90sfashion.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. See our disclosure here.
Last Updated on May 3, 2022
I’m sure you will agree with me when I say:
Clubbing was huge during the 90s.
Clubs were the place to be when night fell if you wanted to either score or get down to rad music with friends. It became more than a pastime, it was a way of life.
It was a place to forget your troubles, to fall in love, to make lifelong friendships, and maybe even get down to business if you got scouted by a model manager.
Of course, fashion choices were crucial for clubbing time…
But, what exactly were the most popular club fashion trends from the 90s? Read on to find out!
Contents
Club Culture in the 90s
People have been clubbing since the 1800s, with the first known clubs opened between 1840 and 1850.
Clubs became a place of prostitution, unlicensed liquor selling and consumption, and gambling. Throughout history, during WWII and other historical events, the meaning of club culture shifted.
The first night clubs, as they are known today, opened in the 1960s. The 1970s are known as the ‘disco decade’, where all were welcome; especially marginalized groups within society such as LGBTQ+ individuals, African Americans, Latin Americans, among others.
Throughout the 80s, contemporary club music made its first appearance. Genres like wave, post-punk, rave, and acid house music became very popular. Clubbing was developed all around the world, with cities like New York and London being famous for their eccentric nightclubs.
During the 90s, techno music became prominent. Clubs like Tresor in Berlin, The Hacienda in Manchester, The Cross in London, and The Villa Underground in New York became iconic.
Read:
12 Sexiest Nineties Styles for Your Next Night Out
Your Favourite 90s Dresses – Plus Some Mistakes We’d Rather Forget
When, How, and What to Wear With a Choker
The Fashion Industry and Clubbing
Throughout the 90s, the fashion industry and those who worked in it were known for their lavish lifestyles. Runway during the day, clubbing during the night.
Fashion is built on establishing social connections, and brands and magazines were constantly throwing parties or hosting events where designers, editors, photographers, and models all came together to socialize. Many of these events took place at night clubs that would be rented to host these private, VIP only events.
Supermodels dominated the night scene and were often photographed partying in locations like the Tunnel Club in New York, or Les Bains Douches in Paris. They mixed and mingled with DJs and famous musicians like Boy George and David Bowie.
Supermodels such as Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington were the influencers of the time. They were considered the 90s club kids. What they wore, everyone wanted to wear. They became huge trendsetters with everything they did, including what they wore to go clubbing.
Trends & Outfits
#1. The More Cleavage, The Better
During the 90s, a huge trend when clubbing or going out for night events were garments that exposed tons of cleavage. These included the use of corsets, skin tight dresses, and push up undergarments.
The parameters of dressing to go clubbing have remained the same throughout the years; a place to look your sexiest, and be more daring than you would usually be, with no judgment whatsoever.
Supermodels and celebrities were often seen exposing their shoulders and wearing push up bras to give the appearance of bigger and fuller breasts. Exposing your cleavage to the fullest was one of the most common 90s trends, and was considered the easiest way to look sexy, no matter what you were wearing.
Shown here is model Iman with David Bowie, wearing a typical going out outfit.
Her slender body is accentuated by the tight dress and cleavage, as her dress includes a corset top.
#2. The Mini Dress
Mini dresses were all the rage throughout the 90s dance club scene. They came in all shapes and styles. They were worn through all seasons, whether it was hot or cold, and were effortlessly styled.
Mini dresses became a staple for supermodels and celebrities alike, and could be either dressed up or down. A mini dress was a staple in every woman’s closet and still is today; they can be worn by themselves or with some elegant jewelry, or with a heavy coat during the winter. They can be paired with heels, boots, or sneakers. With a mini dress, the styling possibilities are endless.
Here are Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford dolled up, both wearing mini dresses at a night time event.
Mini dresses were often worn to elegant events and later reused to go clubbing at the after party.
#3. Statement Furs
Clubbing was a never-ending activity. Through the Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring – clubs were open the whole year. This meant that while the stereotypical way of dressing to the club was to show as much skin as possible, during the colder months, women had to adapt to the climate and change the way they dress.
Fur coats, scarfs, and overall accessories were all the rage. They were the perfect addition to any outfit to keep warm. No matter how skimpy the outfit underneath, a fur coat was sure to keep you cozy.
Here is Kate Moss with best friend Naomi Campbell, wearing a cream fur coat atop a mini skirt and black tights combo.
Fur coats became the ‘it girl’ winter accessory of 90s British club fashion. Especially since in London the weather could get unbearably cold in the Winter months.
They were stylish, elegant, and most of all – kept you warm. Even though fur coats are not skimpy, they can be incredibly sexy if properly styled. They are a status symbol of high class and elegance, and can elevate any outfit they are paired with.
Read: 90s Jackets – When Outwear Was “Out There”
#4. The Slip Dress
Similar in style to the mini dress, the slip dress is a slight variation of an equally as sexy garment. Slip dresses were worn both short and long, and many times sheer. They were a subtle way to make a statement.
Often composed of sheer fabrics, and worn with visible undergarments beneath. Slip dresses are one of the most iconic garments of the 90s. Do note, it’s different to its cousin the mini dress. Slip dresses are not skin tight, but instead fall loosely to shape the body.
Here is Christy Turlington wearing a beautiful, wine colored slip dress.
The garment is equal parts elegant and sexy. The exposed décolletage, knee length dress, and sheerness of the fabric are elements that balance each other out. It represents effortless sexiness, without trying too hard.
Read: Catch a Glimpse: What to Wear Under a See-Through Dress
#5. High Heeled Sandals
My final choice, and a huge trend of the 90s club scene was pairing all outfits with a pair of open toed heels. High heels were a 90s must. They made women look taller, appear thinner, and to have longer legs.
Strappy heeled sandals were the perfect accessory to complete any clubbing outfit, and usually had a metallic finish. Heeled sandals were the most elegant shoe of choice, and could be re-worn consistently.
Sitting in a club here are Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, with Naomi wearing a classic design of strappy black heels with her silver mini dress. Kate also wears strappy heels, but a closed toe alternative.
There you have it. My 5 top picks. Did you grow up in the 90s? What did you wear? Please do let me know in the comments below!
You May Like: 90s Dancehall Outfits and Clothing Combos
