18 Retro Fashion Accessories from the ’90s That Are Gone
Take a stylish stroll down memory lane with these unforgettable ’90s fashion accessories that vanished without a trace.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The ’90s were a vibrant time for bold fashion choices. Each accessory told a story of youthful pop culture flair. Many of these trends have disappeared. However, their nostalgia still runs strong for anyone who lived through the era.
1. Butterfly Hair Clips
Hieu Ho on Pexels
Every girl’s hair in the ’90s sparkled with tiny, colorful butterfly clips. These plastic wings perched in twisted strands and screamed playful chic. They were cheap, cheerful, and practically a staple at sleepovers.
2. Slap Bracelets
jyllish on Flickr
They wrapped with a snap and came in wild prints — from neon to glittery holograms. Slap bracelets were both fashion and entertainment rolled into one.
3. Tattoo Chokers
Burst on Pexels
These stretchy, black plastic necklaces mimicked real ink but were way more innocent. They clung tightly to your neck and gave off moody, alternative vibes.
4. Bucket Hats
Mike Von on Unsplash
Before streetwear made a comeback, the bucket hat was purely ‘90s cool. Worn by skaters, rappers, and rebellious teens, it shaded eyes and made a loud style statement.
5. Mood Rings
Moodman001 on Wikimedia Commons
These rings claimed to reveal your emotional state through shifting colors. Kids believed in their power with religious devotion. While they never really worked, they sparked endless conversations and comparisons.
6. Platform Flip-Flops
Ceddie2000 on Wikimedia Commons
Stacked with foam inches high, these flip-flops elevated every summer outfit — literally. They were wobbly, impractical, and an absolute must-have.
7. Velcro Wallets
Mikey on Flickr
Loud, ripable, and usually neon Velcro wallets were a pocket essential. They held your allowance and a school photo ID, and maybe a fake credit card for laughs.
8. Bandana Headbands
Jedidiah-Jordan O. on Pexels
Folded just right and tied above the forehead, bandana headbands screamed edge and attitude. Popular with rockers and grunge fans, they paired perfectly with flannel shirts.
9. Lisa Frank Backpacks and Purses
katherine of chicago on Flickr
Exploding with color and cartoon animals, Lisa Frank gear was the crown jewel of school accessories. The backpacks, purses, and pencil cases were blindingly bright.
10. Tiny Sunglasses
Satumbo 9 on Pexels
Worn down low on the nose, these razor-thin shades screamed “attitude over function.” Celebs rocked them everywhere, despite offering zero sun protection.
11. Jelly Sandals
le Liz on Flickr
Translucent, squishy, and sometimes glittery, jelly sandals were the go-to summer shoe. They squeaked when you walked and left patterned tan lines.
12. Puffy Scrunchies
Reve Haus on Unsplash
Hair ties, but with volume and flair. Scrunchies came in velvet, satin, and wild patterns, adding flair to every ponytail. Matching your scrunchie to your outfit was practically a law.
13. Chain Wallets
Reuben Strayer on Flickr
Edgy and functional, chain wallets dangled from belt loops like rebellion on a leash. Popular among skaters and punk teens, they clinked with every step.
14. Snapback Caps with Oversized Logos
Erik Mclean on Unsplash
Worn backward or sideways, these caps were plastered with huge sports or cartoon logos. Adjustable straps made sure they fit every head. They were the cherry on top of any streetwear outfit.
15. Body Glitter
Vicky Hladynets on Unsplash
If your skin wasn’t sparkling under the cafeteria lights, were you even cool? Body glitter came in roll-ons, pots, and gels, and was generously applied to arms, cheeks, and even hair.
16. Plastic Charm Necklaces and Bracelets
Buse Doga Ay on Unsplash
These accessories let kids customize their look with clip-on charms of roller skates, pizza slices, or smiley faces. They jingled with movement and changed weekly.
17. Clear Mini Backpacks
我愛荳芽，蔡 on Wikimedia Commons
These pint-sized plastic bags carried everything from lip gloss to CDs. They weren’t built for practicality — just pure style. The see-through design showed off your stuff like a walking showcase.
18. DIY Friendship Bracelets
Wilson0204 on Wikimedia Commons
Made from colorful embroidery threads, these hand-knotted bracelets were tokens of loyalty and love. You’d spend hours crafting them with friends.