Creating 1990s Wardrobe Looks for Kids and Teens

Being on set as a Background Actor is exciting and helping your minor put their wardrobe together is another fun part of the job.

At Central Casting, we book productions set in a variety of time periods, including the 1990s in shows like That '90s Show, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage. Depending on the project and scene, production may provide wardrobe or you may be responsible for putting together an era-appropriate look for your minor. Here's an easy overview of 1990s fashion for kids to help you get started.

1990s styles for kids

In the early 1990s, florescent colors and geometric patterns carried over from the '80s. It was common for kids to wear t-shirts in bright blue, green, orange, pink, and yellow, either in solid colors, stripes, or in patterns inspired by comic book and pop art. These were often paired with acid washed straight-legged jeans, Bermuda length patterned shorts, or with regular or short overalls. Girls also wore dresses over turtlenecks or short sleeve shirts and leggings or tights.

Keds and Converse were popular shoe brands worn with slouched or striped tube socks. For boys, ball caps and bucket hats were common accessories and for girls, bucket hats with flowers, scrunchies, and headbands were in style.

In the mid to late '90s, styles became less neon, but color was still a big part of fashion. Geometric shapes also shifted more to plaids and animal prints.

Sports clothing and graphic t-shirts with Disney and Nickelodeon characters also rose in popularity in the mid-late 1990s. Just remember, when crafting your child's look, clothing with logos and trademarked characters are not suitable for set unless otherwise indicated in their booking details.

'90s fashion for teens

The general early 1990s bright color palette and geometric patterns were also a part of fashion for teens. For girls, common styles were babydoll and denim dresses over t-shirts and leggings, fuzzy sweaters, oversized sweatshirts, and plaid shirts over acid washed or light high-waisted straight leg jeans, capri pants, or denim and patterned shorts.

For teen boys, graphic tees or solid tees were worn under button up shirts, including in Hawaiian, paisley, and stripped patterns with jeans, patterned pants, like in camouflage, or colorful shorts. Athleticwear was also in fashion, like sweatpants, sweatshirts, and track suits.

For older teens, adult fashion trends also influenced styles, including grunge, preppy, punk, and hip-hop looks.

How to put your minor's '90s look together

No matter the era or role, you should always start with your minor's details when crafting their looks for set. Their details will include any wardrobe notes from production and may also have reference photos or other resources to help you achieve the desired look. If you need some more inspiration, aired episodes of the project your minor is working on are a good place to start to get a feel of the aesthetic of the production.

In most cases, your minor will be asked to show up to set camera ready with their clothes on, hair styled, and if applicable, makeup applied. If your minor is instructed to bring clothing to set with them, please ensure it arrives clean, unwrinkled, and hung in a garment bag.

Want more tips on how to get your minor ready for set? Check out our guides How to Get Your Child Camera Ready and What to Know About Accompanying Your Minor on Set.