For a while, designers were nostalgic for the Y2K aesthetic and promoted new interpretations of butterfly tops, baby tees, and a bit of ironic glamor from the 2000s. These are the things that fashionable girls actively wore in the 2020s. But now the mood has changed. In particular, after the release of Ryan Murphy's Love Story series, fashion trends shifted in the other direction. Instead of glitter and decor, there is restraint. Instead of details, there are clean lines. The minimalism of the 1990s and the style of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy are back in the spotlight: sophisticated suits, bias-cut dresses, monochrome, Yohji Yamamoto, and Calvin Klein.
Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in the series “Love Story”
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Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in the series “Love Story”
After the bright 1980s with shoulder pads and rich makeup, the 1990s fashion was a reboot. Calvin Klein, Prada and Donna Karan made simple things desirable. Minimalism became the new norm and standard. And this approach was popular not only in advertising campaigns or on the catwalks. It is also clearly visible in the cinema of the time. Below are 8 films that present minimalist fashion of the 1990s at its best.
“Basic Instinct”, 1992
Sharon Stone in the movie “Basic Instinct”, 1992
This is one of the most famous thrillers of the 1990s. The main character, played by Sharon Stone, is a writer who manipulates people and situations. Her style is very restrained. Lots of white clothes, clear costumes, a minimum of details. Everything works to create an image of control and confidence. This is one of the strongest examples of 1990s minimalism in cinema.
“Reality Bites”, 1994
Ethan Hawke and Winona Ryder in the film “Reality Bites”, 1994
The film tells the story of young people after university. They are looking for a job, themselves and their place in the world. The main character Lelane, played by Winona Ryder, is constantly in this state of uncertainty. Her style emphasizes this. She wears simple dresses, loose suits, shirts and thin knitwear. All outfits have a slightly careless, but very natural look. This is 1990s minimalism in its most honest form – without unnecessary effort, but with a sense of taste.
“Headless”, 1995
Alicia Silverstone in the movie “Headless”, 1995
At first glance, this film is not about minimalism. Lots of colors, accessories, bright images. But if you look closely, there are also restrained moments. For example, the white Calvin Klein minidress that Cher wears. It is simple and very characteristic of 1990s fashion. It is a reminder that even in a more eclectic style, minimalism was still present.
“Something About Mary”, 1998
Cameron Diaz in the movie “Something About Mary”, 1998
At the center of the plot is Mary, the heroine of Cameron Diaz, with whom almost all the men around her fall in love. She doesn't even try to look spectacular, but that's exactly what works. Her wardrobe is very simple: combination dresses, tops with thin straps, short cardigans. And it is this simplicity that makes her look stylish and attractive. This is a classic example of 1990s minimalism – when clothes are not bright, but memorable.
“The Perfect Murder”, 1998
Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie “The Perfect Murder”, 1998
This is a thriller about rich people, betrayal and a well-thought-out crime. Gwyneth Paltrow plays a woman from the high society of New York, who finds herself in the center of a dangerous situation. Her style is very precise and thoughtful. She wears long coats, little black dresses, laconic things without unnecessary details. Everything looks expensive and restrained. Such minimalism enhances her image and character.
“Careful, the door is closing”, 1998
Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie “Watch Out, the Door is Closing”, 1998
The film shows two versions of the same life. In one, the heroine makes it to the train, in the other, she doesn’t. And then her life develops differently. In these two storylines, the style also changes. In one case, there are clear suits, coats, a more collected look. In the other, there are jeans, knitwear, a more relaxed style. But in both cases, it’s 1990s minimalism, just in different moods.
“Great Expectations”, 1998
Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie “Great Expectations”, 1998
This is a reinterpretation of the classic novel by Charles Dickens. The story of love, social differences and growing up takes place in New York. Estella, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, looks like a typical socialite of the 1990s. She wears elegant dresses, simple but very sophisticated things. The green Donna Karan set has become an iconic image. But other things are also important: strapless dresses, knee-high boots, minimalism in every look.
“Cruel Games”, 1999
Sarah Michelle Gellar in the movie “Cruel Games”, 1999
A film about rich New York teenagers, their manipulations and games with feelings. Sarah Michelle Gellar's character – Catherine – is cold, intelligent and keeps everything under control. Her clothes fully reflect this. She wears clear silhouettes, a minimum of color, large glasses. This is a restrained style that emphasizes her confidence and distance.