We don’t know how long the 90s will stick around, but they’re back in a big way right now… even when it comes to conscious fashion. My 90s themed birthday party this year was {obviously} canceled due to COVID-19, so I’ve had a lot of shiny, velvet-y, pastel, floral, grunge-y inspiration and no where to put it. One of my favorite ways to get behind 90s fashion trends is to purchase vintage and secondhand, or at least upcycled. I guess I can’t get into the idea of buying a *new* design based off an *old* design I wore as a kid. Unless it’s one of a kind, anyway. So naturally I gravitate toward shopping Etsy, thrifting, and indie brands when it comes to 90s inspired style with conscious fashion values. And it’s super easy to do! Here are five 90s fashion trends you can easily shop consciously–that is, while being mindful of your consumption habits + discerning about the brands you buy from. No fast fashion here!
Scrunchies
When I first started wearing scrunchies again, it was purely because I 🧡 the 90s. But you know what? I can’t put another naked elastic band in my hair. Instant headache. Scrunchies are the best for being gentle on your hair + head! It’s just practical.
Eloise Panetta hand-dyed silk scrunchies, handmade in Australia
Indie Corduroy Scrunchie by Jane Dottie, made of remnant fabric.
Scrap Scrunchies by Morning Siren
Bucket Hats
I used to own a tie-dye bucket hat in the prettiest orange-y peach. But now that bucket hats are making a comeback, I like the idea of going all out with a funky design:
Crochet Bucket Hats by Moon Child Crochet, best take ever on the granny square.
Chunky Headbands
I love satin on a headband. Ruffles too! Fun fact, I used to make chunky headbands myself out of colorful ribbon. Too bad I could never wear them, due to the aforementioned sensitive head. If you’re one of the luckies who can painlessly flaunt such beauties, do take advantage of this adorable conscious fashion revival!
As If Satin Scrunchie Headband by Jane Dottie, made of remnant fabric.
Patches
Patches aren’t the easiest thing to shop consciously. Best you can do is make sure it’s from an independent designer you support, and that they get them printed as sustainably as possible. (If you know more, please advise!) Lots of big brands like Zara, Urban Outfitters, etc., have been known to make trendy patches (among other things) that directly rip off designs from individual artists, so be conscious of the source!
Chin Up Butter Cup Patch by Inner Peach
You can also find patches that are hand-embroidered by artists like this charming VOTE patch by Maple and Orange Studio.
Tie Dye
The tie dye trend is so so fun and conscious fashion brands are having a BLAST with it. There’s no better way to jazz up a t-shirt! Tie dye t-shirts are usually pretty easy to come by in thrift shops, but there are other ways to shop consciously especially if you aren’t thrifting in-person at the moment. You can search vintage on Etsy to find original tie dye shirts or upcycled tops in trendy tie dye colors. There are also tons of sustainable clothing shops offering limited tie-dye editions of certain designs in their lines this year.
Vintage 90s Tie Dye Rainbow Graphic T-shirt from Florence May Vintage
Orenda Tribe has lots of beautiful limited edition + one of a kind, vintage and upcycled hand-dyed pieces.
Vintage Tie Dye Puppy Shirt from Love Me Forever Vintage
I also love searching Etsy for velvet, florals, grunge, and so many other 90s fashion trends. Where do you go to get the look?
[…] fanny packs. Or belt bags, or hip packs, or bum bags, or whatever you want to call this delightful 90s revival. I have a few myself, some of which get daily use, like my “Sustainable S*** Only” pack […]