Your Arsenal | A ‘90210′ Inspired Look

Being a long time New Yorker you may hate me after reading this next sentence but I politely ask you to hold your judgments until the end. I am a huge fan of LA.

I guess some may consider me bicoastal (specifically my roommate) when every Saturday morning I dominate the living room with the old gang of West Beverly High School. Yes Donna Martin, Brenda Walsh and Dylan McKay are all there and up to their typical angst driven antics. Aside from the typical nostalgia (yes I was a teen during the original airing) I can’t help but notice that the high top sneakers and light stone washed denim finishes resonate just as strongly today as they did back then. The early 90’s are back in fashion (save Steve Sanders’ faded Mullet) and the infamous 90210 zip code has once again become a source of style thanks to SoapNet and DVR.

The Spring 2010 runways gave authority when they heralded in the resurgence of all things 90’s with baggier silhouettes and bright vivid colors. Ethnic chic, reminiscent of Cross Colours, was evident in the Givenchy’s collection, which highlighted African prints and oversized separates. Locals may remember Z. Cavaricci. For anyone from New York or New Jersey these pants were IT! High waisted and/or pleated with a roomy thigh, these relaxed garments epitomized an affordable take on runway fashion that any Guido from Staten Island can appreciate. The look is on point in Salvatore Ferragamo’s show who kept the relaxed movement, color palette and detailing of Cavaricci pants but updated the fabrics and straightened the leg, keeping it stylish and extremely wearable. But how does the typical guy translate these looks?

It’s important not to go overboard here or you will end up looking like you’re wearing a costume. Taking pieces and incorporating them into your wardrobe will keep the look current and fresh as opposed to another fashion victim. Try a brightly colored jacket from Baracuta, an English based company, in Persian Blue. The modern, slim-cut design will give needed shape and show off the body. A varsity inspired jacket is another great example of 90’s outerwear, think Zach Morris. Oki-ni’s Over the Stripes Baseball Jacket will give you just enough of that old Bayside team spirit.

You can further enhance the look with a pair of stone washed Levi’s Capital E Hesher Straight Jeans in Aesthetics Bleach. For added 90’s effect, roll up the cuffs or look for styles with torn and frayed detailing in the legs. As far as footwear goes it’s impossible to talk 90’s fashion without mentioning Doc Martens. These boots have been around since the 60’s and were made famous during the early Nirvana days with the grunge movement. The original 8-inch eye boot in black is a classic and will look good with just about anything.

“It’s not hippie witch, it’s Twin Peaks, and it’s very in.” (Brenda Walsh) Well, Brenda, you may be on to something. Whether you’re on team Dylan or Team Brandon it’s undeniable that these fashions are going to be turning up in droves over the next few months. I am not sure if this is a return to glory or perhaps just another cliché kitschy moment in fashion’s cyclical history. Just leave the Zubaz pants hidden in the back of your closet.

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