The cyclical nature of trends strike again. The fashion of the ‘90s, made distinct by its grunge aesthetic, commitment to slinky minimalism, and ironic, campy rewriting of the flamboyance of the ‘80s, is making a strong comeback. And this doesn’t just refer to the return of mid-rise denim jeans, teddy crop tops, cardigans, and bike shorts—wedding dress trends are also coming back into the popular rotation.
READ MORE: 10 Timeless Wedding Dress Styles That Will Never Go Out of Style
Halter cuts, model off-duty satin slip dresses, and modestly opulent high necklines are just some of the many interesting features of the 1990s bridal style. But they don’t seem dated in any way, probably because they were always timeless and palatable to begin with.
As seen on the iconic Herve Leger gown worn by supermodel Iman when she married David Bowie in 1992, the dramatic halter cut and fitted waist is an instant callback to the ‘90s. To nail the feel of the era, get a dress in a luminous duchesse satin and don matching gloves.
Mari, 3,190 USD, Galia Lahav
Key silhouettes included slouchy, minimal slip dresses, often made of satin or silk. Spaghetti straps were also a distinguishing feature. Unlike today’s Instagram-famous satin dress, many slinky ‘90s slips featured a droopy, unfitted bust draping, much like nightgowns.
Maysen Silk Dress in Fior di Latte, 705 AUD, Reformation
Also popular at the time were high neckline gowns fit for royalty. Whitney Houston’s 1992 bespoke wedding gown by Marc Bouwer is a strong example: the floor-length gown was adorned with bugle beads, sequins, and had mesh sleeves and a dramatic lace choker. Jada Pinkett-Smith also wore a high neckline when she wed Will Smith in 1997, except her Badgley gown was rendered in a rich champagne-hued velvet.
Graciela Wedding Dress, Morilee
Victoria Beckham wed David Beckham in 1999 in a strapless satin gown by Vera Wang. Her distinctly ‘90s hair and makeup aside, the corseted bodice and relatively unadorned skirt are telltale signs of the era.
Style #MISTY, 5,400 USD, Lazaro
Sheath dresses, also known as column dresses, are still very popular today, but share the spotlight with a modern fixation on fluffy skirts and high-waisted cuts. In the ‘90s, however, they were all the rage. (In fact, the aforementioned bridal gowns worn by Iman and Whitney Houston were also sheath dresses.) This style made an appearance on the popular sitcom “Friends” when Monica donned a satin sheath gown with clean, minimal lines for her wedding to Chandler.
Deborah low-back wedding dress with bow, Eva Lendel
Trends are more like markers of a specific fashion era than they are a mandate of what’s “in” or not. Thus, if you’re an old soul, don’t hesitate to parse through the past decades for a bridal peg, because they’re enduringly noteworthy for a reason.
To explore the latest trends, expert advice, and breathtaking inspiration in the world of weddings, don’t miss out on the Get Wedded in Australia 2023-2024 digital magazine! Whether you’re a bride-to-be or a wedding enthusiast, this magazine is a must-read.
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