The way we dress not only defines who we are, but also the way people perceive us. People tend to look back on the style of their youth with a grimace, but, parts of it inevitably creep back into the mainstream as years go by. It’s hard to believe that the fashion of the ’90s has made a comeback in today’s society.

For example, women are now wearing the loose boyfriend jeans and skinny jeans that were popular norms of the late twentieth century. Even plaid and flannel have made their return and are perceived fashionable outside of being a lumberjack.

Boyfriend jeans are my personal favorite, and are probably the only type of jean that anyone could pull off. In Texas, they can be worn all year long, and, the best part is, they are not only comfortable, but can complete a laid back style that can still be cute. Skinny jeans, though not as easy to pull off, have also made a mainstream comeback.

While skinny jeans can slim you down and play up your legs, there are certain body types that are not suited for them. However, the best part about skinny jeans is that they can make a dressy top casual, making the casual, yet sophisticated, look a simple feat.

The topic of flannel and plaid from the ’90s is a little troubling in the fashion world. Depending on how they are worn, you can either pull the look off and become attractive, or you could end up looking like a rodeo clown. You can complete the look with your boyfriend or skinny jeans and be fine, but be careful of how you pair these items.

The ’90s transformed the big, poofy, frizzy hair of the ‘80s into a well-polished, professional look. Walking down the halls, it is evident that most girls continue to follow this trend, for straight hair can slim down a person’s face. Straight hair is also much easier to form and maintain; my mornings are already hectic and I can’t imagine having to spend extra time trying to recreate the hair style of Fran Drescher from The Nanny.

Guys always seem to get off easier when it comes to fashion, but even the boys had a certain fashion sense in the ’90s. Khakis and polo shirts were reintroduced in this era as hot items. These looks were pulled together with with boat shoes, Converse-style sneakers and the popular shaggy long hair look.

Men’s fashion of the ’90s turned guys from looking like hobos into attractive men. Today, if a boy wears a polo and khaki shorts, it’s attractive and shows that he cares about his appearance. My favorite trend introduced in this era was the shaggy ‘surfer boy’ hair, which is highly attractive.

The ‘90s was the decade that changed the fashion world and even though the ‘90s bought us out of the fashion faux paus of the ‘80s, there are just some things that need to stay in the past.

The ’80s was a decade marred by terrible trends such as the over-abundance of neon leggings, which are not cute! Bright colors are meant to be worn on the top half of your body, not the bottom. The really bright eye makeup of the ’80s is another thing that needs to stay in the past! Avoid wearing bright color make up. Though many believe it will play up their eyes, it actually makes them look worse if not worn correctly. Luckily, the ’90s helped rid the fashion world of the giant faux-pas that was the ’80s.

While the decade of our childhood has brought quality fashion to our generation, let’s make sure we maintain a well-polished appearance and appreciate the quality of good clothing. I’m sure we will look back at the clothes of today with the same grimace we had for the clothes of the ’90s several years from now.