An Illustrated Guide to Iconic ’90s Shoe Trends

Even if you didn't grow up during the heyday of Beanie Babies, aggressively crimped hair, and dial-up internet, you can surely appreciate the era that was the '90s. And although the oh-so-iconic decade gave us a few fashion trends we'll hopefully never revisit (like butterfly hair clips and JNCO jeans), it did pretty dang well in the belt bag, mom jean, and footwear categories. Ahead you'll find an illustrated guide to our favorite throwback shoe styles from the '90s starring the platform sandal, dad sneaker, kitten heel, and more.
Slinky Slides: Probably the most well-known (and hilariously impractical) '90s shoe trend, the slinky slide is just so comfortable. Sure, your foot slides as you walk, making shuffling your only option, but who cares when your feet are basically walking on clouds. Originally brought to us by Steve Madden, this platform slide features a spandex strap that actually stretches with your every move.
Chunky Oxfords: First appearing on men in Scotland and Ireland in the 17th century and named after Oxford University, this style gained popularity much later with a heightened, chunkier iteration. In the age of chokers, Kurt Cobain, and black lipstick, interest in large and in charge Oxford styles (remember Hush Puppies?!) reached a fever pitch. Just like they say in Texas, when it comes to chunky Oxfords, bigger is better.
Adidas Slides: Traditionally worn in the shower or by the pool, the Adidas Adilette may actually win as the most recognizable '90s shoe style. First introduced in 1972, this comfy, waterproof style has made leaps and bounds since it first protected locker room feet. Now, celebs including Gigi and Bella Hadid, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber (yes, we said it), and Suki Waterhouse all slip into them.
Kitten Heels: In the '50s, these mini heels got their name after young girls AKA "kittens" starting wearing them as training heels for stilettos. The popularity surged again in the '90s when supermodels including Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington wanted to rock heels without the added height. Even more recently, designers Manolo Blahnik, Celiné, and Prada have brought back the silo in a big way and we are 100 percent here for this comfy style.
Square Toes: After years of pointy toe perseverance, this clunky shape is having a minute in the style spotlight. And because it was low-key made cool by the Gucci loafer, how can you not be on board?
Jellies: Referring to the translucent sandal comprised of PVC (and sometimes actual glitter), jellies were once a wardrobe staple. Now, the same molded material can be found in the form of ballet flats, sandals, and cheerful boots. This affordable fad has traveled the world over, comes in a range of colors and styles, is extremely comfortable, and can be worn year-round. What's not to love?

Platform Sandals: Want a bit of height without sinking your shoes in the ground with troublesome heels? Japanese gals did, and so the platform sandal of the 1800s was born. Much later In the 1930s, Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo brought them back in a bigger, taller way, adding a cork heel and more height, thus becoming more appealing to the masses. Then came the '90s and with it the Spice Girls, who pretty much launched the girl power movement in an array of platform sandals (ranging from sporty styles to polished iterations).

Mary Janes: In case you're a child and missed the epicness that was and is the movie Clueless, please go and stream it STAT. Thanks to the abrasively checkered and knee high-socked fashion of the film's protagonist BFFs Cher and Dionne, Mary Janes became popular throughout the '90s. But this wasn't the beginning. Dating as far back as the Renaissance, MJs were originally unisex before making the shift to female-only footwear in the 1930s after a comic strip called Buster Brown featured the main character's sweetheart — Mary Jane — in the now classic shoe style.
Mules: Once confined to just the bedroom, this originally ancient Roman style was thought of as very risqué until it was finally worn out in public in 1694. Over 300 years later, Marilyn Monroe and other pin-up stars began rocking the backless shoe on the reg. The '90s rendition featured a chunkier heel, and women were often spotted wearing them with socks. Overall, we think Manolo Blahnik said it best when he declared that “It’s such a wonderful thing to do mules again."
Dad Sneakers: Remember those fugly kicks you begged your dad not to wear out? You meet again. And even though *you* may still take issue with the contrasting colors, flair-tastic laces, and hefty soles, high fashion does not. Thanks to the likes of Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and Gucci, this style may be the hottest and priciest throwback purchase of 2018.

If you’re rocking ’90s trends this summer, we salute you. Follow us on Facebook for more style news and inspiration!

If you’re rocking ’90s trends this summer, we salute you. Follow us on Facebook for more style news and inspiration!

