(Trends)

Here's How To Wear This Polarizing '90s Trend Like A Grown-Up

Dust off those head scarves.

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Fashion is known for recycling a trend or two, but lately it seems as though one decade in particular has been a goldmine of inspiration: The ‘90s. This should come as no surprise considering that Gen Z’ers have been enthusiastically recreating looks from shows like Sex and the City, Friends, and The Nanny. The accessorizing of characters like Carrie Bradshaw and Fran Fine was particularly notable, and '90s accessories trends that are just like the ones they sported in their heyday have begun popping up everywhere again. Now your favorite retailers (from big box stores to indie boutiques) are stocked up on butterfly motifs, oversized scrunchies, and more. So basically, there's no time like the present to try out or revisit these nostalgic finds.

From baguette handbags to chokers, fashion's elite are slowly making their way through the trends of the '90s — and the decade truly had a wide range of themes to choose from. Whether your personal style is more grunge than feminine, or a fluid mix of it all, these throwback accessory trends have a little bit of everything. But because they teeter the fine line between playful and childish, the key to successfully styling them like a grown-up is to wear them with the more refined pieces in your wardrobe. For example, a colorful head scarf doubles as a top and looks especially chic paired with relaxed tailoring.

Want to incorporate some the the decade’s greatest accessories into your wardrobe? Ahead find a few of TZR’s faves, complete with elevated styling tips and tricks to match.

We only include products that have been independently selected by TZR's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Butterfly Clips

A popular motif from the decade, butterflies can be found on a range of vintage-inspired finds (like jewelry and hair baubles). Try wearing the playful pieces with any plain white tee and denim combo.

Headscarves And Bandanas

The accessory reached peak popularity after being seen on the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Mariah Carey in the '90s. But when it comes to styling the trend in 2020, try wearing it looped through your undone braid or get creative by tying it around the handles of your favorite handbag.

Scrunchies

Though scrunchies never disappeared completely, the accessory has been everywhere lately. Besides being a safer alternative for your strands, the endless fabric options make for easy and functional accessorizing. Equally chic around your wrist, they work well wrapped around a ponytail or bun, and you'll simply never regret having a comfy and cute up-do accessory at hand amid the warmer months.

Charm Necklaces

The grown-up way to wear this customizable trend is by implementing the "less-is-more" rule. Sticking to one or just a few charms on one chain prevents overdoing it.

Anklets

The dainty addition is an uncommon jewelry choice, so donning one feels special. It's possibly the one piece missing from your jewelry box, but it's surprisingly wearable for every day.

Claw Hairclips

With a plethora of hair accessories to choose from, the banana clip has made a rather surprising comeback, thanks to Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Among scrunchies and bandanas, claw clips are also an easy but stylish hair hack.

Gradient Sunglasses

A staple in just about every music video and television show from the late '90s, the gradient sunglasses are back (but in modern silhouettes that are ideal for 2021).

Chokers

Boosted by the neck-up dressing habits from a year of Zoom meetings, this collarbone-hugging necklace length is back in a big way — just check out the Spring 2021 runways for proof.

Ying Yangs

This ancient Chinese symbol, which represents two opposing forces working together in harmony, has recently made its resurgence. With its black and white palette, it’s easy to incorporate into a ton of different outfits. In fact, these slides have quickly become a spring and summer It Girl staple.

Baby Barrettes

Spotted in the ‘90s on stars like Gwen Stefani and Drew Barrymore, baby barrettes have evolved into something a little more sophisticated in 2021. Think small and feminine, but a bit more grown-up. They also happen to be ideal for growing out those experimental quarantine bangs.

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