A guide to every sporty ’90s style trend you’ll see this spring

Today’s retro athleisure style has me wishing I had kept all those long-lost favorites from the actual ’90s. (R.I.P. hot pink hoodie and matching bike shorts. Sigh) The silver lining to not having my old mainstays, however, is that it gives me a chance to scope out this season’s takes on ’90s style trends.

To chat about the sporty styles that truly seem as though they’re here to stay—at least for a long time to come—I turned to stylist and street style pro Rachael Wang. Of the ‘90s style trends, she says, “I’m not a historian or an economist, but I do know that fashion trends reflect what’s happening in the world culturally, morally, technologically, and economically. Right now, fans of fashion are craving the rebellious authenticity of the ‘90s—a time when people really leaned into their interests and made it their lifestyle; whether that was hip hop, sports, grunge, or minimalism.”

And, what’s more, these head-turning athleisure pieces and oversized silhouettes are effortlessly being woven into the wardrobes of all types of fashion-lovers once again. Wang shares that her favorite ways to mix the ‘90s into her own wardrobe is by “pairing a sporty item, like bike shorts, with something unexpected and of a different era, like a low kitten heel strappy sandal and a checked menswear blazer. It keeps the trend from being too literal.”

For a full run-down on the ‘90s style trends expected to everywhere this spring, below are Wang’s five picks for the must-have ‘90s pieces to own now.

Bike shorts

First popularized by the likes of Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, and more, this daring Spandex trend has turned tailored, topped with everything from silk blouses to oversized belted blazers. That said, I’m in total support if all you really want to do is top it with that equally sporty pullover and dad sneakers to really take you back to the ‘90s.

Aerie Chill High Waisted Bike Shorts, $18

Heroine Sport Cycling Ribbed  Shorts, $80

Reebok x Victoria Beckham Performance Shorts, $90

ATM Antony Thomas Melillo Ribbed Stretch-Micro Modal Shorts, $175

Sporty sneakers

When it comes to your sneakers, the more head-turning, the better. But, that’s not to say that it’s all about the bright colors or super streamlined and technical silhouettes. Chunky white reissues of ‘90s releases like the Fila Disruptor II are just as great.

Tretorn Rawlins III Joggers, $75

Nike Fly Zoom SP Fast, $170

Adidas PureBOOST x TR 3.0 Sneakers, $180

Stella McCartney Eclypse Faux Leather, Faux Suede and Neoprene Sneakers, $685

Cargo pants

Here’s where the throwback gets a little more tailored. While a pair of sweatpants can surely carry their fair share of pocket space, I urge you to try adding a pair of cargo pants to your repetoire—peppered with side pockets that add just the right amount of nostalgic detail to an otherwise office-ready look—of course.

Collusion Plus Cargo Pants, $40

Zara Wide Leg Cargo Pants, $50

Urban Outfitters BDG Black Cargo Pant, $79

Madewell High-Rise Cargo Pant, $88

Wraparound sport sunglasses

Wang sees wraparound sport sunglasses as the next up-and-comer in terms of ’90s eyewear to re-enter the mainstream. Their trademark reflective lenses and neon frames offer an even stronger juxtaposition between the accessory and the rest of your look, creating a more interesting and multi-dimensional take on the retro trend.

I-Sea Alessandra Cosmic Shield Sunglasses, $28

Pit Viper The Hotshot, $79

Stella McCartney Turbo Wrap Sunglasses, $194

Balenciaga Ski Square-Frame Acetate Mirrored Sunglasses, $450

Oversized hoodies

Be bold with your silhouettes this season, choosing oversized hoodies—whether topping a flirty midi, feminine midi, or casual pair of denim with the sporty pullover. I’m currently loving a muted pastel, but neons and neutrals, alike, are having their moment.

H&M Hooded Sweatshirt, $20

Tna The Iconic Hoodie, $30

Proenza Schouler PSWL Tie-Dyed Cotton-Jersey Hoodie, $275

Acne Studios Fyola Cotton Hoodie, $380