(Illustrations by Sarah Tate)

Ah, a new year – the perfect time to reevaluate and refresh your routine, diet, home, and of course, your closet! I always try to take the time at the top of a new year to clean out the pieces that don’t serve me anymore, and the one thing I tend to comb through the most is my shoe collection. From sneakers to sandals and boots to clogs, I typically come across several outdated pairs that make me wonder why I even wore them in the first place!

In the vein of going all-in on a brand-new beginning for your shoe collection in 2025, you’re gonna want to know these 5 outdated winter shoe trends to start the year off right – and in style.

These are the top 5 outdated winter shoe trends for 2025, plus the best styles to wear instead.

Ugg

UGG Classic Tall Boots

1. Tall UGG boots

Tall UGG boots are so 2010. They can be clunky, annoyingly warm on the feet, and tend to make your body proportions look… funky.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boots

Instead, opt for the UGGs all the cool girls are wearing well into winter 2025: the Classic Mini. These boots don’t rise nearly as high on your legs, lengthening and flattering your figure.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots

UGG even sells a shorter style called the Ultra Mini, which you can also snag in a platform silhouette.

UGGs are undoubtedly winter-ready since they’re lined with shearling on the inside to keep your toes warm. If you’re worried about snow or ice getting to them, you can get an UGG boot guard or spray your pair down in waterproof and stain-proof protectant.

Amazon

Circus NY Nellie Mary Janes

2. Platform shoes

I hate to say it, but platform shoes seem to be on their way out for 2025. And I get it – platform shoes like Mary Janes and loafers can be impractical, especially if you have to commute in treacherous winter conditions like snow.

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Matilda Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Instead, the fashion world is blowing up with lower-profile shoe designs, meaning they don’t have as much height to them.

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Denise Penny Loafer

Opt for low-lying ballet flats, loafers, and Mary Janes to keep your shoe game subtle, yet stylish in 2025.

Nordstrom

AGL The Chunky Biker Lug Sole Leather Boots

3. Round-toe boots

We’re going to be seeing less and less round-toe boots (and round-toe shoes in general) this coming year. They were definitely popular at a point in time, but a lot of fashion fiends nowadays are wearing the more eye-catching, and even more sultry shoe designs that include square or pointed toes.

Free People

Jeffrey Campbell Lights Out Moto Boots

Try out these square-toe boots to instantly elevate your outfits in 2025.

Nordstrom

Dolce Vita Shadie Waterproof Pointed Toe Chelsea Boots

Pointed-toe boots are also undeniably chic.

Nordstrom

Moon Boot Classic Low 2 Water Repellent Nylon Boots

4. Moon boots

It could just be me living near a ton of mountain towns, but Moon boots are a winter shoe trend I’m simply tired of seeing. They stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to snow boots, plus even though they have a hefty price tag, they don’t necessarily stand out from other similar snow boots, other than the fact that they have a big logo stamped across them for curb appeal.

Moon boots have gotta go. Try other warm (and less obnoxious) snow boot styles, like the ones below.

Nordstrom

Sorel Tivoli V Faux Fur Lined Waterproof Boots

These cozy, lined boots are way less bulky but still provide great traction and protection against snowy weather.

Nordstrom

Hunter Amble Booties

These insulated booties ensure you stay comfy, warm, and dry this season – all while looking stylish!

DSW

Fila Disruptor II Sneakers

5. Chunky sneakers

I fear chunky sneakers – like the ever-popular Fila Disruptors – are simply out of style. They’ve been done over and over again, and instead, the fashion girls are showing off in something entirely brand-new.

In case you didn’t know, sleek platform sneakers – most notably the Adidas Gazelles or Handball Spezials – are so in. They’re practically the “It” girl shoes that keep on giving.

Shop my fave styles below.

Adidas

Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes

The stacked soles on these shoes are everything.

Free People

Ash Mae Buckle Hi Top Sneakers

This familiar shoe style is elevated even more with an edgy buckle design.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

If there's one thing I love to see, it's celebrities going makeup-free. And I'll celebrate it every single time! In addition to Drew Barrymore taking her makeup off on live TV (and throwing her extensions on the ground) and Millie Bobby Brown showing off her acne in selfies, Lady Gaga loves to go makeup-free. Remember when she performed at the Oscars with no makeup and ripped jeans?! Well the actress and singer just posted another adorable selfie without a stitch of makeup.

Here's what Lady Gaga had to say about "Die With A Smile" alongside her no-makeup selfie.

Lady Gaga is "so grateful" the song is #1.

To celebrate "Die With A Smile" (her song with Bruno Mars) hitting number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Lady Gaga posted a photo of her laying in the grass with a huge grin on her face — and without any makeup.

