1990s Fashion Essentials: Everything Background Actors Need to Dress the Part

Can you put together a Nirvana grunge or Clueless preppy outfit? Part of working as a background actor is creating a variety of looks for set, even from past time periods. We’re here to help spark inspiration with the basics you need to know about 1990s fashion to style authentic looks for your next ‘90s role.

Defining Early 1990s Fashion: From Neon Boldness to Minimalist Chic

Are you a fan of late-1980s bold fluorescent fashion? Good news, those styles carried over to the early 1990s. Though with the economic downturn in the early part of the decade, ‘80s opulence began to phase out by 1993 with styles leaning more minimalist thanks to the influence of supermodels and high fashion.

• Neon everything. In the early ‘90s, bolder was better. Electric blue, orange, fluorescent pink, turquoise and acid greens were found in everything from jeans, to t-shirts, to sneakers. Patterns were a big part of this style, with overlapping shapes, zig-zags, and line patters inspired by comic book and pop art. Typical early 1990s outfits paired colorful pants with a button down shirt, bright t-shirts with leggings and leg warmers, and embroidered jeans matched with a bright color jacket.
• Minimalist high fashion. Before the mid '90s, bright neon styles had already begun to give way to minimalist glam fashion thanks to the popularity of supermodels like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. One of the most iconic 1990s looks to come out of this trend was the slip dress. The glam version of the slip dress was nothing more than thin spaghetti straps and satin, but more casual looks paired the dress with a t-shirt worn underneath.
• Grunge. The rise of bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden brought the grunge look into the mainstream. This style featured dark plaid flannel shirts, stonewashed or ripped jeans, Doc Martens, combat boots, Birkenstocks and high top sneakers. If you need inspiration for grunge wardrobe, the early ‘90s TV series My So Called Life is a good place to start. If you’re putting together a grunge look for set, keep in mind it peaked by early 1994, so it’s probably not the best choice for any late 1990s outfits.

From Preppy to Punk: The Fashion Shift of the Mid-1990s

By the middle part of the decade, popular fashion turned away from flashy neon and grungy flannels to more polished form-fitting styles. Mid ‘90s style was more than just power blazers and khakis, musicians played a big role in bringing punk and hip-hop styles into the mainstream.

• Modern preppy. The preppy look was popularized on screen in TV series Saved by the Bell and Clueless. For women, popular preppy outfits consisted of plaid or tartan skirts, sweaters, slip dresses and knee-high boots. The preppy look was also common in men’s fashion, pairing khakis with button-up shirts or nautical-striped t-shirts with a navy blazer or sweater. While the 1990s preppy look had an air of sophistication, styles leaned more fun and playful than outright formal.
• Punk. Punk style gained popularity in the mid-late ‘90s, especially among skaters. This ‘90s look was comprised mostly of black, red tartan and dark color t-shirts, hoodies, leather jackets, boots and skate shoes. If you need inspiration for a punk look, look to bands like Green Day, Blink-182 and Sum 41 or characters like Spike and Drusilla from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
• Hip-hop. Famous hip-hip artists like MC Hammer, Tupac, N.W.A. and Public Enemy had a heavy influence on 1990s fashion. Common ‘90s hip-hop looks started with an oversized white t-shirt, wide leg jeans and sneakers, then were customized with bomber jackets, track jackets, gold chains, bandanas or snapback hats. For examples of hip-hop looks, check out Menace II Society and Boyz n the Hood.

The Return of Color and Comfort in Late ’90s Fashion

As the decade came to a close, bright colors made a comeback in response to the darker tones of grunge and skater fashion. The late ‘90s still had its share of polished styles, but casual was in and influenced fashion from streetwear to runway looks.

• Casual chic. The polished runway looks of the mid ‘90s gave way to casual styles for both men and women. Dark stonewash jeans were the base of many outfits and were paired with spaghetti strap crop tops, halter tops and open button up or bowling shirts over untucked t-shirts. Athletic clothing was also a big part of mainstream fashion, particularly tracksuits and repping team jerseys as the focal point of the outfit.
• Bohemian. Late 1990s fashion was influenced by ‘70s nostalgia, particularly through the resurgence of bohemian style. This ‘90s version leaned soft and sweet versus the polished festival boho chic styles of the early-mid 2000s. For wardrobe ideas, Phoebe Buffay from Friends is a perfect example of 1990s bohemian style with oversized cardigans, tasseled vests and crocheted bandanas.
• Business casual. Men’s business casual styles were made popular by the dot-com boom, marking a shift from business suits in the workplace. Business casual became an everyday look with go-to outfits comprised of slacks, chinos, khakis, belts, long sleeve button-up shirts, sweaters, dark socks, dress shoes and an optional tie. When opting for a more formal look, a three or four button single breasted suit with a bright tie and matching shirt was a popular choice.

How to Create Your Own 1990s Looks

Crafting your own outfits for set is a big part of working as a background actor. After you’re booked in a role, the casting director or production company will send you a details message with all the information you need to put together your 1990s wardrobe.

Some productions may have a very specific ‘90s look they are trying to achieve and may include detailed instructions and reference photos in their wardrobe notes. Even if you think you’re a 1990s fashion expert and have been booked in multiple ‘90s roles, each show has its own idea of what style they’re going for and an overall look they are trying to achieve. It’s important to follow the directions in your booking details carefully so you show up to set as expected.

For some scenes, productions may provide more general notes and color palettes. While you have more room to inject your own ‘90s style into these outfits, it’s important to keep your role in mind when crafting these looks. An early 1990s Los Angeles high school teacher is going to have a different look than a late ‘90s New York attorney. Aired episodes of the show you’re working on are a great resource to give you color and style ideas.

Bring Your ’90s Style to Set: Become a Background Actor

Want to work on set and show off your own 1990s wardrobe? Sign up for free to work as a background actor with Central Casting.

A background actor is a performer who appears in a non-speaking role, usually in the background of scenes. They help bring scenes to life by adding authenticity to the story. Background actors are often responsible for crafting their own looks for set by creating their own outfits, applying makeup and styling their hair.

At Central Casting, we book background actors, stand-ins and doubles every day in movies, TV shows and a variety of other productions. If you want a chance to create 1990s styles, modern looks and everything in between, sign up today.