From supermodels and pop stars to grunge heroes and Hollywood legends, the 1990s produced some of the most iconic style moments in fashion history. It was an era of individuality, bold trends and cultural crossover, with celebrities shaping how people dressed—both then and now.
As 90s fashion continues to dominate modern runways and high street collections, it’s only natural to revisit the fashion icons of the 90s who made it all happen. These are the names that still influence how we dress in 2025, from minimalist tailoring to oversized denim and slip dresses.
Whether you’re building a retro-inspired wardrobe or just love a throwback moment, here’s a guide to the top 90s fashion icons who defined the decade—and how their style lives on today.
1. Kate Moss
No one epitomised 90s cool quite like Kate Moss. Discovered at 14, she became the face of the minimalist, undone aesthetic that defined the decade.
Signature Style:
- Slip dresses and sheer fabrics
- Leather jackets and oversized sunglasses
- Low-rise jeans and casual tees
Kate’s off-duty street style—grunge mixed with glamour—remains one of the most referenced looks in British fashion.
Still Relevant? Absolutely. Her influence can be seen in the resurgence of slip dresses, leather outerwear, and minimalist partywear.
2. Naomi Campbell
A true supermodel and global icon, Naomi Campbell owned every runway in the 90s—from Versace to Vivienne Westwood.
Signature Style:
- Bold prints and bodycon silhouettes
- Sequinned gowns and mini dresses
- Crop tops paired with high-waisted skirts
Naomi blended power, elegance and drama in everything she wore—making her one of the decade’s most recognisable faces in fashion.
Style Legacy: Her fierce, feminine approach continues to inspire designers and red carpet fashion alike.
3. Princess Diana
While best known for her royal duties, Princess Diana became an unexpected fashion muse in the 90s—especially for her off-duty looks.
Signature Style:
- Oversized sweatshirts with cycling shorts
- Double denim and baseball caps
- High-waisted jeans with tucked-in blouses
Her casual elegance has made her a style icon for a new generation. TikTok and Instagram are full of ‘Princess Di street style’ recreations.
Modern Take: Today’s “clean girl aesthetic” owes a huge debt to Diana’s effortlessly chic sportswear and tailored minimalism.
4. Gwen Stefani
As frontwoman of No Doubt, Gwen Stefani brought punk, ska and alt-girl fashion to the mainstream.
Signature Style:
- Plaid trousers and crop tops
- Coloured hair and bindis
- Combat boots and mesh tops
Her fearless approach to fashion gave rise to many of the Y2K trends re-emerging now.
Style Tip: Gwen’s influence is evident in today’s festival fashion and early 2000s streetwear revival.
5. The Spice Girls
Each of the Spice Girls embodied a different fashion personality—making them one of the most influential pop groups in fashion history.
Iconic Looks:
- Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham): LBDs and sleek silhouettes
- Scary Spice (Mel B): Animal prints and statement trousers
- Sporty Spice (Mel C): Trackies, crop tops and trainers
- Baby Spice (Emma Bunton): Mini dresses, platforms and pigtails
- Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwell): Union Jack dress, red hair, platform boots
Their playful, character-driven fashion helped shape 90s youth style and paved the way for individuality in fashion.
Still Influencing: Expect to see Spice Girls nostalgia on the runway and in streetwear for years to come.
6. Winona Ryder
The queen of cool in 90s Hollywood, Winona Ryder defined alternative style with a moody, vintage twist.
Signature Style:
- Black slip dresses and Doc Martens
- Blazers over graphic tees
- Gothic accessories and messy hair
She nailed the ‘too-cool-to-care’ look long before it became a TikTok trend.
Why It Matters: Winona’s dark, romantic vibe is reflected in current gothic-glam runway trends and Gen Z fashion.
7. Will Smith
As the star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will Smith helped shape 90s menswear with colour, confidence and charisma.
Signature Style:
- Bold prints and oversized jackets
- Bucket hats and neon trainers
- High-waisted jeans and patterned shirts
His wardrobe was fearless, fun and instantly recognisable.
Now Trending: Baggy denim, printed shirts and throwback sportswear are key menswear staples once again.
8. Kurt Cobain
As the face of grunge, Kurt Cobain changed the fashion landscape with his anti-style aesthetic.
Signature Style:
- Flannel shirts and ripped jeans
- Oversized cardigans and band tees
- Messy hair and round sunglasses
Kurt rejected traditional notions of fashion—and in doing so, created a whole new genre.
Style Impact: Grunge remains a major influence on streetwear and alternative fashion scenes.
9. Brad Pitt
In the 90s, Brad Pitt balanced Hollywood glamour with relaxed, masculine styling.
Signature Style:
- Leather jackets and faded jeans
- Open shirts and white tees
- Minimal tailoring and neutral tones
Whether on the red carpet or in paparazzi photos, he captured the essence of laid-back confidence.
Today’s Connection: Brad’s mix of rugged and refined still inspires modern menswear campaigns.
10. Jennifer Aniston
Best known for her role as Rachel Green in Friends, Jennifer Aniston became a defining face of 90s American fashion.
Signature Style:
- Slip skirts and knee-high boots
- High-waisted trousers and crop tops
- The iconic “Rachel” haircut
Her everyday style was accessible, relatable and incredibly influential.
Still Inspiring: Capsule wardrobes and soft neutrals draw heavily from Aniston’s 90s-era fashion.
Honourable Mentions
- Drew Barrymore – Boho meets punk
- Tyra Banks – Supermodel glamour with street influence
- Ewan McGregor – 90s Brit cool in Trainspotting era
- Destiny’s Child – Coordinated ensembles and bold textures
- Aaliyah – Crop tops, low-rise trousers, and tomboy luxe
Final Thoughts
The 90s fashion icons on this list weren’t just following trends—they were setting them. From grunge to glam, streetwear to minimalism, they reflected a decade of fearless self-expression and cultural evolution.
In 2025, their influence is everywhere. Whether it’s the return of cargo trousers, butterfly clips or the slip dress, we’re still dressing with a 90s mindset—one that celebrates individuality, nostalgia, and confidence.
So whether you’re shopping vintage, raiding Depop, or recreating celebrity looks from the past, one thing is certain: 90s fashion isn’t going anywhere.