Counterclockwise: Evidence that the '90s Never Left

People who ask whether you’d rather live in the 1970’s or the 1950’s in a friendly game of “Would You Rather” cannot be trusted. It’s a trick question. The best choice, of course, would be to live amongst the pop and denim ridden times of the 1990’s.

For the last 14 years, I’ve shared a personal mantra with those who care (and those who do not): if you weren’t a youth in the ‘90s, then you did something wrong. Lately, however, this mantra has been challenged. Although green slime, Jennifer Aniston’s signature haircut, and tomigachis all peaked in the ‘90s, recent popular culture trends are suggesting that perhaps traces of the ‘90s never left in the first place.

Push Twitter and Kim Kardashian aside and read on to discover the most prominent traces of the ‘90s in today’s culture…

1. Apparel, threads, gear

Although American culture may never be forgiven for trends like Heely’s roller shoes or skorts, there are plenty of styles that were born in the ‘90s and still thrive today. In regards to footwear, high-top shoes have held a strong presence throughout the last 23 years. Unlike the high-top haircut most famously donned by The Fresh Prince himself, high-top shoes like Converse and Nike’s have changed little in looks, and are still recognized as acceptable street wear for weekenders and rebellions alike.

It would be remiss not to acknowledge the Jelly Bean shoes that could be seen on girls playing hopscotch in the neighborhood or women linking arms with their boyfriends, most likely talking about how relatable Alanis Morriesette’s music is. While the transparent, and vibrant Jelly Bean sandals are less of a go-to trend than they were before, they still make good footwear for cooling down by the pool or walking along the beach and letting everyone know you’re stylish with only so much as a pop of the foot.

In addition to shoes, are some noteworthy trends taking a stand in streetwear that are as attached to the '90s as the Clinton scandal. Fitted, lacey, or loose, belly shirts are back and causing us all to question how this garment can make the area of the mid-drift between the belly button and upper ribcage look attractive. And if ever baring your belly gets to be cold, wrapping a sweatshirt or patterned flannel around your waist is not reminiscent of soccer-mom-chic. Guys too can sport a tee with an around-the-waist sweater for a casual day out. Nothing demonstrates your level of preparedness or capability of being street savvy quite like this trend will.
 

2. Slang

Call it what you will—shortened language, jargon, lingo—we’re all sloths when it comes to language and we seem to be content with this. Admittedly, the American shorthand language took a hard bite to the cheek with texting language. Nonetheless, a handful of phrases from the '90s are still thrown around in daily dialogue. 

When you’re recounting last Friday night’s events with friends, you probably use either the words “wicked” or “hella” in order to build excitement. If you’re on the phone with your significant other while they fumble with what movie to get at a Red Box location, perhaps you’ll suggest they get a “chick-flick”. Should you find yourself at a lack luster party and come up with an excuse to “bounce” (noun; meaning ‘to leave, or to exit’).

So which is it that came first, LOL or “whassup”? Neither. It was laziness that came first, and it’s a continually practiced trend that we pride ourselves in even today.

3. Drive-in Theatres

For every four media-hungry souls who illegally downloads films in the 2000’s, there was an equally media-hungry soul parked just outside the drive-in theatre in the 1990’s who didn't pay their admittance fee. As a leisure activity that boomed in the '50s, the drive-in was first viewed as an occassion worthy of dressing up for. Despite the closing of several hundred drive-in theatres since as early as 1960, watching a movie from outside the back of an SUV with a fist full of candy remains superior to the seat in front of the kicking toddler at the cinema.

Just as it was 20 years ago, the drive-in is fit for an entertaining time on warm weathered nights. A little more worn now, the drive-ins rarely use radio transmitting for sound anymore. One advantage, though, is that the lull in business has urged the lowering of entry fees, and showing of newer films. So lace on your converse, and re-charge with a double feature under the stars.

4. Justin Timberlake

In our younger years, it might have taken us a second to spot Justin amongst his fellow hair-bleached boy band members from ‘N SYNC. Yet, with one of the more successful going rogue stories, Justin has become all the more recognizable for his solo work. Even after the band’s separation in 2002, Justin has seemed to produce music and films in synchronization with what the audiences want.

Recognized in the ‘90s with his bandmates for a diamond-selling album and a knack for making teenage girls throw scrunchies and other garments on stage, Justin continued a steady role in the limelight well after boy bands took a hiatus from popular culture. Now, Justin has been decorated with awards not only for his music, but he was given an Emmy for his guest appearances on Saturday Night Live in 2009 and 2011, and has proven himself worthy of the bold, rugged male lead in several movies over the last 10 years. As a double threat, we just haven’t been able to get rid of him in any decade, nor do we want to.

The ‘90s was a time for the best of the cartoons, too much clothing made from Lycra, and a varied mix of faces in Hollywood to fawn over. That being said, you may have also been too young, maybe too awkward of a pre-teen, to enjoy it all at the time. Never fear, because some of the best traces from that decade remain today for our post-puberty enjoyment. 

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