The year was 1997.
We lost The Notorious BIG, Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, and Gianni Versace.
Baggy overalls
Baggy overalls were all the rage throughout the whole of the ’90s.
Musical trio TLCsportedbaggy overalls earlier in the decade, setting the trend and making it super cool.
The Fresh Prince himselfrocked themas well, of course with one strap down.
And ’90s queen Winona Ryder graced the cover ofRolling Stonein 1994 wearing only denim overalls.
Track attire
Everyone understands the need for comfortable clothing that also looks stylish.
The look was endemic in 1997, thanks in part toSporty Spiceand her penchant for Adidas pants.
Fortunately, you don’t see this trend much outside of the gym today.
But according to Padron, you still have an opportunity to look good while working out.
She continued, “Even in the gym, the trend of athleisure has taken over.”
Flower hair clips
Floral was huge in 1997.
Everyone was wearingfloral printmaxi skirts anddresses, and sometimes evenfloral print pants.
We can get down with floral clothing today it’s totally cute.
But, it was perfectly acceptable often encouraged for adult women to accessorize like little kids back in 1997.
“I had dozens of these,” confessed Lindsay Narain, a stylist and the creative director ofVaughan.
Even the most nostalgic of us can acknowledge that!
Rainbow edging
There’s no shortage ofrainbowaccentsin the spring 1997 Delia’s catalog.
As Narain noted, “Rainbow edging was kind of cool!”
So what brought this ’70s trend to 1997?
Unfortunately, everyone else was also wearing platforms, so it wasn’t all that helpful for me.
And it was super fashionable, at least for a while.
before washing out in the aughts."
Padron told me she’s grateful that they’re not making a comeback anytime soon.
Mood rings
The ’90s were a time where color-changing technology was fascinating.
In 1997, mood rings filled the void, giving color to hormonal and volatile teenage emotions.
But can you really measure a mood with jewelry?
Moulaison doesn’t think so.
Sounds like we’re safe, for now.
Ball chain necklaces
’90s jewelry trendswere all over the map, but there were some real stand-outs.
Yin-yangs were all the rage, dangling around our necks and adorning our ears and fingers.
Alien and celestial-themed pendants and bracelets were super trendy too, as well as smiley face everything.
That’s a relief!
Airwalks
There was nothing more fashionable than being a skater back in 1997.
And at the time, that especially mandated the proper footwear, which was either Airwalks or Vans.
“Porn star logos… they used to be everywhere,” recalled Padron.
I remember seeing that on everything!"
And if you thought it was only popular with adults, you’re wrong.
She continued, “Somehow it was allowed in in my middle school even with their strict dress code.
Thankfully, middle school boys have other trends to follow now!”
You could also find it sans naked lady, as in the Delia’s 1997 spring catalog pictured above.
It’s not surprising, given how cyclical fashion can be.
And I’m okay with that.