"Thank you to all of the monsters and hooligans for helping make 'Die With A Smile' #1 on the Billboard Hot 100! We love you and are so grateful," she says in the post. "Having multiple songs of mine hit #1 across three decades feels surreal, and I am overwhelmed by the love and support you have shown me from the beginning. I have so much more in store for you and can’t wait to share it."

Friends and fans flooded the comments with everyone from Noah Cyrus saying, "you’re so gorgeous," to a fan account adding, "Thank you for your art! So proud of you and Bruno. You deserve this!"

And she loved recording it with Bruno Mars!

The song was released on August 16, and in a statement to Page Six, Lady Gaga praised Bruno Mars as a collaborator. “Bruno and I have a lot of mutual respect for each other and were talking about collaborating,” she says. “I was finishing up my own album in Malibu, and one night after a long day he asked me to come to his studio to hear something he was working on...It was around midnight when I got there, and I was blown away when I heard what he had started making.”

After revealing they "stayed up all night” to finish both writing and recording it, Lady Gaga continues, “Bruno’s talent is beyond explanation. His musicianship and vision is next level. There’s no one like him." There's no one like you either Gaga!

Has "Die With A Smile" been on repeat for you? Let us know your favorite Lady Gaga song on Instagram!

Valentine’s Day is unarguably the cutest holiday of them all – come February 14, everything’s drenched in festive reds and pinks, and, of course, dotted in tons of tiny little hearts. As much as we love decking out our spaces with Valentine’s Day decor and baking up some tasty V-Day desserts, the idea of dressing up for a Valentine’s Day date night is simply so exciting, whether we’re paired up with our S.O.’s or flying solo.

Since we’re constantly stalking Anthropologie’s new arrivals (they’re just too good!), we curated the 17 best finds, all suitable for a fun and flirty Valentine’s Day function.

Scroll on to shop 17 stunning Valentine’s Day styles from Anthropologie!

Anthropologie

Mac Duggal Halter Rosette Satin Maxi Dress

Ooh, so sultry! This satin maxi dress features a cheeky open back design that pairs perfectly with a flattering halter neckline. The big rosette decal on the front recalls Valentine's Day blooms in the cutest way.

Anthropologie

RIXO Ardith Check Midi Slip Skirt

With bits of red and pink, this plaid midi skirt would be so sweet for a more casual V-Day date alongside an oversized sweater and some ballet flats.

Anthropologie

Dolce Vita Linsey Heels

These deep red satin heels with pairs of rosettes on the straps are everything. They'd work well with a mini dress and blazer for a fun V-Day 'fit, though you could also easily wear 'em year-round with dress pants and a formal blouse.

Anthropologie

Lace Rosette Tulle Tights

These floral tights will instantly upgrade any Valentine's Day get-up, especially if you plan on wearing a coordinating mini dress or skirt – they're meant to be seen!

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Colorblock Column Midi Dress

The bold color blocking on this midi dress is playful enough that you can wear the piece alone. It'll look great whether you dress it up with heels, or down with some comfy sneakers.

Anthropologie

The Giselle Lace Bustier

If you feel like really dressing up this year, this lacy bustier top adds a very sexy-yet-elegant vibe. Pair it with some black slacks or a black skirt, then layer up with a sleek cardigan or jacket.

Anthropologie

The Tilda Maxi Slip Skirt

When it doubt, red it out. The color is V-Day's perfect match, and this comfy maxi slip skirt makes donning it so easy. You can style it however you please – we'd rock it with a tucked-in graphic tee, a denim jacket, and some sneakers.

Anthropologie

Coconuts by Matisse Florence Kitten Heels

Kitten heels will always be a winner in our book. This sleek pair features a tiny heel height, pointed toes, and eye-catching paneling with mixed materials. They'll instantly complete your Valentine's Day outfit!

Anthropologie

Reformation Tancy Midi Dress

Reformation kills it when it comes to dresses. This one's dotted in tiny hearts to fit right in with Valentine's season. The sweetheart neckline is ultimately super flattering, plus the midi length of the piece gives you ample coverage so you can wear it to a variety of plans, from dates to Galentine's parties!

Anthropologie

Endless Rose Sequin Mini Skirt

This fiery and feisty number is a statement piece all on its own. Wear it with a more toned-down black top and some tall black boots to complete the look!

