52 Wild Red Carpet Outfits From the '90s That'll Leave You Speechless
Wait, is that a... Mickey Mouse backpack?!
By undefined
Aug 5, 2019
Clearly the '99 MTV VMAs were a different time, as evidenced by Xtina's leopard print cami with lace trim, her matching coat, and platform boots.
Whoopi was way ahead of the neon green trend that's been in full force lately, but at the Oscars she paired the hue with deep purple and teal to make a can't-miss-it red carpet ensemble. Like, wow, this is a LOT of color.
Halle showed up to the Emmy Awards in an embellished crop top and maxi skirt proving that, yes, you can bare your midriff at a fancy event!
Christina just had too many '90s fashion moments to pick just one, folks. So here she is again at the Bilboard Music Awards in a Las Vegas fringed crop top, magenta skirt, and VERY crimped hair.
At the European Music Awards, the girl group (pre-Michelle Williams) coordinated in ombré pink and orange two-pieces. Clearly, fringed crop tops and maxi skirts were very much a Thing.
At the Golden Globes, the star wore an off-the-shoulder printed duster over black pants and accessorized with a tasseled choker. I mean, can you even imagine her wearing something like this today?
Meryl (aka Hollywood's reigning queen) went through a blazer-with-giant-flower-brooch phase this decade because she wore them to a TON of events. Case in point? This sunflower and stripes getup at her footprint ceremony in front of the Chinese Theater.
Another red carpet, another maxi skirt—this time worn by Meg Ryan. She paired her pastel yellow one with a short-sleeve knit for a surprisingly low-key Golden Globes 'fit.
To show her support for her husband Will Smith's Wild Wild West film, Jada showed up to the premiere decked out in fringed leather pants and a cowboy hat. Literally a *wild* outfit, amirite?!
Tyra showed up to the VH1 Fashion Awards (which I don't even think exists anymore?) in metallic sandals, a neutral bandeau and a brown figure-hugging jersey skirt. 50 Shades of Grey? More like Two Shades of Beige.
At the Guilty By Suspicion movie premiere, Drew kept it extremely casual in a cardigan, ripped jeans, and brown boots. Is it just me or did everyone in the '90s underdress for these things?!
Ever seen a plush Mickey backpack on a red carpet? Yeah, neither have I until I was blessed with this photo of Drew. She was all smiles with her Disney pal by her side and wore a jacket with white contrast stitching, round tinted sunglasses, and a choker.
At the Eyes Wide Shut premiere, Salma went with a button-down tied into a crop top, a crochet beanie, and high-waisted leather skirt with lace-up details.
The singer wore a super slinky two-piece set with a sky-high slit on the skirt to the '97 MTV VMAs.
Angela straight-up glowed at the People's Choice Awards in a bright gold jacket. She really committed to the three-piece suit with a polka-dotted vest, ruffled dress shirt, and pants.
At the premiere of Contact, Tyra wore a plain T-shirt, light-wash jeans, a backwards hat, a tote bag, and, perhaps most importantly, Adidas slides.
Yes, Carrie Bradshaw wears some truly OTT looks in Sex and the City, but none rival this one that SJP wore in '95. The metallic bra? The beaded jacket? The satin pumps? There is so much happening here that I am truly overwhelmed.
OK, I know Cameron has a scarf buttoned into her coat and a fedora, but can we talk about her blue eyeshadow for a sec? If that isn't the most '90s thing you've seen, IDK what is.
At the MTV Movie Awards, Courteney wore a cropped floral top, high-waisted jeans, and extra strappy white sandals.
Penelope wore a poncho (though a fancy silk one at that) to the premiere of Cookie's Fortune with dark-wash jeans, heels, and a red lip. Is it weird that I kind of want to wear one now?
At the MTV Movie Awards, Halle opted to wear a bra top with extra long fringe, bootcut jeans, and a giant flower choker.
Rachel and Monica, um, I mean Jennifer and Courteney matched in black ensembles at the Screen Actors Guid Awards. But can you even handle Jen's chic bandana top and full-length skirt combo?
Uma really made the case for a pink and red color combo with this dress, but the jacket tied around her waist is what makes this ensemble so '90s.
At the premiere of Alien: Resurrection, Sigourney donned this completely sheer white gown and wore black undergarments for ~sexy~ contrast. Also, her bag is made of white feathers, so there's that.
