My favorite thing about the 90s was the major differences between trends. On one hand, this time in history was literally known as the ‘grunge era’, with clothing and accessories matching. On the other hand, minimalism reigned supreme in the ’90s (à la Caroline Bessette-Kennedy), and this comparison makes this decade unlike any other in terms of fashion. So, it’s no surprise that a selection of minimalist accessory trends from the ’90s are back in the spotlight. Although they may have been trending at one point, it’s clear that their timelessness means they won’t be away for long.
I could happily discuss ’90s trends all day, but there’s something about the more minimalist pieces that draws my eye. I often buy handbags or shoes without realizing that their shapes or specific styles largely reflect this era. Reliability lies in the stable presence of minimal accessories. They’re safe investments that rarely look out of date, and they’re pieces you can return to when you get tired of surfing the ever-rotating trend cycle.
The styles I’m seeing most often this season are simple strappy Sandals, minimalist sunglasses, cute claw clips, baguette and crescent bags and flatform sandals. Putting them all together, I see why they’re back with gusto. Many of them are the basis of other trends we’ve seen before (looking at you, quiet luxury) and are proof of the longevity that comes from simple forms.
So if your interest is piqued by ’90s fashion, the following six accessory trends might be worth adding to your wardrobe.
These ’90s Accessory Trends Are Back This Year
1. Crescent Bag
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Compact, cute and perfectly packable for summer holidays
anonymous copenhagen
Shane Petit Pillow Bag Alligator Calf Black
The croc print and pillow material also fit into this era.
Improvement
Medium Rosetta Shoulder Bag
This color remains in trend every spring and summer.
pollen
Numero Dix – Textured Black
A more rounded crescent shape if you prefer a modern silhouette.
2. Platform Slide
Style Notes: If there was any ’90s trend that I wore the most as a fashion-obsessed pre-teen, it was this one. The elastic bands and thick soles were a statement but the simple shapes and neutral colors make them acceptable to minimalists. I love how London-based content creator Liv Medlin updated this look for today, wearing them with a dressy blazer and Bermuda shorts — something that will likely become my summer uniform.
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free people
Harbor Platform Sandals
These come in 16 amazing colors.
charles and keith
Wide-Strap Platform Wedges
Veg Soul is essentially a time machine for the ’90s and ’00s. Wear them with cropped jeans or capris.
fendi
Fendi Sunshine Brown Fabric Flatform Slide
Pair them with the Fendi Baguette Bag for the ultimate ’90s look.
3. Minimal sunglasses
Style Notes: From oval shapes to metal-framed lenses, minimalist sunglasses were everywhere in the ’90s. celebrities like Halle Berry, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston all wore them and it’s no surprise they’re back. Sleek sunnies never go out of style, and while thick frames and large lenses often go in and out of trends, something that errs on the side of minimalism will never lose its charm.
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store controller
round wire-frame sunglasses
Silver frames and different colored lenses were also big with the fashion crowd.
Oval frames will always remain a classic sunnies shape.
Celine Eyewear
Oval-Frame Metal and Acetate Sunglasses
The combination of black lenses and metal frames is exceptionally ’90s.
Mango
semi-transparent frame sunglasses
Another sleek shape that blends rectangles and ovals.
4. Simple Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: If they weren’t heavy platforms, the shoes would also lean toward minimalist construction, and we’re seeing a resurgence of them. Sandals with thin straps are already creeping into my diet this summer, and it’s a trend worth investing in. They go with everything and elevate every outfit. As Norwegian influencer Nenna Ekem shows, they match perfectly with jeans and a white T-shirt. They are also a comfortable shoe for summer wedding guests.
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Improvement
Sophie Heeled Sandals
Pair with a slip dress or jeans.
Mango
strappy heel sandals
A beautiful choice for weddings and summer celebrations.
and other stories
Strappy Block Heel Sandal
Perfect if you love block heels. These come in seven other colors.
AEYDE
Ella Leather Slingback Sandals
And a flat-soled option that follows the principles of nineties minimalism.
5. Baguette Bag
Style Notes: The sharp lines and rectangular shape of the baguette bag instantly make you want to carry it with you. Fendi released its original design in this size in 1997, and it’s making headlines again this year. Whether you wear it with shorts and sandals or a little black dress, it works.
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and other stories
slim leather shoulder bag
It comes in dark brown and khaki green colours.
Calvin Klein
Glossy Foil Logo Bouleto Shoulder Bag
A white handbag always looks very appropriate for summer.
fendi
Baguette® Tobacco Brown FF Jacquard Fabric Bag
A classic from the original manufacturer.
Improvement
Beatrice Shoulder Bag
The gold hardware and buckles make this bag look like it came from the ’90s.
6. Claw Clips
Style Notes: We can’t remember the ’90s or analyze its returning trends without considering the humble claw clip. Its creation may be simple, but it does serious work when twisted into hair. It’s airy and a staple in any minimalist’s hair accessory collection, whether you choose silver, gold, pastel acrylic or tortoise shell.
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Space NK
Torte Toto Clip in Spicy Turtle Shell
A classic pattern that looks beautiful on all hair colors.
A cute set to create all your favorite ’90s hairstyles.
Reverie Child
Refined Hold Blue Hair Clip
An attractive choice if you want to add a little pop of color to your outfit.
free people
alix claw clip
I couldn’t resist this delightful claw clip. It looks like an evolved version of the butterfly clip.
