Return of the 90s: Suit up

Ah, the 90s! The decade most of us grew up in, it was a fun-loving time of girl-power, mad TV and increasing multiculturalism.

The kids celebrated the end of the Cold War, as well as Thatcher’s departure from office, with a 10-year party. They raved, shoe-gazed and hip-hopped their way through a whole decade of some weird and wonderful fashion.

90s fashion flashback:
L-R: Chris Evans, Clarissa, Backstreet Boys and Naomi Campbell with Kate Moss

Luckily for us the spirit of the 90s is making a come back. The 60s influence, which was big in the 90s, also continues into this season, especially in mens wear.

Even Kurt Cobain got into the swinging 60s

The word on the street is that designers have been reworking and updating their greatest pieces. Vogue’s Jessica Bumpus says, “it’s a season about looking back just as much as it is about looking ahead”. This time the styles are slicker, more flattering and mostly come with a grungy twist.

In the 90s – Paula Abdul & Tyra Banks do the combination suit…

…and so does Robert Downey Jr.

The relaxed 90s combination suit is on fire this season. Experiment with check, denim, contrast sleeves, crop-tops and high-waisted skirts/trousers.

L-R: Zara combined checked suit – Skort: £29.99, Blazer: £49.99
90s film, Clueless
Twiggy in the 60s

This Zara suit is a perfect example of how to rework 90s fashion. The colours have been muted, the lapels removed from the jacket and the shoulders are fitted, creating a sophisticated yet laid-back look. Note the complimentary relaxed hair style and make-up.

L-R: DKNY, Alexander Lewis, Betsey Johnson, Tibi

There’s a lot of room to have fun experimenting. You don’t need to conform to the usual concept of a ‘suit’.

L-R: Ami Alexandre Mattiussi, Band of Outsiders, Marc Jacobs, Band of Outsiders, Assembly

Mix it up if you’re not into matchy-matchy. Try mismatched patterns in the same colours, the same pattern in different colours or mix different shades of the same colour.

L-R: Charlotte Ronson, Emilio Pucci, Georgia Hardinge, Ashish, Emma Cook

L-R: Dsquared2, APC, Alexander Wang, Junya Watanabe, Phillip Lim

If you want some help getting started, check out a few of our favourite finds on the high street.

L-R: Topshop – Knitted Merino Tile Suit, Jumper: £50, Joggers: £65.
H&M – Jersey Blazer: £12.49
Ted Baker – Eriu High Collard Blazer: £209, Ceeke Constrast Trim Leggings: £99
Topshop – Knitted Monochrome Jumper: £42, Foil Print Tube Skirt: £28
Zara – Studio Checked Jacket: £129

If you really dislike matching clothes try just matching your top with your shoes. We like how Ted Baker used different shades of beige for blazer and heels.

L-R: Next – Navy Spot Velvet Jacket: £80
G-Star Raw – Nimrod Shawl Cardigan Knit – £110
River Island – Navy Check Chain Pocket Waistcoat: £35
Topman – Vito Elliot Check Blazer: £170

Buy blazers in a bigger size. You’ll be on trend with the oversize outerwear and you’ll have some extra room to layer up with a thick knit cardigan.