Rusted Revolution

As a child of the 90s, looking back I now see that many trends 20 years ago were god-awful and unflattering. Shrunken bubble shirts, body glitter, and velour tracksuits are in fact horrendous, and should never be brought back into style. But whether or not you like it, much of the 90s is back and doesn’t seem to be leaving retail stores any time soon. I’ve already been rocking the grunge look for several years, and lately, I’ve been digging the sweeter, brighter side of the 90s as well.

Why fight it? Just embrace it! Here’s how to wear some of my favorite (and people’s most hated) 90s childhood trends the right way in 2012:

Friendship Bracelets
Pile on these woven bracelets or layer them with more sophisticated cuffs and chains for a modern take on this 90s style. Keep the look mature and polished by replacing the friendship bracelets once they start to fade or fray.

Bike Shorts
Spandex shorts can be as flattering or unflattering as you make them. Avoid big polka dots or stripes which might draw attention to your thighs and make them look bigger than they actually are. Stick to dark colors or more subtle prints to be safe. It’s all about balance and proportion. Pair floral bike shorts with a muted-tone oversized sweater or shirt dress (left) or layer a pair under a pair of high-wasted denim cutoffs for an updated grunge look like I did (right).

Platform Sneakers
Platform sneakers look wild on the runway but are a little impractical in real life, and if not the perfect style can make your feet clunky and awkward. The wedge sneaker trend puts a much more wearable and modern spin on an old Spice Girl favorite.

Neon
Neon can look terribly gaudy and childish (see: ravers), but it can also look incredibly chic. Balance out bold fluorescent shades with neutrals like black, grey, tan, or nude. If you’re feeling a little shy about wearing neon clothing, you can always choose a small neon accessory like a bag or statement necklace.

Jelly Shoes
Jelly shoes can be a little silly, but they are a great way of tackling the neon trend and being practical for summer at the same time. They’re comfy and easy to wash — perfect for any beach outing or music festival. Kate Bosworth below shows just how stylish jelly sandals can be at Coachella.

Ankle Socks
Blair Waldorf was the first person to bring back the ankle sock trend since our school girl days, but of course, no one really dresses like that every day. Picking a no-frill ankle sock in a solid color like black or brown is an easy way to wear the trend without looking ridiculous. Instead of pairing the socks with a pump or Mary Jane, wear them the more adult way with oxfords or ankle boots ala Chloe Sevigny.

Overalls
Jumpsuits are essentially glorified overalls. Choosing a hybrid between the two styles is the perfect way to wear the trend again without looking like a farmer or a fifth grader. Pick a silk one in a neutral color and pair with a conservative top and heels that makes the look appropriate for a party or work.

Fanny Packs
Once a bulky accessory, now fanny packs have become another version of the belt. Wear a small, subtle one at the waist to cinch in any dress or baggy blouse and voila!

Bright Lipstick
When paired with the bright eyeshadow of Madonna’s time, candy pink lipstick is garish. Keep the rest of your face as bare as possible when wearing this trend in 2012.

Nail Art
Nail art has always been cool, but with new technology, in this decade it’s only gotten cooler. Sally Hansen and Sephora both have easy-application nail art stickers. There are also nail art pens, OPI Crackle and other things to jazz up those fingers with little effort.

Graphic T-Shirts
Graphic tees have never gone out of style, but the way they are worn has evolved. Don’t be afraid to wear a silly animal shirt — make it look edgy by pairing it with leather, silk, a blazer, and pumps.

Long live the 90s!
-Lesley