How to Create the Perfect 1990s Style Costume

The 1990s, reffered to by some as "the decade of anti-fashion," is a bit hard to pin down, particularly given that most distinctively-dressed 1990s cliques were throwbacks to the '80s and earlier. Nevertheless, with a few simple tricks, you'll be able to construct a '90s Halloween costume that will stand out.

90s Colors
Here are some colors associated specifically with the 90s which you may want to keep an eye out for:

• Olive green
• Mustard yellow
• Bold red
• Black

90s Tops
T-shirts were popular as ever in the 1990s, though the designs displayed on them were usually more confined to the upper-front part of the torso. Tees were usually more loosely fitted as well-- don't go with something skinny-fit from Hot Topic. So far as T-shirt designs go, I'd suggest picking one advertising a distinctively 1990s cultural phenomenon.

Significant bands seeing their inception in the 1990s which it should be relatively easy to find tees advertising include, for example, the following:

• Nirvana
• Green Day
• The Offspring
• Oasis
• Marilyn Manson
• M.C. Hammer
• Vanilla Ice
• Ace Of Base

Remember, the less productive or popular a band is now, the more strongly associated with the 90s they will be in peoples' minds.

If you're into Nirvana or other grunge bands, you may want to pick up a plaid flannel shirt. This can work for guys or girls.

Tropically-themed T-shirts were also somewhat popular during the 90s.

Girls may want to look for oversized jerseys printed with text. Don't get anything day-glo, of course-- it's the 90s, not the 80s.

If you're really determined to date yourself, you may want to find a full-body catsuit made out of Spandex, latex, or PVC with high-heeled boots.

90s Pants
Cargo pants (particularly khaki-colored cargo pants) are some of the most '90s-associated pants out there, and I'd heavily suggest you check them out, particularly since wearing them is such a liberating experience. Capri pants will also be a viable selection, if you can pull them off.

The choice for a 1990s-based grunge outfit is, of course, heavily worn jeans. Gray or tan corduroy pants will also work for somewhat more formally-toned outfits.

90s Hats
You should consider a baseball cap oriented backwards or sideways, if this seems coherent with the rest of your outfit overall.

90s Hairstyles
In the 1990s, people frequently parted their hair in the middle of their heads. Girls tended to wear their hair longer than in either abutting decade.

Dying one's hair in colors like blue, green, or magenta was also considered fashionable among certain subcultures.

90s Makeup
Makeup in the 1990s was far more subtle than in the 1980s. Eye makeup was no longer as dramatic, and lipstick tended to be in natural colors.