Nineties minimalism has been hard to escape ever since the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy craze started this year. Of course, CBK will always be seen as a pillar of the look, but the aesthetic was admired way before Love Story came out. I even wrote about it last summer as my go-to reference for warm-weather dressing. It’s just always easy and chic.
Designers such as Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, and Calvin Klein defined the era, and today, brands such as Khaite, Kye Intimates, Rue Sophie, St. Agni, The Row, and Toteme continue that same uniform approach to dressing with classics you’ll wear on repeat for years. For more accessible options, I always recommend Banana Republic, COS, Gap, and J.Crew.
Right now, I’m eyeing C’est Nous’s Mini Muse Bag, Carel’s Carlotta Flats, and Chimi’s Edith Optic Sunglasses. For specific items to search, I tend to look for capris, trench coats, button-downs, simple tank tops, column and knee-length skirts, high-V-neck tops, silk slip dresses, straight-leg jeans, kitten heels, and ballet flats.
Below, shop timeless staples that embody the style.
Based in Spain and made in Morocco, C’est Nous is my new bag-brand discovery.
Chimi
Edith Optic Sunglasses
Chimi is one of my favorite eyewear brands.
Several of our editors have the Demi Flats from Margaux.
Under-$100 Levi’s ’90s 501 Jeans.
LEAU
Classic Column Maxi Skirt
A column skirt to wear on repeat for $120.
ZARA
Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt
This $18 cotton V-neck tank top.
Banana Republic
Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
Banana Republic has so many elevated basics.
Banana Republic
Cotton V-Neck Sweater
This simple Cotton V-Neck Sweater.
Miu Miu
Miu Regard Sunglasses
Miu Miu’s Miu Regard Sunglasses feel very ’90s.
J.Crew
Perfect Rib High V-Neck T-Shirt
The perfect spring T-shirt.
CDLP
Ribbed Tencel Lyocell and Cotton-Blend Jersey Tank
I want all of CDLP’s tops.
I always keep a pair on the Havaianas Slim Flip Flops around.
J.Crew
Pleated Skirt in Cotton Poplin
A cute cotton pleated skirt from J.Crew.
J.Crew
Perfect Cashmere Cardigan
My black cashmere cardigan is one of my most-worn pieces.
J.Crew
Jules Classic-Fit Shirt in Cotton Poplin
An under-$100 cotton poplin shirt.
J.Crew
Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater
I want this Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater.
Flore Flore
May Cotton Cami Top
All of our editors love Flore Flore.
Free People
Lowen Midi Skirt
If you’re looking for an effortless spring skirt, there’s the $60 Lowen Midi Skirt.
Citizens of Humanity
Zurie Straight Leg Jeans
Our editors Eliza Huber and Kristen Nichols both recommend Citizens of Humanity’s Zurie Straight Leg Jeans.
I want everything from Kye.
Prada
Galleria Medium Leather Bag
A go-to Prada bag feels like the epitome of ’90s minimalism.
St. Agni
Fluid Jersey Halter Dress
The L.A. label Vir Vita is available to shop on Nordstrom.com.
Lunya
Washable Silk Slipdress Nightgown
I’ve been looking for a black silk slip dress.
Hanro
Cotton Seamless Spaghetti Camisole
As seen on Nicole Kidman in Eyes Wide Shut.
A chic Guizio trench coat.
Studio Amelia
Wishbone 50 Heel
Studio Amelia makes my dream kitten heels.
Permanent Vacation
Refract Skirt
I had to include L.L.Bean’s best-selling Boat and Tote.
Nia
Amor Open Back Cotton Blend Dress
Nia has so many nice spring dresses.
I like the shape of this bag from The Horse.
I recently discovered the British brand Home of Hai and immediately loved it.
ESTHE
One Shoulder Asymmetric Dress
ESTHE
Open Back Poplin Dress
I know this halter dress will get so much wear.
COS
Leather Kitten-Heel Mules
These $199 Leather Kitten-Heel Mules from COS.
Brooke Callahan
Column Skirt
I recommend Brooke Callahan’s whole collection.
Urban Outfitters
Mesh Cropped Cami
GU
Balmacaan A-Line Half Coat
I’m surprised this Balmacaan A-Line Half Coat is only $40.
I just found out about Edn, which focuses on designing with natural fibers like organic cotton, lyocell, hemp, and wool.
Clare V.’s natural grain leather Moyen Messenger.
Bec & Bridge
Joelene Strapless Dress
The Joelene Strapless Dress from Bec & Bridge for special occasions.
Boden
Valentina Sateen Skirt
Gerard Darel
Crinkle Effect Leather Handbag
Gerard Darel’s iconic handbag.
Rue Sophie
Provenance Oversized Jacket
I finally got the Provenance Oversized Jacket from Rue Sophie.
SILK LAUNDRY
Halter Dress Black
I want to invest in a dress from Silk Laundry.
The French brand Carel is beloved for a reason.
Centre Piece
Astor Maxi Dress in Black
Centre Piece is an emerging New York City–based womenswear brand.
Cin Cin
Eleganza Halter Top
I can’t resist a halter top.
Repetto
Camille Ballet Flats
Repetto ballet flats have been on my wish list for years.
Campbell & Kramer
Aurora Halter Dress
I have this exact Campbell & Kramer dress.
These Misha & Puff organic Pima cotton pants are incredibly soft and comfortable.
ECCO
Biom Lite Textile Ballerina
Since I don’t wear sneakers outside of the gym, I rely on walkable flats and Mary Janes as an alternative, like these Biom Lite Textile Ballerina Flats from Ecco.
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