30 Reasons Style Was Awesome in the '90s

The simpler times were steezy, too.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The same way that the sneaker game was radically different 20 years ago, style has also shifted. Thanks to the Internet and a renewed interest in dudes learning how to dress themselves, we're readily bombarded by a staggering amount of lookbooks, drops, and style advice each day. Can you fault us for wanting to remember the simpler times?

Granted, there were many of us whose views of '90s style is slightly tinted by the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia, but there are some trends, icons, and just plain rad looks that have stood the test of time. Even now, '90s fashion is something to be celebrated. So in that spirit, here are 30 Reasons Style Was Awesome in the '90s.

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You didn't pay more for patched-up and distressed jeans.

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Structure >>>> Express Men

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Mars Blackmon was a style icon.

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Gap commercials were really catchy and made you want khakis.

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Jordans were easier to get, and you wore them even if they got beat.

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It was all about a washed pair of Levi's SilverTab jeans.

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...And a coordinating "Button Your Fly" T-shirt.

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Bleached hair and earrings made you twice as cool.

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Polo was the hottest fashion brand.

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Rattails

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Because Nirvana had a totally sweet menswear moment.

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Rappers looked tough.

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"Snapbacks" were just called "hats."

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Kid's hair.

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Bart Simpson was black... sometimes.

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Your school supplies matched your kicks.

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Acid-washed cargo jeans were a thing.

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It was cool to coordinate outfits with your crew.

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Streetwear was a cult.

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Skate brands were for actual skaters.

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J. Crew was the official wardrobe provider for Dawson's Creek.

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Chicks with bare midriffs: totally copacetic.

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Camo was rugged.

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Pants had awesome names.

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Wearing everything backwards wasn't an accident, it was cool.

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This was the most stylish accessory before the iPhone.

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Shopping at the mall was rebellious.

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You would always stunt on school picture day.

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In fact, most class photos were amazing.

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No one was dressed by the Internet.

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