Nostalgia and the 90s: A Personal Reflection
There are moments in life when we find ourselves reminiscing about the past, especially when catching up with old friends or scrolling through a WhatsApp chat. The 90s, with their unique blend of technology, fashion, and culture, often come to mind. For many, these memories are preserved in a few physical photos, but for me, they’re more like fleeting glimpses of a time that seems both distant and familiar.
The 90s were a decade defined by its simplicity and authenticity. From the heather shimmer of Levi’s to the dewberry shades of clothing, and the house phone in the hallway where everyone could hear your conversations, it was a time when technology was limited, but our experiences were rich. Today, we have 20:20 vision—only through our rose-tinted glasses.
My own memories from the 90s are sparse. I don’t have any videos, just a few photos. One of them is from my school formal, which clearly shows that I had no idea how to apply makeup. It also highlights my disastrous first attempt at a fake tan. I wasn’t cut out for the Insta life, and I still aren’t. But despite that, I loved the 90s. I proudly played 90s music on Radio Ulster before it became trendy to do so. The music of the era remains my go-to happy place, whether it’s indie, pop, rock, folk, grunge, or dance. And let’s not forget the power ballads—they’re still a staple in my playlist.
In terms of style, I wasn’t much of a fashion enthusiast. Like most teenagers in the Dungannon area, I had a couple of pairs of Levi’s from Tom Morrow’s and the occasional new top from Ultimate. My interest in fashion changed when I visited New York for the first time in 1996. That family holiday transformed my perspective on life. I fell in love with the city’s vibe, history, culture, and style. Since then, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve returned.
When the drama series Love Story hit our screens, I was captivated by everything New York offered in the 90s. The show, based on the real-life relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, fascinated me. While the Kennedy dynasty is intriguing, it was Bessette’s story that truly stood out. Her work with Calvin Klein and the iconic ad campaign I remember seeing on billboards opposite Macy’s made her a fashion muse. This drama has reignited interest in her timeless style, which emphasized minimalism and elegance.
The message from Bessette’s wardrobe was clear: less is more. Her red lip was the only splash of colour, and she remained true to herself despite the pressures of fame. Some people admired her, while others didn’t. But I love her for it.
Some people have an innate sense of style, while others need guidance. With peri-menopause, weight gain, and tiredness, I don’t have the energy to care about fashion as much as I once did. I live for the day I will wake up and feel different. I try to find interesting yet timeless clothes on Vinted, making a conscious effort to avoid contributing to the growing mountains of discarded clothing.
Earlier this year, I found myself back in a TV presenter role and needed 20 outfits for filming. To be more sustainable, I tried to make do with my current wardrobe, but I panicked. I ordered five tops from an online store, something I hadn’t done in over 10 years. When I opened the package, I felt dirty. The quality of the clothes was poor, and I knew I would return them. I did, and they ended up in landfill. That was on me.
The minimalism of the 90s is incredibly impactful. Yes, it was the decade of supermodels and high fashion, but on the ground, we had very little and made do with what we had. No phones, very few photos, but such good memories that I will happily cling to.
