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'90s fashion is on the way back. Cue the CD player.

 

Everyone’s saying it. Vogue, Cosmo, InStyle, the 19-year-old assistant at Sportsgirl. The 90s are back in fashion.

No-one really knows why we would want scrunchies or Doc Martins back in our lives but Vogue, at least, has a mathematical theory. Take the current year and subtract the average age of today’s rising designers (25) who are running wild with nostalgia for an era they know not of and you have … 1842. Not really. really, you have 1990.

As the 33rd US President Harry S Truman said while wearing a very spiffy pair of trousers: “There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.” For these designers, history is known – and it is chokers and jelly sandals and dark berry lipstick. At the same time.

This time around, though, it’s all about taking one 90s trend and wearing it with your current wardrobe. Warning: Do Not Combine.

We take you through the top 90s trends that are coming back to a high-street store near you.

Tartan (or Plaid) anything.

Whether it’s jackets, pants, skirts or shirts, think the preppiness of Clueless mixed back with more modern pieces. Try flat shoes or even sneakers with this skirt. South of the Border Tartan pencil skirt, $159.

Make the tartan yours with modern accessories.

 

Chokers

More minimalist than its 90s forebear, today's choker is streamlined, striking and metallic rather than floral or even wooden daisies (gasp). Perfect with a crisp white shirt or anything with clean lines. Mimco Go To Torque Choker, $149.

Strong and elegant, the choker doesn't dominate

 

The Slip Dress

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Made famous by Kate Moss in the 90s, this barely-there, cut on the bias dress also looks great under any kind of structured jacket. As long as what's on top (hard leather jacket) doesn't match what's underneath (sweet slip) you're there. Witchery Oleander Midi dress, $199.95.

Just think of late sunsets

 

Moody Floral

The 90s floral skater dress is back, but instead of the short hemline, take your cue from the type of print: bold florals on a dark background (even Kate Middleton, at the 100 Women in Hedge Funds dinner this week, was wearing the moody dark floral). ASOS Curve maxi dress in Botanic Floral, $137.12.

The dark background makes the floral all grown up.

 

Overalls

They used to be worn with fluoro lightning earrings and a beat box on one shoulder, now they are toned down with chic extras: a tee of your choice and cool kicks. And, no, you're not too old to wear them. It's fashion and meant to be fun and relaxed. Glassons distressed denim overalls, $69.99.

Have fun with overalls

 

The Leather Biker Jacket

It was cool because all the rock chicks wore them. Now, women are slipping them over cocktail dresses and on top of shorts. They are meant to go with everything. ASOS Leather Biker jacket, $210.95.

 

The leather jacket will go with anything.

 

Bandanas

The little accessory that could. In the 90s it probably read way too literally Ride em cowboy. Today it should be the only kitschy piece you wear. Tie around the neck, use as a head band or even around the wrist. Tuchuzy, $10.

So many ways to work it.