When we first spot a new item, our gut reaction is to connect it to a past decade's aesthetic: "That's very '70s-ish," we'll say about a new cropped flare that tickles our fancy. Or, perhaps, "We're getting a '90s vibe," to describe basically any choker we've come across, ever. Nostalgic descriptors can become a lazy fallback. But designers frequently do, in fact, dig into fashion archives and trot out silhouettes, prints, and entire garments that would've looked dated a few years ago, perfectly normal a few decades ago, but are now trendy (yet again). We've seen it in our denim and jewelry, and it usually hits the runways before it arrives on racks.
As we gear up to devour a season's worth of new collections at Fashion Month beginning next week, take a look back at some of the seminal looks from actual '90s and early-aughts runways that could definitely make a comeback for spring '17 (or fall '16...or whatever designers want to call their "see-now, buy-now" presentations). These get-ups may be over a decade old, but the trends feel surprisingly relevant in 2016 — hey, we still can't get enough of slip dresses and good suiting; can you blame us?. Check out our favorites, ahead. (And while you're at it, relive some of our favorite '90s runway moments.)
This colorblocked maxi-dress could fit in nicely among the geometric patterns seen at Proenza Schouler, or even the slinky silhouettes at Altuzarra.
Ralph Lauren, spring '96
Photo: JON LEVY/AFP/Getty Images.
Oscar de la Renta is known for timeless elegance, and we've seen a return to darker color palettes for the house under Peter Copping's creative direction, so a look like this could make a comeback. (Though we'll see if the darker side prevails on the de la Renta runway, since Copping has decamped.)
Oscar de la Renta, fall '95
Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage.
We may look to Zac Posen for a reliable dose of "oh, preeetty " every season, but let's not forget that the designer always has a few tricks up his sleeve: There was the glow-in-the-dark ball gown at the 2016 Met Gala, and there's this glittery fluted-skirt number that still makes us want to dance, a dozen years later.
Zac Posen, fall '04
Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images.
In case you haven't heard, the '90s are back in fashion. The choker and slinky slip dress in particular have led the charge, and we expect to see both crop up plenty on springy, warm-weather runways.
Todd Oldham, fall '94
Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage.
Turns out, jackets worn half off the shoulder isn't, in fact, Demna Gvasalia's own styling trick.
Chaiken, spring '04
Photo: Djamilla Rosa Cochran/WireImage.
Pantsuits have been a recent favorite on the red carpet. If someone unearths this hot-pink embellished get-up from Isaac Mizrahi in time for awards show season, that would be amazing.
Isaac Mizrahi, fall '95
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Maybe it's '90s Kate Moss, or maybe it's the sultriness of Gianni Versace's work. But this nostalgic aesthetic certainly resonates with new consumers.
Versus Versace, fall '97
Photo: JON LEVY/AFP/Getty Images.
This particular diffusion label is no longer around, but the minimalist (and sportswear-inclined) vibe of this jersey dress certainly falls in line with what Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne are doing with DKNY.
D by DKNY, spring '97
Photo: JON LEVY/AFP/Getty Images.
Bold colorblocking is nothing new, of course — but this Anne Klein look reminds us of the bright pairings dreamt up by Miuccia Prada of late.
Anne Klein, fall '03
Photo: Lawrence Lucier / Stringer/ Getty Images.
There's a reason why the Marc Jacobs show is one of the hottest tickets in town every season: You can easily revisit any past collection (like this bright coat with opaque tights from '03!), and his work still feels incredibly up-to-date.
Marc Jacobs, fall '03
Photo: J. Vespa/WireImage.
This flowy, high-slitted number reminds us of the print-happy designs of contemporary brands like Prabal Gurung, Tanya Taylor, Misha Nonoo, and Thakoon.
Bill Blass, fall '03
Photo: J. Vespa/WireImage.
A cardigan tied around the shoulders can feel too country club-y — but slouched slightly off of the shoulders? Suddenly, it's got a downtown-cool touch.
Nanette Lepore, fall '03
Photo: John Roca/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images.
Rosie Assoulin? Nope, that's some '90s Oscar de la Renta volume for you.
Oscar de la Renta, spring '99
Photo: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images.
Graphic tights under a mini: a revolutionary styling trick then, a brilliant, nostalgic move today.
Jennifer Nicholson, fall '04
Photo: Matthew Peyton / Stringer/ Getty Images.
Marc by Marc Jacobs may be no more, but we're certainly still coveting designs like this exquisite mod minidress (especially over a pastel turtleneck).
Marc by Marc Jacobs, fall '03
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.
Formalwear meets a '90s-inclined slip? This Carolina Herrera gown stands the test of time.
Carolina Herrera, fall '03
Photo: J. Vespa/WireImage.
Present-day Balenciaga high-shouldered suiting meets DKNY's sophisticated, monochromatic basics. Except the year was 2003, and this look came courtesy of Luca Luca.
Luca Luca, fall '03
Photo: J. Vespa/WireImage.
Naomi Campbell, ahead of curve on both the belly chain and exposed underthings.
Ghost Tanya Sarne, fall '94
Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage.
Black and navy paired together looks great when cut with white, as Alice Roi figured out a while back.
Alice Roi, spring '04
Photo: Stuart Ramson/Stringer/Getty Images.
A daintily criss-crossed neckline with exposed shoulders reminds us of detailing we see at Proenza Schouler, season after season.
Catherine Malandrino, fall '04
Photo: Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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