Fashion

7 '90s Fashion Hacks That You Need In Your Life

by Kali Borovic

When it came to the '90s, some trends were absolutely genius while others were better left in the past. The entire decade was about experimentation, and some tips and styling tricks from the era are actually still pretty fashionable today. These seven '90s fashion hacks will keep you looking great while helping you channel the decade in a modern way. Who says you can't have it all?

The style icons of the '90s all had one thing in common — they stuck to their personal style. It was one of those magical times where there were so many different trends, from grunge to preppy to goth. There were also plenty of very practical hacks to help you get those looks, many of which are still useful today. Not only do they make our lives easier, but they help all the '90s babes out there look trendy and modern. It's a win-win!

From wearing tied shirts around the waist to ultra-layering, some of these hacks couldn't get any more simple, but they completely transform a look. When style and function meet, it's a beautiful thing. My advice to you is to try them out for yourself and see what works, just like a true '90s fashionista would. Because what's the point of fashion if you don't learn from it, right? Here are seven tried and true '90s hacks that still work today.

1. Tying Up Your Shirt To Define Your Waist

Betty Tie Front Crop Top, $19.99, UrbanOutfitters.com

Not only is this the perfect way to make t-shirts fit you just right, but the cropped and front-tied style is a true fashion trend of its own.

2. Carry A Mini Backpack Instead Of A Purse

Rhea Small Zip Backpack, $289, NeimanMarcus.com

What's the perfect way to combine the space of a backpack with the style of a purse? Make it mini of course! The '90s were all about the tiny bags (I'm looking at you, Cher Horowitz) and the functional hack is still alive today.

3. Jacket Around The Waist

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

I bet you never thought this hack for not having to carry your jacket all day would turn into a trend. This tip helped on all of my middle school field trips and is still stylish.

4. Dresses Over Shirts

Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Looking to add some more depth to an outfit? Add a dress over a shirt for a layered look. Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel from Friends was the expert at this.

5. Matching Separates

Porcelain Print Top and Short Set, $22, rotita.com

Don't want to bother with trying to match? Buy the matching separates! This is, in my opinion, the easiest fashion hack of all time.

6. DIY Distressed Denim

Super Skinny Low Ripped Jeans, $49.99, hm.com

Ripped jeans are still a style statement, but the real hack comes in when you make them yourself. All you need is a pair of scissors and some sand paper. Thankfully, we have YouTube tutorials, which weren't around in the '90s.

7. Tights & Shorts

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Ease into not-so-warm spring to summer fashion by layering tights under your shorts. It added loads of style back in the day, just like it still does.

Image: Courtesy Brands (4)