Would you dare to dress the way you did as a teenager? Up until very recently, I’d never dreamed of channeling my sixteen-year-old self in my current style; if your adolescence was anything like mine, your wardrobe would have been brimming with printed leggings, pleather jackets, cargo trousers that looked like they’d been borrowed from your dad, plaid shirts in every colour (the baggier the better), and SO much denim. But as vintage trends from all eras are emerging back into prominence, I’ve felt strangely compelled to pull inspiration from the 1990s. While pedal pushers and overly plucked eyebrows are best left buried in the past, many of the decade’s trends have potential to be adapted into something great. And why should we give up the clothes we used to love, just because of our age? There are infinite ways to restyle your favourite trends for the here and now. To spark some inspiration, I’ve collated a range of my most-worn ‘90s-influenced looks for every occasion.

EVERYDAY

You can never go far wrong with the Holy Trinity of casual: jumper, jeans and belt. An effortless favourite of certified fashion icon Jennifer Aniston, this timeless look has a rare value in that it works for all ages. Experiment with different necklines: here I’ve gone for a v-neck, but a cowl or turtleneck would also work well. While I’m a huge fan of a staple solid colour piece, you could channel the activewear trend with a graphic sports brand logo for bonus ‘90s style points!

Back in the ‘90s, the resounding motto for denim was certainly “bigger is better”. Ditch the skinny jeans and opt for a looser fit, be it Mom or bootcut (as seen below). While low waists were also hugely popular (à la Paris Hilton), high rise jeans are often more flattering and create a clean-cut silhouette. You can work this into a ‘90s look by choosing a corset jean, which is effectively a pair of low-rise jeans with a “corset” waist attached - look for cinched sides and lots of buttons.

Finish off with a belt of your choice - anything goes from chunky to plaited. Brown leather has a vintage feel while black is super versatile, so take your pick! I like to complete the look with a classic chunky trainer, but it could also teamed with boots or heels for a smart-casual vibe.

NIGHT

Thanks to the likes of Scary Spice, animal print is as quintessentially ‘90s as Britpop and Bridget Jones. While leopard print leggings might make you feel more mutton-dressed-as-lamb than Mel B, you can incorporate the trend with an air of sophistication in the form of an evening dress. Opt for monochrome rather than tan to keep things classy, and pair with black boots or strappy heels.

By layering a T-shirt under the dress, you can throw in yet another staple trend of the decade. Make it a triple threat by choosing a band T-shirt, like the No Doubt one I’m wearing below.

The leather blazer was another huge hit of the ‘90s, but has now faded somewhat into obscurity. If you’re not daring enough to pull one off with an evening look, a classic leather jacket bears a subtle nod to the cult garment while maintaining a polished finish.

SPORT

Sportswear was undoubtedly one of the most pivotal trends of the era, and its lasting impact is still apparent in today’s fashion. The more recent Athleisure trend sees activewear making its way out of the gym and into our everyday lives. Despite what I said earlier about leaving pedal pushers to Victoria Beckham, there is one type of calf-length bottoms that deserve a place in any wardrobe. Behold: the Capri legging. Super flattering and versatile, they’re perfect for the transition between seasons and can be worn with almost anything you desire. Here I’ve styled a black Capri with an oversized Pierre Cardin T-shirt; the skintight leggings balance out the loose-fitting shirt, making these two garments a match made in heaven. Keep accessories to a minimum, add a pair of trainers and you’re good to go. If you want to sink your teeth even further into the sportswear phenomenon, top it off with a bright shell jacket - an ‘80s essential that survived well into the ‘90s.

WORK

Cargo trousers may be great for lazy weekends, but not so much for the office! A more work-appropriate alternative is the lesser appreciated cargo skirt - this khaki number is one of my most treasured vintage finds to date. The intricate floral embroidery is simply stunning, and the roomy pockets mean you have plenty of space to store all your daily essentials.

Let the skirt take centre stage by wearing it with a plain white blouse, black blazer and a low block heel. The pair I’m wearing below have a gorgeous subtle leopard print design on the heel, to add some extra ‘90s pizzazz. The simple outfit gives you free reign to accessorize as you wish, with a statement necklace, watch, earrings - or all of the above.