Walking around campus, one of the most exciting things to see is everyone’s outfits. Fashion trends come and go, with both newly created and rediscovered pieces. Nowadays, many people are sporting big pants of sorts: plaid, overalls, sick-patterned sweaters, both baby and oversized tees – all of it. When the weather finally cools down and fall fashion is in full swing, a nod to the late ‘90s and early 2000s will be in order. A trendy plaid blazer and skirt set without an ode to Alicia Silverstone? Ugh, as if!
Pop culture in the ‘90s was the blueprint for many popular looks today. Lasting through the early 2000s and still evolving today, the casual and chic aspects stand the test of time. The easiest way to note and gain inspiration from most of these looks is through television and film.
Fresh into 1998, Dawson’s Creek piloted, airing for six seasons and five years, allowing for many episodes and many outfits to gush over. Joey Potter, played by Katie Holmes, can be seen delivering the still popular low-rise and baby shirt combination alongside oversized button downs, the highly praised non-skinny jeans and plenty of sweaters. Cute, classic ‘90s pieces are shown off by Holmes, with many similar items and trends reflected today.
In the 2000s, Gilmore Girls featured seven complete seasons over the course of seven years and a Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, in 2016. Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) is styled in pieces such as a wide variety of jackets, graphic tees, sleeveless turtlenecks and flare jeans. Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) sports her plaid, trendy school uniform alongside casual staples such as a pair of chucks, bootcut jeans, plain tees and chunky sweaters. Sookie St. James (Melissa McCarthy) almost always sports a bandana: a cute, useful accessory still popular today. Gilmore Girls is a fall-time favorite for fans, and the fashion alone makes it worth a rewatch.
Friends, of course, gave us everything from the iconic Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) haircut to Ross’ (David Schwimmer) leather pants, with fashion pieces highly replicated today in everyday street style. Each of the six main characters have their own style and recognizable looks with pieces such as mom jeans, oversized crewnecks, maxi skirts and midi dresses. With ten seasons and an all-star cast packed with signature, in-fashion looks, the hit ‘90s series makes for excellent inspiration when searching for an outfit to pull together this fall.
Currently, both Dawson’s Creek and Gilmore Girls are available to watch on Netflix. HBO Max offers Friends and its recent reunion special, alongside classics from the era such as Clueless and 13 Going on 30. Disney+ also features 10 Things I Hate About You. Gaining inspiration from late ‘90s and early 2000s entertainment is a great way to appreciate the outfits of others and to create your own this fall.
Lauren Patterson is a junior studying journalism. Please note that the views and ideas of columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Lauren? Tweet her @lpaatt.