For reasons completely unbeknownst to me, brown was a popular color in this time period, so here's Jennifer at the Emmy Awards wearing the hue and a coordinating sequined top.
At the Light It Up film premiere, Rosario wore a metallic suit with a burgundy top, which happened to perfectly match her lipstick color.
Celine Dion is arguably the ultimate fashion risk taker (remember when she wore a blazer backwards?!) and this completely see-through halter dress is just further evidence. It looks even better with her Grammy Award!
The iconic girl group TLC turned up at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards in coordinating neon 'fits that spelled out their band name. My question is: Did they have to walk around in that same order all night?
Have you ever thought to pair tiger-striped tights with a one-shoulder metallic dress? Well, that's that Chloë did at a New York City movie premiere, here.
There are pretty unconventional outfits at the MTV VMAs, but none have ever come close to this Lil' Kim one.The only thing preventing a wardrobe malfunction? A lone sequin nipple sticker.
Cher rolled up to the Oscars in this see-through cold-shoulder embellished gown that also had a matching choker and headpiece. It even had a train for an extra ~dramatic~ effect.
At one glance you might think Kate was on her way to the nearest Renaissance fair, but no, she was at the Academy Awards wearing this emerald and gold number. (This was also the year your fave movie Titanic took home the Oscar for Best Picture!)
The actress wore an extremely ruffled gown with a high-low hemline complete with sheer tights and opera-length gloves, and pearls to the Academy Awards.
The Casper actress wore flaming leggings that Guy Fieri would totally approve of to a Los Angeles movie premiere and accessorized with gold wedges.
Missy Elliott showed up the Grammys in a white suit and hat with So. Many. Feathers. Everywhere.
Natalie and her one gelled curl attended a movie premiere in a graphic dress and beaded purse, which is actually SO on trend even today.
The Charlie's Angels actress bundled up on the red carpet in a red suede coat over a simple black tee and pants.
The Scottish singer wore a Minnie Mouse-inspired outfit with a black-and-white latex dress, over-the-knee boots, and mouse ears to the Grammy Awards.
At the Batman Forever premiere in Los Angeles, Brandy also opted for a black and white ensemble consisting of a cardigan, crop top, and knee-high lace-up boots.
At the VH1 Fashion Awards, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress wore this edgy leather dress with cold-shoulder cutouts and a deep V-neck.
Surprise! Another crop top! This time in slinky chainmail, as seen here on J. Lo at the VMAs. Also noteworthy? Those hair barrettes, which, in case you haven't heard, are totally making acomeback.
At the MTV Europe Music Awards, Missy Elliott wore this incredible jersey with matching sweatpants, a white T-shirt, and, of course, some statement gold jewellery.
The pop star wore these reflective pants and a pink tank to the Teen Choice Awards in '99. Who needs a disco ball when you're wearing an outfit like this?
At the New York city premiere of Shakespeare In Love, Gwyneth wore this very revealing beaded column on the red carpet. But hey, she looks pretty dang amazing in it.
Here's another OTT Brit get-up for ya, but this time in the form of a sheer, dotted top left unbuttoned with lots and lots of feathers.
The Clueless star wore an all-white ensemble with a hat Carmen Sandiego would totally wear to the premiere of Batman and Robin. OK, so it's not an Alaïa, but it's definitely eye-catching.
At the premiere of Drop Dead Gorgeous, Kirsten wore a matching top and skirt set with delicate straps—that also happened to show off this inexplicable massive dragonfly on her back?
And now for the Big Little Lies segment of throwback '90s fashion, here is Nicole wearing a jersey headband to the premiere of To Die For. And also Tom Cruise is casually wearing a slime green-colored button down.
At the Third Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, Laura wore a velvet metallic suit with a choker. Renata would never!
At the premiere of Cruel Intentions, Reese opted for a white shirt with ribbon detailing paired with a magenta skirt for a look that seems right out of a Jane Austen novel.
Mary J. Blige went ALL out with the leopard print at the Grammys and even picked up an award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Her hood and oversize shades definitely complete the 'fit.
It wouldn't be a '90s gallery without the Spice Girls, and they definitely embraced their personas at every event—including here at the Lloyds Bank British Fashion Awards in London.
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