What Fashion Girls Wore to Parties in the 1990s

I feel somewhat cheated to have missed out on the glory days of fashion’s party scene in the ’90s. This was when Kate Moss was just starting out, becoming Queen of London’s Nightlife, all bandy limbs, slip dresses, cocktails. and wild dancing. It was when Liz Hurley was dating Hugh Grant, and the two were so brilliantly glamorous and—I imagine—game for a laugh.

It girls were born overnight, dresses got smaller, sandals got strappier, and no party was complete without a total showoff or two: Even Anna Wintour wore rainbow sequins and sparkly minidresses back then. Hedonistic and full of hot, hot outfits, this is a great era to explore when it comes to your own party looks today. Many of the celebrity-endorsed looks below are particularly current: Versions of Gwyneth Paltrow’s red-velvet suit, Jennifer Aniston’s signature LBD, or Victoria Beckham’s chainmail top can all be found from designer brands and in fast-fashion stores.

Many of the most outrageous ensembles were created by the supers, the elite fashion darlings of the time. Naomi Campbell’s going-out wardrobe was nothing short of epic, while Iman’s is lesser known but equally fabulous. Christy, Linda, Claudia, and the rest of the gang didn’t hold back, and why would you when you’ve got Gianni Versace on speed dial and more Lacroix jewelry than SJP can shake a corsage at? Keep scrolling to see the best party looks of the ’90s; then carry on for the ultimate outfit edit to pay homage to these perfect outfits in 2018.

What else to wear to a Versace store opening in 1996 than a red leopard-print maxi? Hugh kindly offered up a matchy-matchy moment for Liz Hurley with his choice of shirt.

Jennifer Lopez's 30th birthday party called for two-piece sets and satin strappy sandals. Sounds like a party outfit many girls would go to for their celebrations this year.

His bandana, her chainmail top. His baggy all-black outfit, her cow-print shoes. It's everything. 

One of the most iconic Mossy party looks of all-time, this velvet kimono, silver sandals, and adorable vintage bag combination just never gets old.

Jade Jagger—another party circuit legend. Remember when moto jackets were all the rage? I think I had one in red as well…

Gwynnie's red velvet suit is perhaps one of the most iconic Tom Ford creations of all time, and everyone on the planet was jealous she got to wear it.

Leggings, a blazer, big hair, and big jewelry: Iman's powerful combination is surprisingly easy to wear IRL.

Don't know what to love more: Christy Turlington's boxy Chanel bag or Naomi Campbell's gold jewellery and tassel-tastic dress…

Salma Hayek's lilac Hervé Léger dress is a total showstopper, and her kitsch accessories make it such an undeniably '90s look.

Slip skirts are back again, and SJP did them justice way back when with a cardigan shirt, pointed heels, a rose in her décolletage, and Mr. Big in the background.

Related: 33 Party Pieces You Need to See From Zara, Topshop and & Other Stories

Yes to all of this, Naomi.

Anna's sequined minidress and matching silver extras can be found all over the party-shopping scene right now.

Some classic combinations will never fail you. Jennifer Aniston has been wearing iterations of this look for decades now.

Donatella's sparkly gold dress and super-high heels are all kinds of fabulous. 

Jennifer Flavin's made us think about pulling out our bomber jackets again. It looks pretty good over a little black dress, wouldn't you agree?

Sadie Frost's floral bias-cut dress and white pointed boots are so street style 2018.

Shop the '90s look:

Next up, see Princess Diana's best party looks.

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.