9 Things We Made Out Of Denim In The '90s

From tie dye to tattoo chokers, nostalgic Millennials have brought back some of the best things about the 1990s. But what about the worst? Like the worst denim fashion of the '90s, for example, or '90s Britney Spears outfits that didn't really work at all? That's just how nostalgia works, I guess. We remember the good and try to shun the bad. But I'm here to remind you of one major sartorial faux pas from the '90s that we will never live down.

I'm talking about the needless over-use of denim throughout the decade of my childhood. Think back to the most iconic VMAs look of all time — Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's all-denim everything — and try to tell me I'm wrong. In fact, just think of any accessory at random and I'm sure some '90s preteen had a denim version of it.

In 20 years time, I imagine that the new 20-somethings of the world will be writing this exact list about the clothes we wore in 2016. Maybe they'll tackle our obsessions with mesh, or lace-up clothing, or, most likely, the whole contouring thing. But while I can fully acknowledge that a denim handbag might've been totally fashionable in 1998, that doesn't mean I'm not going to laugh at it now. So without further ado, here are nine items we made denim in the '90s that we really shouldn't have.

1. Bags

Vintage Tommy Hilfiger Purse, $63.74, etsy.com/findsfromformertimes

This mini handbag is the most '90s thing I've ever seen and I know for a fact that I would've killed to own it back in the day.

2. Sandals

Denim Platform Mules, $46, etsy.com/vintageandpurple

TBH, I could've put these under the general "shoes" umbrella, but there was something so specifically horrible about denim sandals that I had to give them their own slot.

3. Bandanas

Women's Blinged Bandana, $19.95, etsy.com/silcoon52

I'm not a fan of bandanas in the first place, but a denim bandana just takes that hatred to a whole new level.

4. Vests

LEE Denim Vest, $28, etsy.com/surfandthecity

Surprisingly, I'm pretty OK with double denim as a look. But a denim vest? Made specifically to be a vest? I kind of like the "torn at the shoulder" look, but this isn't something I can get behind.

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5. Bracelets

Denim Bracelet, $20, etsy.com/chainsbylauren

Denim jewelry, really? Why?

6. Hair Accessories

Denim Rose Headband, $8.99, etsy.com/designbydanielleh

Any and all hair accessories were made denim in the '90s, but clips were probably the most in vogue. Unfortunately, hair clips with a denim rose attached to them never looked good.

7. Boots

Denim Boots, $145, etsy.com/kmalinkavintage

Another shoe, another crime. Unless you're some kind of cowboy, please stay away from any denim related footwear.

8. Belts

Denim Belt, $9.99, etsy.com/hatfieldfashionllc

"Oh you know what would look really good holding up your jeans? A belt made of the same material," said nobody, ever.

9. Hats

Denim Cap, $13, etsy.com/ireshhats

You know, I could be partial to a denim cap — if it looked nothing like the one above. But from denim flat caps to denim cowboy hats, it'd be easier to propose a blanket ban on all denim headwear.

All these items are not only ugly, but totally unnecessary. Let's just hope we don't see any of these return into our wardrobes in the continued contemporary revival of the '90s.

Images: Courtesy Brands