Anthropologie

The Kenna Mid-Rise Heritage Barrel Jeans by Pilcro: Valentine's Day Edition

These ever-trendy barrel jeans are adorned with subtle heart illustrations, so they're a perfect fit for the lovey-dovey holiday.

Anthropologie

ALOHAS Tb.490 Rife Sneakers

Yes, yes, and yes! These pink sneaks detailed with some bits of red practically scream Valentine's Day. The mix of suede on the upper and the rubber soles is so cute.

Anthropologie

The Hannah Seamless Textured Tank

This tank boasts a floral texture that makes it a great base layer for any V-Day 'fits you're planning. The red is the obvious choice for Feb. 14, though you can also shop this piece in 8 more colors!

Anthropologie

Endless Rose Off-The-Shoulder Knit Mini Dress

We looove an off-the-shoulder moment. The knit material on this piece will keep you warm, but the silhouette still allows you to show a lil' skin.

Anthropologie

Beach Riot Monterey Quarter-Zip Sweater

How cutesy is this sweater?! It's the perfect casual V-Day piece if your plans this year are simply to stay in and bake some delicious treats.

Anthropologie

Maeve Bow Lace Turtleneck Top

This top was made for layering. Whether you wear just a bralette or a full-on tank under it, the sheer pattern boasts some adorable bows that feel extremely appropriate for the V-Day season!

Anthropologie

Bibi Lou Bonnie Slingback Buckle Detail Heels

We can't get enough of these eye-catching heels. The bold buckle, block heel, and slingback strap instantly qualify them as a total "it girl" shoe for Valentine's Day.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Many people look for the new year to bring new opportunities and, in some cases, a fresh start altogether. But for me? As a longtime entertainment reporter, there is one thing I can’t help but get excited about when another year rolls around: the upcoming movie releases and, of course, the most anticipated television shows. While I'm looking forward to see what happens to Eleven and the rest of the Hawkins crew in Stranger Things 5 on Netflix, there are a bunch of new TV shows that have been at the top of my watch list from the moment they were first announced, including Suits: LA and It: Welcome to Derry.

Here are the 2025 television shows that should be on your radar (if they aren’t already!).

Severance Season 2 — On Apple TV+ January, 17 2025

Apple TV+

After Mark Scout, Helly, and Irving learn the truth about the “severance” experiment and manage to break free from its clutches in the Severance season 1 finale, the three coworkers (along with the rest of the Lumon Industries employees) are forced to return to work in the second installment of the series. Now that Mark and some of his peers know what the company was really doing to the Lumon staff, one could only wonder: What are Lumon Industries's hidden objectives? (And what’s with all the GOATS?!)

Severance season 2 premieres on Apple TV+ on January 17, 2024 and stars Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Turturro, Dichen Lachman, Dichen Lachman and Patricia Arquette.

The White Lotus Season 3 — On HBO and Max February 16, 2025

Mario Perez/HBO

Pack your bags, White Lotus fans, because our favorite hotel residents are catching a first-class flight to…Thailand! While there are a bunch of new guests checking into a luxury hotel, there’s one returning guest who needs no introduction. Natasha Rothwell, who made her debut at Belinda Lindsey in The White Lotus season 1, is the only returning cast making a brief cameo in season 3. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, here we come!

The White Lotus season 3 is coming in February and will star Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Blackpink’s Lisa Manobal.

The Last of Us Season 2 — On HBO and Max in April 2025

Liane Hentscher/HBO

I can’t be the only one still thinking about that bombshell season one finale of HBO’s The Last of Us! And apparently, I’m not the only one who’s eager to see the continuation of Joel and Ellie’s story in season 2. Fans of the video game adaptation have been keeping their eyes peeled for a new update about season 2. And one teaser later, we might have just gotten the news we’ve been looking for. Following the 2024 Emmy Awards, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content Casey Bloys toldDeadline that The Last of Us season 2 will premiere around “generally first half of the year [2025], I expect them to be in the Emmy window.”

The Last of Us season 2 will star Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Wright, Tati Gabrielle and Ariela Barer.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 — On Prime Video in 2025

Erika Doss/Prime Video

It's almost time to return to Cousins Beach, and I have missed all the hydrangeas, fair rides, and ocean sunrises. We haven't heard for sure whether season 3 will be the end of the road for this series, but if it follows even a few chapters in the third book in The Summer I Turned Pretty series, We'll Always Have Summer, then we will absolutely be getting some drama.

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 premieres in 2025 and stars Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, Jackie Chung, and Rachel Blanchard.

