5 Tasteful Ways to Feel Like You’re Living in Your Favorite ‘90s TV Show
Written By : Jacqueline Rappa
Are you on your hundredth re-watch of Friends and Sex and the City, or are you binge-watching Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette? Then you’re probably longing for the authenticity that was so prevalent throughout the ‘90s. Think: pre-social media domination, community-centric vibes, and intimate connections. Watching these shows and listening to others reminisce about this golden decade, many of us can’t help but wish we lived through this era – especially in NYC, where culture, fashion, art, and progressive momentum felt woven into everyday life.
Here are a few simple ways to radiate this eccentric energy, because it’s never too late to prioritize originality and self-expression.
Shop At Department Stores
There’s something special about browsing through racks in a multi-story building. It requires time, presence, and curiosity, all of which signal ‘90s living. You can truly make an entire day out of a department store run, with select Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s locations offering coffee, cocktails, and bites. And even if you’re just intending to shop for a dress to wear to a party, you can take a peek at the homeware floor and pick up a new crystal dishware set.
Ditch the Coffee Chains
It’s time to get your espresso fix elsewhere. Dabbling in new cafes is a dynamic way to break out of monotony routines. Walk into a small business that is local to your apartment, and even another that’s near your workplace. Become a regular. Ask the barista for their recommendation. Who knows, maybe you’ll strike up a conversation with another customer as you’re picking out a pastry.
Always Carry A Piece of Physical Media
Are you ever spending time at a park, coffee shop, or even during your lunch break, and find yourself doomscrolling on your phone? This can easily be fixed if you have a book, magazine, or journal on hand. Maybe it’s a small pocket notebook that you only use when you’re out, or maybe it’s this month’s Cosmopolitan issue you picked up at the drug store. Physical media allows us to consume with purpose – annotate, underline, and fold pages.
Go Up to People at Bars
Get rid of the “they should approach me first” mindset. It’s genuinely not going to help you pursue real-life connections. Be the person who asks a question to a stranger. Tell that girl you love her skirt. Ask that guy how his night is going. At the end of the day, it’s never that deep. Whether you’re approaching someone in a romantic or platonic way, I can guarantee this type of interaction will feel refreshing. When we take matters into our own hands, we exude confidence.
Less Trends, More Personal Style
When we think of ‘90s style icons like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy or Naomi Campbell, and our favorite characters like Phoebe Buffay and Carrie Bradshaw, we’re reminded of how they were all uniquely themselves. The clothes they wore were reflective of their personality, interests, and lifestyle. Thinking of our current landscape and how we’re constantly on socials, we can be heavily influenced by what we see others wearing and buying. It’s quite easy to lose sight of our individual preferences. So, open your closet, take some time, and curate what feels honest to who you are. Be unapologetically yourself.