'90s Prep is back. Here's your crash course at nailing it from $16

We've gone through '90s grunge, '90s minimalism, and now, the return of the '90s Prep vibe. Here's all you need to know about this trend.

By Aaron Kok - 31 Dec 2024

Share this article

It was bound to happen. We've gone through '90s grunge, '90s minimalism, and now, we're seeing the return of the '90s Prep vibe.

And we've been seeing it come around the bend too. For the past few seasons, Miu Miu has honed in on an aesthetic that includes ripped-up pleated skirts, oversized sweater vests and chunky loafers. Celine's also been going through it with boot-cut jeans, baseball caps and swingy little shoulder bags. More recently, the SS24 runways see Dries Van Noten take on rugby stripes and Longchamp look to Princess Diana-coded looks with collegiate sweaters (albeit paired with high-glam silver skirts and sequinned dresses).

But it's not just fashion having the '90s Prep moment – with the final season of The Crown focusing on the early '90s, and a movie like Saltburn that looks into the lives of a privileged prep school squad, our screens are about to see a lot of varsity alphabets and sporty casual wear too.

So stay ahead of the curve with these items that perfectly embody this rising new trend.

Oversized polo shirt, $75.90, Zara

1/9

The quinessential rugby shirt gets its time in the fashion sun. Glam it up by juxtaposing its rough-around-the-edges charm with plenty of megawatt jewellery.

shop now

High-waisted bootcut jeans, $75.90, Zara

2/9

Remember in the late '90s and early '00s when all the It Girls wore bootcut jeans with velour jackets? Good news is that the classic jean silhouette is making a comeback.

shop now

Ervey checked flannel jacket, US$331 (SG$444), Marant Étoile at The Outnet

3/9

With the temperature dipping every time it pours, warm up in a "borrowed from the boys" flannel jacket.

shop now

Oval sunglasses, $45.90, Mango

4/9

Can't do '90s without the slim oval sunglasses that every rom-com heroine would be seen wearing.

shop now

Pleated skirt, $165, Sporty & Rich at Farfetch

5/9

Giving that Bring It On vibe in a Sporty & Rich skirt. Modernise it with an oversized leather jacket or blazer and your hair done up into a messy bun.

shop now

Knit hoodie, $475, Longchamp

6/9

For daytime, pair with jeans or cargo pants. As the sun sets, swap your bottoms for a statement sequinned skirt for maximal impact.

shop now

Cropped tee, $16.95, H&M

7/9

While cropped tees are definitely having a moment right now, layer this over a fitted tank top for added coverage.

shop now

NY gingham cap, $57.78, New Era at ASOS

8/9

Can't talk about putting together a prep look without the essential baseball cap. The subtle gingham check feels fresh and fun for the upcoming Spring months.

shop now

Cortez shoes in Sesame, $139, Nike

9/9

Round off your look with a pair of classic kicks that hark back to school days.

shop now