pants, to be specific. Many of you may feel that corduroy, in general, is old-fashioned, something of the past that needs to be left there. And honestly, there are some pretty legitimate reasons you feel that way. For instance, the fabric was initially created for and fit perfectly as workwear in the 1800s. It was tough and flexible, making it a desired garment for factory work. Then, it was adopted by the military in WWII (namely by the Women's Land Army -- you're welcome for that point at trivia night).

However, it rose to fashion prominence when anti-establishment advocates wore it in the 1960s and 1970s. People like Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, and Pablo Picasso made it famous. Even The Beatles were said to have singlehandedly saved the fabric by England's President of the Board of Trade. So, being loved by that era makes us feel that our fathers and grandfathers own corduroy, but as you already know, we are living in our own era of "What is old is new," and we have to learn how to wear corduroy the right way today. Here is how you wear it the way those icons of the past did.
Types and styles of corduroy pants

Read more
How to style men’s cowboy boots: A guide to western fashion
How to style men's cowboy boots
cowboy boots sitting on top of fence

When choosing a pair of fun, unique, and rugged shoes, there’s no doubt that cowboy boots have earned the top spot. Although we’ve grown accustomed to seeing cowboy boots in plenty of Western movies, they’re also a modern choice for those seeking a different type of footwear. Far from a prop for dressing up, cowboy boots offer a unique look you can’t get from other boots. However, styling them can be challenging for those new to the footwear choice. Thankfully, cowboy boots have become a go-to for many, meaning there are plenty of new ways to rock your favorite pair in a sophisticated look. The key to styling your cowboy boots is seeking a balance between Western elements and modern pieces, giving you a cohesive outfit you’ll reach for time after time. 
Wear boots under suit pants

Even though cowboy boots may not seem the dressiest shoe, they’re the perfect pair for any elevated look. Instead of the same pair of dress shoes, choose a pair of cowboy boots that blend with your suit pants for a twist on a classic look. Wearing boots with a suit is simple, simply opt for a color that blends in with your suit for a sleek, cohesive look. You’ll want to opt for a shorter heel on your boots to help give you a dressier fit. Choose materials like leather for an elevated shoe that will complement the event. Although short cowboy boots are chic, stick with a taller option with a narrow leg that won’t bulk up underneath your suit pants. To prevent further bulking, looser suit pants will help give you enough space to tuck your boot underneath your pants without a hitch. 
Choose the right cowboy boot

Read more