'90s Oscars red carpet fashion that would look totally appropriate in 2021

Looking back at red carpet fashion moments from major Hollywood events in the '90s, like the Oscars, makes the world look a lot more carefree. Low-key styling, minimal silhouettes and grunge influence were essential. And with our lives seemingly much more complicated nowadays, it is no surprise sartorial staples from simpler times continue to reign in 2021. 

If the '90s-inspired street style fits that’ve been dominating the sidewalks these past months are any indication, this year’s 93rd annual Academy Awards, which broadcasts live from LA on April 25th (watch on CTV at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT), is sure to pay homage to the stylish decade.

While Hollywood's biggest night is still weeks away, let’s get in the spirit by peeping back at iconic '90s Oscars looks that are actually still wearable and relevant today.

Salma Hayek

The oversized rose print on this long, fitted black maxi that Salma chose for the 68th Oscars in 1996 is something that could easily be worn to a weekend springtime brunch (a safely distanced one, obv) in 2021.

Cindy Crawford

In 1991, Cindy graced the Oscars red carpet in a red, ultra deep-V Versace gown. This is back when her and Richard Gere were still dating, before their Vegas wedding at the Church of the West. It’s such a classic and flattering silhouette, and you can easily imagine Cindy’s 19-year-old daughter, Kaia, wearing this today.

Naomi Campbell

It’s that high pony and embellished clip for me—anyone else now tempted to swap their traditional cotton scrunchie for something more extra? The canary yellow fabric and its structured top are a close second though. 

Winona Ryder

The white fringed number that Winona wore to the 1994 Oscars had a '20s vibe then, but is still so wearable ATM. Even though the original style was first popularized nearly a century ago, it looked fresh in the '90s and in the 2020s. We might ditch the bag, though.

Tyra Banks

The model and TV personality wore a sparkling strapless Halston gown to the 1998 awards. I can imagine someone like Viola Davis, who’s up for Best Actress for her role in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom this year, opting for a red carpet look like this. 

Claire Danes

Claire wasn’t even 18 when she walked the red carpet in this dusty blue capped sleeve top and matching skirt set in 1997. The pastel hue is perfectly on point and someone like Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’s Maria Bakalova could totally modernize this for the 2021 awards. 

Angela Bassett 

Angela’s 1995 Oscars fit, with its long-sleeved, white lace shirt and black overall dress, is more casual than most stars opt for these days, but this style of layering is making a comeback on the street style circuit. 

Harry Connick Jr. and Jill Goodacre

This pair was still just dating at the 1991 Academy Awards, though they went on to marry in '94, and are still together. Harry’s tux is classic and Jill’s cherry red off-the-shoulder dress with long sleeves is so v timeless, too. 

Liza Minnelli

Okay, this is Liza at the 1996 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, not the actual ceremony, but it’s so easy to imagine a Kardashian wearing this velvet pantsuit with white piping in 2021, it couldn’t be ignored. 

Gwyneth Paltrow & Brad Pitt

Ah, the Gwyn and Brad era. The pair were dating at the 68th Annual Academy Awards, and while the only part of Brad’s look that’s aged well are his micro sunnies, Gwyn’s off-white slip dress is super timeless. 

Marisa Tomei

If a celeb—actress Marisa Tomei included—wore this silk halter gown to the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards on April 25, no one would bat an eye. It’d look just as fresh in 2021 as it did back in '94.

Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith

Look at these young lovebirds on the Oscars red carpet in 1997! Men’s fashion from the '90s hasn’t aged nearly as well as women's. Jada’s metallic two-piece look was a head-turner then, and I can easily imagine a Bella Hadid-type wearing it now.

Halle Berry 

Another memorable slip dress: Halle’s from the 1998 Academy Awards. The star was a Best Actress nominee that year, and while Helen Hunt took home the award, Halle’s silk and lace number with its zig-zag detail and scoop neckline was a winner.

Helen Hunt

Helen Hunt’s light blue strapless gown, a Gucci creation by Tom Ford, with its matching shawl, has managed to stand the test of time. Helen wore this to the 1998 Academy Awards, but its simple silhouette is relevant still.

BEFORE YOU GO: Kanye West documentary series on its way

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