The 90s were a cool decade altogether. We saw the rise of computers, café culture, sitcoms, paparazzi, and a whole lot of new fashion trends. Whether it’s the mom jeans, crop tops, oversized jumpers, overalls, or even knit cardigans, it was all very cool.
90s plus-size fashion was probably not as mainstream but was quite inclusive. Oversized shirts, puffed sleeves, floral patterns, loose denim, and layering were a part of everyday life. Interestingly, a lot of 90s trends never left, and some are back with version 2.0s.
Let’s find out what are the 15 cool plus-size 90s fashion outfits that blend right in with today’s aesthetic.
The Mom Jeans
Mom jeans were a rave back in the 90s. It was probably the most loved and worn cool plus-size outfit. The high-waisted nature of these jeans makes them perfect for every body type. Especially plus-size mom jeans fit snugly at your waist and accentuate your best features. One super popular look was pairing mom jeans with an oversized white shirt or red spaghetti top, or a balloon-sleeved puff top. Throw in a pair of white sneakers for a chic look from the 90s lookbook.
Denim Overalls
Another massively successful trend from the 90s plus-size fashion is denim overalls. Perfect for a casual outdoorsy look, they look good on everyone. Especially if you are conscious of your well-endowed figure, then denim overalls are the way to go. Choose per your preference and color- baggy, skinny, long, short, dungaree, etc. And then pick a quirky undershirt. It could be a sleeveless basic colored top, full-sleeved colorful t-shirts, or even oversized tees. If you were a cool 90s fella, you’d probably leave one clasp of your overalls open.
Floral Dresses
Bold floral designs were big in the 90s plus-size aesthetic. Be it A-line, t-shirt dresses, flowy shirt dresses, cottagecore, or the frock style, they all were popular. Especially those with plunge or sweetheart necklines or even turtlenecks were among the top favorites. The fashion scene was dominated by primary colors, and they remind us of more colorful, vibrant times. The floral dresses added a feminine touch for a coffee date or a casual park stroll.
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Plaid Skirt
The moment we think of a plaid skirt, we remember the iconic look of Rachel from Friends in her signature plaid skirt. It was relevant in the 90s and is relevant even today. Irrespective of whether you wear plus size or regular, it is perfect for a girl next door vibe. A plaid skirt is so versatile for pairings and great for layering. Wear it with plain sweaters or turtleneck full-sleeve tees. If you’re feeling a little edgy, you could also coordinate with loose graphic t-shirts.
Crop Tops
The decade that made the crop tops popular was the 90s, you all! Crop tops gave us every opportunity to rebel and show off belly buttons and piercings. Crop shirts, crop cardigans, crop t-shirts, and super crop tops were all trendy in the 90s plus-size fashion scene. Even today, you can find a lot of 90s-influenced crop tops. In the 90s, coordinating a crop top with a miniskirt would be cute. Also, a graphic oversized crop shirt with flared pants would be a totally chic look.
Plaid Pants
Plaid pants, shirts, skirts, and scarves all look vintage. Especially the 90s plus-size scene was dominated by flannels or plaid. Plaid trousers are great for styling casual and formal outfits. You could wear plaid pants with plain t-shirts, a formal blouse, or sweaters. Plus size or not, matching the shades of the threads to coordinate with the top is the key. During colder weather, style your look with a coordinated cardigan, an oversized blazer, or a denim jacket for a flawless look.
Baggy and Ripped Jeans
Denim was hot in the 90s. Celebs, college kids, grandparents, and even babies wore denim! A trend that originated in the 80s but became big in the 90s was that of ripped jeans. Interestingly, it was more of a political statement of rebellion! The 90s was also the decade of hip-hop and grunge fashion. So, plus-size baggy jeans were the other widespread fashion phenomenon. Wearing baggy denim with a crop top was ultra-hip with the younger crowd. This look was often completed with a bucket hat, also a 90s style.
Denim Jackets
Don’t know about the diamonds, but denim jackets are forever! Throughout decades of changing fashion, denim jackets have stayed super functional and très cool. If you have been a 90s teen, you would remember how cool embroidered, fringed, oversized denim jackets were. Plus size 90s fashion would be incomplete without these wardrobe staples. With leather skirts, denim bottoms, plaid pants, or even a slip dress, denim jackets are like a hot sauce; they make everything a little better.
Satin Dresses
The 90s was also the decade when Satin or Slip dresses graduated from inside wear to outside wear. Today you’ll find tons of options on Zara and H&M in all sizes, thanks to the celebs who thought it was trendy enough to be worn outside. Plus size or not, they made you feel sensual and sexy. The silky soft material with the stringy spaghetti straps, ooh mama! The best part is that you could wear them on their own, or on a plain white t-shirt.
Plaid / Flannel shirts
Plaid shirts are amazing for plus-size styling. They were a popular fashion choice for cool kids even in the 90s. Whether you’re a guy or a girl, flannel is always fantastic. Wearing an oversize plaid shirt over a graphic tee or a crop top with ripped jeans is an uber-cool look. Whether you’re stepping out for a coffee or running an errand, a simple plaid shirt, denim, and combat boots can be a quick go-to outfit. Tying the plaid shirts around your waist is also a cool look from the 90s.
Animal Print Outfits
The 90s witnessed emerging of claws. We are of course, referring to the cat eye sunglasses and the animal prints in fashion. Wearing plus-size leopard print jackets and long coats was an extremely popular fashion decision. Fur or not, they massively jazz up the outfit. The animal print skirt looks killer with a plain shirt. So does an animal print dress with a leather jacket. If you think we have forgotten the classic tiger print silk blouses, we haven’t! But if you are just someone who likes to make a statement, go with animal print pumps!
Plus-size Jumpers
Plus size 90s fashion without oversize jumpers is simply incomplete. This covers a wide range of jumpers, from neon pullovers to graphic sweatshirts. While neon windbreakers were more common with the cool kids, graphic sweatshirts were for all. For taking a stroll, going for a game, staying in at home, a casual day at college, or on airplanes, jumpers were a preferred choice of clothing back in the 90s. They were often worn with joggers, skirts, flared pants, or versatile corduroys.
Knit Cardigans
Oversize knit cardigans have always been in the fashion business. More so in the 90s. While some people were busy shrinking their sweaters, others were busy buying oversize knit cardigans as statement clothing. To build the contrast, it was often paired with tight slacks, fitted pants, or miniskirts. Plus size knit cardigans came in color-blocked, neutral colors, pastel colors, as well as nature-inspired motifs. They were immensely popular and loved by all genders and age groups.
Oversize blazers
Blazers are stylish, chic, and classy. A crisp blazer can literally save your day. Even if you wear it on top of a t-shirt. Yes, tees under blazers were a rocking 90s style. If you’ve seen 90s sitcoms, you know what we’re talking about. Wearing oversize blazers was a huge rage then. It could be a cotton blazer, a silk one, or even a leather blazer. Even today, the trend of wearing an oversized blazer over a dress or a tee is hot. A great sartorial choice for both men and women.
Plus-size Vests
Back in the 90s, vests were often used for layering on dresses, blouses, and Oxford shirts. We can also see the 80s hippie influence in the plus-size vests of the 90s. The vest aesthetic accentuates the curves and creates a feminine silhouette. There have been quite a few variations but just like the rest of the 90s, this is also dominated by denim. There is a less popular but ultra-chic formal version of the suit vest which gives a boss-lady vibe.
