What I’ve Been Into | The 90’s Fall Edit + Essentials for Fall 2024
I love the summertime, but this past summer has dragged on due to it being extremely hot with the constant heat waves. Therefore, I’m actually looking forward to pumpkin spice everything, knee-high boots, and most importantly, spooky season. In my opinion, you can truly showcase your sense of style in the cooler seasons with cute accessories and layering techniques that make your look stand out. In this post, I’m exploring the vibe for fall 2024 and highlighting some of my must-haves for the season.
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Section I: The 90’s Fall Edit.
I draw most of my fashion inspiration from 90s fashion ads. Designers such as Gianni Versace, Azzedine Alaïa, and Chanel created far more exciting collections than we see today. The lines, colors, and textures were all perfectly executed. I love the lifestyle photoshoots models did in the ‘90s and make it a point to collect as many ads as I can each season. I think everyone should take inspiration from fashion ads—not because you need to buy every designer outfit the models are wearing, but because you can easily recreate those looks with affordable alternatives.
That’s why this fall must-haves post will be heavily 90s-inspired, mixed with current trends for the season. I think the overall vibe for the fall is all about glamour. I use the word "glamour" a lot in my fashion-related posts because everyone should aim to look glamorous every single day. It’s about adding that right accessory, that specific material, or that touch of eyeshadow that can elevate your look from ordinary to ultra-glam. This fall, let’s go for the ultra-glam look, shall we?
Section I: The Makeup Must-Haves.
Due to this being a 90s-inspired fall must-haves post, it’s only fitting to include some 90s fall makeup inspiration. I’m drawing inspiration from two iconic makeup artists for this look: the legendary Kevin Aucoin, one of the most influential artists of his time, and Erin Parsons, who’s known for recreating and discussing twentieth-century makeup trends, including the ones we’re focusing on here. I’m also going to be using 90s supermodels as the fall makeup muse because their makeup was absolutely flawless.
There wasn’t a drastic change between 90s makeup and modern-day makeup, but one significant difference was the use of color. The 90s were all about being experimental with eyeshadows and lip colors, whereas today, we tend to stick to natural looks with minimal experimentation. Cooler-toned shades like MAC's Spice lipliner, paired with a frosty pink lip gloss, were a staple. Additionally, models often shaded their eyes with metallic brown tones and completed the look with half-lash strips.
The 90s’ makeup look was a lot more toned down, but it was still heavy makeup nonetheless. To achieve the 90s supermodel look for fall, metallics, and frosts are your go-to essentials. Thin out your brows, apply a creamy, metallic brown eyeshadow to your lids, find a 90s MAC Spice dupe in a cool-toned mauve, and voila; you'll nail the perfect 90s supermodel makeup look for the season.
I also want to touch on nail colors in this post because I love updating my French tips to something more season-appropriate for the fall. Chanel’s Vamp nail polish had a cult following in the 90s—it’s that perfect deep, blackish-red shade. Along with that, a classic ruby red (the "it" color this season) is a great choice. If you prefer something lighter, try a deep mauve pink. This fall season is all about solid colors—ditch the intricate nail designs and go for something bold.
Section II: The Fashion Must-Haves.
Make Leather an Everyday Staple.
If I could wear leather all season long, I seriously would. I anticipate the cooler weather just to slip on a leather pencil skirt, high-knee boots, or trench coat. I can wholeheartedly say leather is a material that instantly elevates your look. Don’t coordinate leather on leather because trust me, this can be overkill. However, adding a pair of leather pants or a leather jacket to your outfit gives your style that instant 90s vibe.
Eyeglasses; Not Sunglasses.
Non-prescription glasses have been all the rage lately. I’m assuming it’s because of the new office siren trend everyone’s been raving about and how glasses add to the ‘nerdy sexiness’ of the look. I’ve also took note of designers adding glasses to their collections. With fall approaching, I sense glasses becoming an everyday essential for many. Honestly, finding the right pair of frames that complement your face can enhance any outfit. My personal preference is similar to the style worn in the Elizabeth Arden ad above; a rounded frame always looks good. Bonus if it’s in a cute tortoiseshell color.
When in Doubt, Wear Tweed.
Since this is a 90s-inspired trends post, we have to draw inspiration from at least one iconic designer collection of that decade—Chanel’s collections throughout the 90s’. Tweed has always been Chanel’s signature, but in the 90s, it evolved into something fun and versatile, inspiring other designers to recreate the iconic coordinated set. Tweed is a fabric you can wear in any season—fall, winter, spring, or summer; it’s that adaptable. Similar to leather, tweed is a material that instantly makes any outfit look polished. Whether it’s a coordinated set, a pair of tweed pants, or a tweed blazer, make sure to incorporate some tweed into your wardrobe this fall.
Bring Out the Mink Coats and Accessories.
I love the cooler months because it gives me the excuse to incorporate fur into everything I wear—not just to stay warm but to look glamorous while doing so. When I say go all out with fur, I mean it. I’m not just talking about fur-trimmed coats or a fuzzy top; I’m talking about accessories too. Think fur headbands, leather gloves with oversized mink trims, fur earmuffs - heck, even a fur cosmetic bag! Since I’m vegan, I stick to faux fur, but whether you choose faux or the real deal, either option will do the trick.
Cheetah Print Everything.
Transparently speaking, I’m not the biggest fan of cheetah-print. I’m much more of a tortoiseshell kind of girl because of how understated it is compared to cheetah print. However, I can tell this print is going to be trending this fall, just like it was last year. The thing about cheetah print is that it can either look tacky or on the contrary, expensive like the images above. With the look we’re discussing, you have to make sure you’re leaning more toward the expensive side. I think a cheetah-print shirt is a bit too much, but a cheetah-printed scarf, a cheetah-printed trimmed jacket, or a cute hat will definitely work for the fall. With that being said, cheetah-printed accessories, which the occasional apparelwear, is in.
Yes to Chunky Sweaters.
And last but not least, you need a few chunky knitted sweaters in your wardrobe for the perfect layering piece this fall. I like to size up for that effortless oversized look. I’m also a fan of turtleneck sweaters over regular V-necks. Sweaters are incredibly versatile—they're an easy closet staple that can be worn casually or dressed up.
In Conclusion…
Fashion-related posts have always been my favorite to create, but this one was especially fun to write! I’ve always had an obsession with 90s fashion, so it was a exciting finding trends from that era that still look great in 2024. I hope you all enjoyed it, and stay tuned for upcoming personal-related fall posts.