Last month, "Beverly Hills, 90210" celebrated the 25th anniversary of its 1990 premiere, and Lifetime even released a "Beverly Hills, 90210" biopic. I know this show has its drama in front of the camera (I mean, who can forget Kelly almost dying in a fire?). But if you grew up on Beverly Hills, 90210 like I did, you didn't just have 10 seasons worth of drama. You've got 10 seasons of outfit inspiration.
I was one of those kids who watched Beverly Hills 90210 but didn't really understand much of what was going on in it until I rewatched reruns of it ten years later. The series is truly more than just a teen drama. Previous seasons have dealt with issues such as loss of virginity, divorce, addiction, abusive relationships, and even suicide. Say what you want about 90210 , but it 's there .
It’s not just the show’s storyline that’s at risk. The characters' clothing choices are also very progressive. (I'm still disappointed that no one in my high school dressed like this.) Many of the characters' styles are still reflected in today's trends. After all, Donna Martin is a fashion designer. From organza to floral patterns, Beverly Hills 90210 encapsulates everything I still love about '90s fashion. Here are 21 style lessons it can teach us.
1. Jumpsuits are the new power suits
Jumpsuits and playsuits are all the rage in 2015, but Kelly Taylor's look proves she won't let us forget who wore them first.
2. Haters don’t know anything about bonnets
If you're going to wear a floppy floral hat, you'd better have a good way to protect your image from those nasty people.
3. Sunflower prints are neutral
These are just two of the many sunflower print looks worn by Donna Martin. I'm not going to lie, though: If I could find them both in plus sizes today, you can bet I'd be rocking them.
4. Sunflowers are the best accessory
A cheetah print jumpsuit/sweater paired with a giant sunflower makes a statement and I’m here for it. Who says prints can't be paired with bold accessories? Donna Martin certainly isn't afraid to experiment.
5. Cropped tops can also be cute
I don’t remember Tiffany-Amber Thiessen’s Valerie Malone being a total badass , but this crop top and denim shorts combo is totally reminiscent of the adorable Kelly Kapowski, also played by Thiessen .
6. You can wear a bra as a top
I only wore underwear as outerwear for a week, and sports bras were my favorite alternative to crop tops, but I have to give Donna a lot of credit here. Maybe that's why my love of bras as tops is so deeply ingrained in my subconscious.
7. Men’s clothing is for everyone
I've always been in favor of breaking gender norms through fashion, and there's a lot to learn from Brenda's oversized button-down and tie look.
8. American style can be just right
I know something very dramatic is probably going on in this scene, but all I can focus on is this amazing American sweatshirt. I need it.
9. Cargo pants can be chic too
Cargo pants are one of those fashion items that people love to hate, right? But when they're there, they're there . Sure, they're still hated by a lot of people, but if you're bold enough, there are lots of great ways to style cargo pants. Not surprisingly, Donna Martin rocks them perfectly.
10. Faux leather is timeless
I'm sure Valerie is wearing this faux leather corset for a reason, but all I know is that I'm definitely wearing it too. Please give me one in a fat size.
11. Pure white T-shirt is your best choice
I never wear a plain white tee, but seeing Kelly and Brenda's look seems to inspire me to do so. Oversized sleeves were rolled up and either knotted in the front or tucked into a high-waisted skirt, turning another traditional menswear piece inside out.
12. Color is your friend
Early Beverly Hills 90210 characters always had a sophisticated style that seemed older than they actually were, but this look is totally '90s high school teenager.
13.Chains can enhance the temperament of any outfit
I have a very close connection with chain straps. Inspired by my love for 90s fashion, I've been designing them for the past three years. I love seeing Donna in this high neck crop top and chain belt, but this is obviously a standout look.
14. Tassel items are very fashionable
So, ASOS now has a very similar jacket to this one on sale. What else do people need?
15. Pure fantasy is sexy
OK: If you think these looks are straight from the ASOS website, I guarantee they're legit '90s throwback. Lately, this sheer illusion look has been appearing on everything from onesies and jumpsuits to dresses and crop tops. Just know what Donna and Brenda did first.
16. Beaded netting cannot remain in the past
Claire always has a way of expressing herself, and sometimes she does it through fashion. This beaded mesh tank top is totally something I’ll be rocking over the holidays.
17. Choker is the only necklace
If there are two major lessons I've learned from the later seasons of 90210, it's to trust no one, and to always wear a bandeau or halter top with a choker.
18. Turtlenecks are underrated.
Ribbed sleeveless turtleneck? You can find tons of cute ribbed options on Boohoo today. Just make sure you convey Valerie's sass, too.
19. The perfect combination of fur and leather
I love faux fur this winter, is that okay? While it's true that the 90210 area doesn't need a lot of leather and faux fur, that didn't stop Claire from switching up the look.
20. We can never forget the 1990s
Brenda's camel blazer and oversized hat next to Kelly's sheer shirt in a cute color really makes me wonder if this photo was actually taken in the '90s or 2015.
21. Trends are cyclical
There's something very dated about this photo, but if you've learned anything from reading this, it's that you'll be seeing a lot more headbands, baggy high-waisted jeans, suspenders, and ruffled shirts in the future. I mean, if there's one thing you can count on in fashion, it's that it will repeat itself.
Hopefully everything on this list will be repeated for a long time to come.
Image: 90210 Productions (21)
