Life

Fashion: Love style? Which nineties girl do you think you are?

Tracksuits, tiaras and tons of silky slip dresses spelled out a major 90s revival on the SS16 catwalks. From sportswear to grunge-glam, Katie Wright decodes the decade

A creation for Chloe as part of her Spring-Summer 2016 ready-to-wear fashion collection
A creation for Chloe as part of her Spring-Summer 2016 ready-to-wear fashion collection A creation for Chloe as part of her Spring-Summer 2016 ready-to-wear fashion collection

SOUND the alarm: we've officially hit peak nineties, as the trend that's been championed by bloggers and street style stars over the last few years has spilled over into the spring collections, embraced by designers in all four fashion capitals.

And with it come a trio of pre-millennium style icons – Kate Moss (obviously); Courtney Love (makes sense); and Spice Girl Mel C.

No, really! The humble tracksuit is back, and you might be surprised to find you want one this time around.

Whichever tribe you choose, these are the pieces you need to nail the 90s...

KATE THE GREAT

At Calvin Klein in New York, head honcho Francisco Costa plundered the brand's own archives, sending out a slew of silky dresses reminiscent of the kind loved by a teenaged Kate Moss during her early-90s breakthrough phase.

The slip dress has since become the hero piece of the season, seen everywhere from Alexander Wang to Burberry, but you don't need to wait until it's warmer to wear one: try layering over a classic white tee or fine gauge roll-neck (another 90s styling solution we're loving all over again), or throwing a longline cardi over the top, then go it alone in summer.

:: M&S Collection Dress, £59; and Cotton Rich Short Sleeve Top, £6 (dress in store in May; www.marksandspencer.com)

:: Topshop Pinstripe Slip Dress, £36; Semi-sheer Funnel Neck Top, £14; Copenhagen Lace-up Trainers, £22 (www.topshop.com)

:: Louche Theresa Cardigan, currently reduced to £19.50 from £39 (www.joythestore.com)

MEL'S MARK

In the Spice Girls' mid-90s heyday, Melanie C was rarely seen in anything but Adidas tracky bottoms, so of course that's who came to mind when Edie Campbell appeared on the Chloe catwalk in a pair of slouchy red and white striped trousers and matching track top in Paris, and Alexander Wang's cropped tracksuits got pulses racing in New York.

On the high street make a beeline for athletics brands to find the best fitness-meets-fashion gear, but don't be afraid to mix with unexpected separates – Chloe's flowing maxi skirt and zip-up top combo was particularly winning.

And joggers aren't just for slouching any more: add a structured tee, blazer and architectural heels for an office-worthy outfit.

:: Adidas Graphic Tracktop, £26 (www.sportsdirect.com)

:: Topshop Contrast Piping Jogger, £30 (www.topshop.com)

:: Moda in Pelle Angellinis, £79.95 (www.modainpelle.com)

COURTNEY'S COMEBACK

Barely-there lace-edged dresses, oversized mohair cardigans and a tiara for almost every model – the Saint Laurent SS16 show was an obvious ode to 90s grunge goddess Courtney Love, with a hint of Miss Moss (again) doing Glastonbury, thanks to the wellington boots.

Our advice? Eschew the wellies in favour of a pair of decade-appropriate mules and you've got your spring evening look sorted.

If you're feeling really daring, an actual lacey negligee makes for the most authentic homage, and adding a denim jacket will tone down the sex appeal – but whatever you do, don't forget the tiara.

:: New Look Gold Slip Dress, £27.99 (in store May; www.newlook.com)

:: Office Assume Square Toe Cross Strap Mules, £58 (www.office.co.uk)

:: Jon Richard Diamante Crystal Daisy Tiara, currently reduced to £36 from £45 (www.debenhams.com)

:: French Connection Sloughy Western Denim Jacket, £95 (in store April; www.frenchconnection.com)

GET THE LOOK

Two spring trends – the 90s and space age metallics – collide on the cool Clarks Glove Puppet skater shoes, perfect for pairing with a slip dress a la the Calvin Klein catwalk, or cigarette trousers and a bomber jacket.

:: Clarks Glove Puppet Silver Leather Shoes, £45 (www.clarks.co.uk)

FASHION FLASH

:: GARMENTS FOR GOOD

Shopping 'haul' videos, where shoppers display all the swag they've just bought, have become a huge phenomenon on YouTube, but now H&M wants to see your 'rehaul' clips to mark the first World Recycle Week (April 18-24), which means showing the clothes that you've collected at home to take into the shop for recycling. The retailer is hoping to collect 1,000 tonnes of unwanted clothing, so tag your video #HMrehaul then head in store where, as usual, you can pick up a £5 voucher for every bag you donate.

STYLE STEAL

Hoop details were everywhere on the catwalks for spring, from earrings to handbags. Get in the loop with Bonprix's Snaffle Buckle Belt, £17.99, which comes in black or brown (www.bonprix.co.uk).