Bored of LBDs? Here's Some Party Outfit Inspiration Courtesy of '90s It Girls

by Hannah Almassi

I feel somewhat cheated to have missed out on the glory days of fashion’s party scene in the ’90s. This was of course when Kate Moss was just starting out and becoming Queen of London’s Nightlife, all bandy limbs, slip dresses, cocktails and wild dancing. It was when Liz Hurley was dating Hugh Grant, and the two were so brilliantly posh, glamorous and—I imagine—game for a laugh. It girls were almost born overnight, and dresses got smaller, sandals got strappier and no party was complete without a total showoff or two (even Anna Wintour wore rainbow sequins and sparkly minidresses back then). Hedonistic and full of hot, hot outfits, this is a great era to explore when it comes to your own party looks today. Many of the celebrity-endorsed looks below are particularly current: Versions of Gwyneth Paltrow’s leather trousers, Jennifer Aniston’s signature fitted dress or Victoria Beckham’s chainmail top can all be found from designer brands and in high-street stores.

Many of the most outrageous ensembles were created by the supers, the elite fashion darlings of the time. Naomi Campbell’s going-out wardrobe was nothing short of epic, while Iman’s is lesser known but equally fabulous. Christy, Linda, Claudia and the rest of the gang didn’t hold back, and why would you when you’ve got Gianni Versace on speed dial and more Lacroix jewellery than SJP can shake a corsage at? Keep scrolling to see the best party looks of the ’90s; then carry on for the ultimate outfit edit to pay homage to these perfect outfits 30 years later…

1. LIZ HURLEY

'90s celebrity party outfits: Liz Hurley in red leopard print Versace

Photo:

Steve Eichner/ Getty Images

Style Notes: What else to wear to a Versace store opening in 1996 than a red leopard-print maxi? Hugh kindly offered up a match-matchy moment for Liz Hurley with his choice of shirt.

2. VICTORIA BECKHAM

'90s celebrity party outfits: Victoria Beckham in a chainmail top and skinny jeans

Photo:

Dave M. Benett/ Getty Images

Style Notes: His bandana, her chainmail top. His baggy all-black outfit, her cow-print shoes. This take on the "jeans and a nice top" formula is everything.

3. KATE MOSS

'90s celebrity party outfits: Kate Moss wearing a blue velvet kimono, silver sandals and a beaded bag

Photo:

Dave Benett/ Getty Images

Style Notes: One of the most iconic Mossy party looks of all-time, this velvet kimono, silver sandals and adorable vintage bag combination just never gets old.

4. GWYNETH PALTROW

'90s celebrity party outfits: Gwyneth Paltrow wearing a red velvet Tom Ford suit

Photo:

Getty Images

A look as memorable as her Tom Ford red-velvet suit is Gwyneth's minimalist all-black ensemble, and everyone on the planet was jealous of just how elevated she made this simple yet effective pairing look.

5. IMAN

'90s celebrity party outfits: Iman wearing a black blazer, leggings and pearl jewellery

Photo:

Ke.Mazur/WireImage

Style Notes: Leggings, a blazer, big hair and even bigger jewellery: Iman's take on power dressing is surprisingly easy to wear IRL.

6. NAOMI CAMPBELL

'90s celebrity party outfits: Naomi Campbell wearing a printed dress and red feather boa

Photo:

Rose Hartman/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Style Notes: Yes to all of this cosy winter wonderland look, Naomi. Conclusive proof that there are coats out there that look good for evening too.

7. CHRISTIE TURLINGTON

'90s celebrity party outfits: Naomi Campbell wearing a tasseled dress with Christy Turlington in a turquoise suit

Photo:

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Style Notes: I don't know what to love more: Christy Turlington's colour pop-suit or Naomi Campbell's gold jewellery and tassel-tastic dress…

8. SALMA HAYEK

'90s celebrity party outfits: Salma Hayek in a lilac Herve Leger dress

Photo:

Barry King/Liaison

Style Notes: Salma Hayek's lilac Herve Leger dress is a total showstopper, and her kitsch accessories make it such an undeniably '90s look.

9. SARAH JESSICA PARKER

'90s celebrity party outfits: Sarah Jessica parker wearing a cream slip skirt and cardigan

Photo:

Ke.Mazur/WireImage

Style Notes: Slip skirts are back again, and SJP did them justice way back when with a cardigan shirt, pointed heels, a rose in her décolletage and Mr. Big in the background.

9. JENNIFER LOPEZ

'90s celebrity party outfits: Jennifer Lopez in red co-ords for her 30th birthday party

Photo:

Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

Style Notes: Jennifer Lopez's 30th birthday party called for a hot red co-ord and satin strappy sandals. Sounds like a party outfit many girl would go to for their celebrations this year.

10. ANNA WINTOUR

'90s celebrity party outfits: Anna Wintour wearing a silver sequin mini dress

Photo:

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Style Notes: Anna's sequined minidress and matching silver extras can be found all over the party-shopping scene right now.

11. JENNIFER ANISTON

'90s celebrity party outfits: Jennifer Aniston wearing a black dress and strappy sandals

Photo:

SGranitz/WireImage

Style Notes: Some classic combinations will never fail you. Jennifer Aniston has been wearing iterations of this look for decades now.

12. DONATELLA VERSACE

'90s celebrity party outfits: Donatella Versace wearing a gold sequin mini dress

Photo:

Getty Images

Style Notes: Donatella's sparkly gold dress and super-high heels are all kinds of fabulous.

13. JENNIFER FLAVIN

'90s celebrity party outfits: Jennifer Flavin wearing a red bomber jacket with a black velvet dress

Photo:

Getty Images

Style Notes: Jennifer Flavin has made us think about pulling out white court shoes again. They look pretty good compared to skyscraper stilettos, wouldn't you agree?

14. SADIE FROST

'90s celebrity party outfits: Sadie Frost wearing a floral maxi dress with white boots

Photo:

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Style Notes: Sadie Frost's oversized leather jacket and slip dress are so street style 2023. The cool-girl alternative to the "jeans and a nice top" combo.

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