Forget those dusty, old clothes. The coolest 90s film fashion styles deserve a comeback in your wardrobe. So, let's revisit those iconic fashion moments and recreate the looks, Indian style!
Do you feel like your wardrobe needs a little makeover? Look no further than the timeless, evergreen yet chaotic and endlessly inspiring 90s. The decade gifted us both Rachel Green's effortless sophistication and Madhuri Dixit’s bedazzling Bandhani; Urmila Matondkar’s streetwise edge and Cher Horowitz’s checkered excellence. To up your fashion game, you can mix these classic Indian and Hollywood vibes to recreate a look that shouts “uniquely yours” and is perfectly wearable today. So, let's revisit and recreate the global retro closet!
Hollywood
Remember Carolyn Burnham in American Beauty and Rachel Green's date night fashion – sleek and minimalistic slip dresses?
Bollywood
Revisit the elegant simplicity of Anarkalis and chiffon saris in cult movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge.
Fusion IRL
To recreate the looks with a twist, drape a lightweight Maheshwari or Chanderi dupatta over a minimalist satin slip-on dress. Further enhance your look with a backless choli (take inspiration from Rangeela or 1942: A Love Story) with wide-legged, high-waisted trousers instead of lehenga. Pair the look with jhumkas and Kolhapuris.
Hollywood
Remember how oversized jackets were a thing back in the 90s? Think Reality Bites! The era flaunted denim overalls and distressed jeans too – worn by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
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Bollywood
Picture Urmila Matondkar's legendary street fashion in Rangeela: cool denim jackets over cholis, crop tops and baggy jeans. Also, Karishma Kapoor nailed the look with denim skirts and jackets in Raja Hindustani.
Fusion IRL
To recreate the looks with a twist, start by wearing an oversized denim jacket over a colourful printed kurta or a plain salwar kameez. Add on distressed boyfriend jeans with a body-hugging, sequinned crop top ( remembering Dil to Pagal Hai?). Over a vibrant graphic tee or a colourful kurti, rock those denim overalls! To further enrich this fusionist style, you can add a patch of kantha-stitch to your jacket for an additional desi touch!
Hollywood
Do you recall evergreen Cher’s grunge flannel shirts in Singles and classic yellow plaid suits in Clueless?
Bollywood
Think Hum Aapke Hain Kaun – the bold geometric patterns on salwar suits, dupattas and sarees, colourful Bandhani and Leheriya prints!
Fusion IRL
To recreate the looks with a touch of fusion and twist, start by pairing a fitted checkered blazer (Cher-inspired) with a solid colour churidar or palazzo pants. Wrap a colourful Leheriya or Bandhani dupatta around your waist over jeans and a minimalist tee or tank top (getting the Rangeela vibes?). You can even wear a classic flannel shirt (unbuttoned) over a simple kurta and leggings. Those bold prints need to be mixed!
Hollywood
Remember Winona Ryder’s sporty tracksuits in Clueless and tomboy fashion in Reality Bites?
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Bollywood
We’ve all seen Juhi Chawla’s classic yet playful sporty looks in films, and let’s not forget Kajol's no sweat cool shirts and jeans in DDLJ.
Fusion IRL
To recreate these looks with a twist of fusion, wear an oversized men's shirt partially tucked into high-waisted Patiala salwars. You can go for a clean, harmonized tracksuit set (like in Clueless), but instead of the heels, opt for bright Kolhapuris or thick sneakers. Pair a short, fitted kurta or a cropped Bandhani top with a pair of huge baggy cargo pants (this is THE thing now!). Comfort served with a fusion of desi and videsi styles!
The true spirit of 90s fashion lies in its chaotic perfection. Don't worry about rules – Donne that Hollywood slip-on dress and pair it with a Rajasthani leather kamarbandh. Ask your dad for his old oversized flannel shirt. Channel the 90s energy through fusion and creativity. Look for vintage saris and dupattas in your mother's closet, visit local markets for Kolhapuris and Bandhani tops, and pair them with your modern jeans, denim and slips. Embrace the era of 90s fashion by recreating the Iconic looks today.
