‘90s Unlocked: Why Dua Lipa is 2021’s Answer to ‘90s Styling

Pop-music sensation to many, girl crush to all, there’s no denying that Dua Lipa is the ultimate fashion icon. You don’t need us to tell you that the ‘Physical’ singer is all our wardrobe goals: combining the sporty and the chic, she is basically all the Spice Girls rolled up into one. Don't get it twisted: we’re not complaining! In case you missed it, we recently hit rewind and took a trip down memory lane to the 1980s and now, we are looking at possibly the best decade of all time, the legendary 1990s. We’re talking TLC; we’re talking Clueless; we’re talking butterfly hair clips. Yes. Yes, we are. Honestly, we're getting goosebumps just thinking about it.

It wouldn’t be The Sole Supplier if we didn’t take a quick look at how amazing the ‘90s were for sneakers, however. With the ‘80s claiming the biggest of names, including the first four iterations of MJ’s Jordans, the b-ball-inspired Dunk and Bruce Kilgore’s legendary Air Force 1, then the ‘90s has a lot to live up to. You probably don’t need us to tell you that Nike’s Air Max technology took over the decade, with notable sneakers including the Air Max 90, 95 and 97. However, Micheal Jordan was the gift that kept on giving, as a whole host of Jordans, including our favourite Air Jordan V and popular J11, took to the stage (or court). It’s also worth noting that with the Air Huarache making a big comeback this year, it was first seen in ‘91. So whilst it’s taken a brief hiatus, it’s important to remember the roots of recent trends.

The Air Max 90 is one of our favourite silhouettes to date and got the decade off to a banging start. We guarantee that most of you have a pair in your rotation, so to match with your fave kicks, we’ve scrolled through Dua’s IG for some serious 1990s style inspo. In fact, if the vocalist took her pics for the ‘gram on a disposable camera, it could seriously confuse any time traveller. 2021 or 1991, who knows?

What do you first think of when you imagine 1990s? Clueless must be the chick flick of the decade, with Cher Horowitz’s iconic yellow, checked number becoming the long-standing advertisement for the fashion of the time. The big gold buttons on these types of co-ords were to be seen for miles during this fashion period, and although your average Jo probably wouldn’t be seen donning this outfit on the Jubilee line these days, your gal Dua can pull it off. She’s basically the SJP of the 2020s. Stick her in any ‘fit and it will look sick. Not only the top though, her hair clips are giving us serious ‘90s glam. Only on Ms. Lipa, however. We've tried it, and merely looked like a bunch of awkward seven-year-olds growing out their fringes for the first time.

Although Dua has a wide and varied style, it never strays far from what you would find in a teenager's wardrobe 25 years ago. This peach and maroon co-ord is again dressed in large, gold buttons, and is definitely something we would wear to bottomless brunch now. We love that it equally wouldn't look out of place in a photo album from your ma’s holiday to Portugal in ‘92.

Bucket hats are rarely seen outside of Glastonbury or Manchester these days, but nevertheless their popularity has risen exponentially. Faux-fur BHs can easily be found in any Urban Outfitters, but Dua takes it to the next level with square-toe boots and a puffer jacket that is giving us 'Baby Spice in Bel Air' vibes.

Moving away from the casj and to red-carpet Dua. If you look at any musician, actress or model from the 1990s, they are wearing a slip dress. Kate Moss was the icon of the moment and was constantly seen donning silk and mesh. These styles were the absolute go-to for premium events, and Dua is bringing that back. The silk skirt, paired with the corset-style top seems very Bridgerton in 2021, but let’s not forget our roots, ladies. As well as this sleek look, we speak for the masses when we say this iconic shade of blue eye shadow can be found in all our teenage makeup bags, and once again, Dua does it better than we ever did. The songstress even points out how insanely nineties her 2020 GRAMMYs look was in her Insta caption.

Another iconic ‘90s look has to include the bralette. This is a look we saw in the ‘80s as well, but we promise we’re not cheating – this will never get old. Paired with the cute ‘lil bag, the silky co-ord and pointed heel, we are living for this 1990s Gwyneth Paltrow-esque ‘fit.

Okay, the Pop Princess has had many a golden red-carpet moment, but we’re definitely more into comfy casuals so we’re straight back to double denim. With an oversized, matching denim jacket and jeans combo, strappy heeled boots and neon hair clips, it doesn’t get much more ‘90s than this. This sweet ‘fit is definitely something we would wear today, be that for shopping or a night out. We've learnt that the ‘90s were excellent at balancing the line between day and night.

And whilst on the topic of casual clothing, the ‘90s was the first time we officially recognised ‘jeans and a white tee’ as an outfit. The low-rise jeans, lettuce-edge crop, funky rings and a triple plait? We call this 'nineties in a nutshell'.

Hold the phone, this is our favourite trend of the ‘90s and we are DEFO still wearing this today. The leather blazer is *iconic* and such a wardrobe staple. Perfect for every occasion and looks cool in every. single. colour. Our dream ‘fit is a tan, leather blazer covering a silky white bralette, paired with light-blue mom jeans, and one of those little Jacquemus bags. We know it’s yours, too. Oh, stop - that's so nineties of you!

Forget "I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts, 'style over practicality' was the theme tune of the ‘90s. No, you can’t fit shit in these bags, but who cares because they are cay-oot. Granted, they weren’t carrying a face mask and hand sanitiser 25 years ago, but we adapt and overcome in 2021. The green mini bag, paired with the mesh, checked top and oversized blazer has been added straight to our mood board. And we’re frantically scrolling through ASOS right now to find a cherry-printed vest as cute as this one. If you see one, let us know.

We’re certainly not outta love with tinted, coloured sunnies. Anastasia did it first in the ‘90s, but they are BACK for 2021, baby. You've definitely seen these all over IG, so you don't need us to convince you these are an essential accessory for Hot Girl Summer 2021.

We think if there’s one lesson to be learnt here, it's keep some of your old bits and bobs that may have ‘gone out of fashion’, because they’re bound to return at some point. We are NOT mad that the ‘90s is basically back for 2021, we’re just mad we can’t do it as well as Dua Lipa can. Now, if you don’t mind, we’re off to party like it’s 1999.