From pop stars like Charli XCX to it-girls like Karlie Kloss, it’s hard to deny that the 90’s are back in a big way. One of the most popular trends of the 90’s was obviously grunge. This time around however grunge isn’t about looking dingy. It’s all about soft pastels mixed with fresher – dare I say more “girly” pieces. For this issue, we’re using two grunge staples; flannel and girly, mini-florals. The two looks featured are the perfect blend of old school with new, making it easier to transition back in time.

No film had quite the effect on 90’s fashion as 1995’s Clueless did. The main character Cher was sassy, and most importantly fashionable. Toward the beginning of the movie Cher criticizes her stepbrother’s outfit with the famous line, “So, this flannel thing. Is that a nod to the crispy Seattle weather, or are you just trying to stay warm in front of the refrigerator?”

Cher just didn’t understand, after all she ran around in plaid skirt sets, mini-florals, and limp spaghetti strap tops. All were great looks, but for our new grunge outfit we’ll actually take a cue from her stepbrother Josh and use his style as our inspiration. Josh was the quintessential 90’s college kid. Wearing plaid flannels all the time was his credo. For this look, we’ll take Josh’s “nod to the crispy Seattle weather” and make it work for a time where Vanilla Ice is not terrorizing the public with his acting aspirations.

Start with a plain white t-shirt. Then take a plaid long-sleeve and tie it around your waist. The sleeves should lie just before your knees to avoid looking too sloppy. Instead of pairing it with stone washed jeans like our inspiration did. Opt for a pair that is medium wash in color. The pants should also be slim or skinny in cut. Voila! Finish the look with plain flats (no embellishments) in a color that matches the flannel you used.

Clueless gave us some wonderful, lasting fashion observations and cutting quotes, and should be kept in mind when experimenting:

“Mel: What the hell is that?

Cher: A dress.

Mel: Says who?

Cher: Calvin Klein.”

Just like flannel, mini-florals are back. Worn right they can add femininity to a harsher/edgier look. Worn wrong, you run the risk of looking like your grandma’s favorite curtains or couch. To wear mini-florals “right” make sure they’re paired with a dark background. The flowers should be no bigger than your thumbnail, any larger and they’re no longer “mini.” Also, be sure the flowers are either the same pattern printed over and over again or have no more than three alternating colors. The pattern is already so busy –too many colors become a distraction.

The best way to wear mini-florals is in dress form. Take a dress that’s either a-line or skater style. (Skater style dresses flare towards the bottom and skim the curves of the body) The dress pictured is skater style, with a black background and has the same flower pattern printed over and over. This look is not supposed to be skimpy, so pair your dress with a long soft cardigan. The colors black, cream, or oatmeal work best. To complete the look, wear combat boots, if they have a fun lining like the boots pictured fold them over to show them off in style.document.currentScript.parentNode.insertBefore(s, document.currentScript);