It: Welcome to Derry — On Max in 2025

Warner Bros. Entertainment

Bill, Richie, Beverly and the rest of the Losers Club members might have been able to defeat Pennywise in It: Chapter Two, but that doesn’t mean we've seen the last of Derry, Maine. Serving as a prequel series to the It movie franchise directed by Andres Muschietti, Welcome to Derry will delve into Pennywise’s origin story and how the child-preying clown arrived in Derry. But that’s not even the best part: Bill Skarsgård, who starred in It and It: Chapter Two, will reprise his role as the killer clown in the upcoming HBO series, which will be released in 2025. So until then, no accepting red balloons from creepy clowns, okay?

It: Welcome to Derry will star Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Alixandra Fuchs, Kimberly Guerrero, Joshua Odjick and Morningstar Angeline.

Stranger Things Season 5 — On Netflix in 2025

Netflix

I’ve been a fan of Stranger Things since it premiered on Netflix back in 2016, and come next year, longtime fans like myself will finally get to see how the story ends. Last time we saw Eleven, Mike, Will and the rest of the Hellfire Club crew, they were facing an impending apocalypse after Vecna’s devious plan came to full fruition. So, will the group of friends defeat Vecna and save their home? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see because Stranger Things 5 likely won’t premiere until late 2025. Now, all we need is that release date, Netflix…

Stranger Things 5 is coming to Netflix soon and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Sadie Sink, Maya Hawke, Joe Keery, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Amybeth McNulty, and Priah Ferguson.

Suits: L.A. — On NBC in 2025

David Astorga/NBC

Court is back in session! Only this time, our favorite lawyers from the OG Pearson Hardman firm are not on the case. Thanks to Netflix, the original Suits (which starred the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle) experienced a renaissance of sorts upon its arrival to the streaming service in June 2023. And as a result, NBCUniversal ordered a spinoff series earlier this year. But instead of the bustling streets of New York City, a new group of lawyers are setting up shop in the Golden State in Suits L.A.

The new spinoff will center around an entertainment and criminal lawler named Ted Black, who launches his own law firm in California after moving from the East Coast. Originally, Suits L.A was slated to be a part of NBCUniversal’s 2024-2025 lineup. However, according to Deadline, there was a slight change in the production location, making a Fall 2025 release more likely. So, who’s up for a Suits marathon?

Suits L.A. is speculated to premiere sometime in 2025 and is set to star Ted Black, Josh McDermitt, Rachelle Goulding, Victoria Justice, Troy Wingush, Bryan Greenberg, Lex Scott Davis, John Amos, Kevin Weistman and Alice Lee.

Wednesday Season 2 — On Netflix in 2025

Netflix

Looks like Jenna Ortega won’t be giving us another macabre number anytime soon because Wednesday season 2 won’t arrive on Netflix until 2025. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Ortega teases the upcoming installment will be much “darker” this time around. “I think the feel that we’re going for is a little bit more horror-inspired,” the Beetlejuice Beetlejuicestar adds. “Not to say that suddenly we’re the goriest show of all time. I mean, there’s six-year-olds watching.”

“This season is going to be bigger and more twisted than you can ever imagine," Catherine Zeta-Jones says in the new Wednesday season 2 first look.

“If we showed you any more, your eyes would bleed,” Ortega says. “And I'm not that generous.”

What TV show are you most excited to see in 2025? Personally, I can’t wait for Sweet Magnolias season 4 to drop! (Margarita, anyone?) Make sure to follow us on TikTok and Facebook for more TV exclusives and latest news updates!

This post has been updated.

Kate Middleton has been top of mind for a lot of people over the last year after the princess announced in March 2024 she was battling cancer. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown," she shared in a video update. "This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved." And in honor of Kate's 43rd birthday, Prince William posted the sweetest tribute honoring her strength and perseverance.

Here's what Prince William had to say in Kate Middleton's birthday tribute.

Prince William celebrates "incredible" Kate Middleton's "strength."

Kate Middleton turned 43 on January 9, 2025. In honor of the big day, Prince William took to Instagram to celebrate, praising his "incredible" wife.

"To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable," he says in the post. "George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W."

And well wishers flooded the comments. "Happy Birthday Catherine, wishing you a wonderful year ahead surrounded by family and loved ones," one user says, while another adds, "Happy Birthday Princess of Wales! What a gorgeous photo. Wishing you a wonderful year 😍 xx"

And the tribute comes after revealing Kate was doing "amazing" following her cancer battle.

The birthday celebration comes after the prince shared an update on Kate in early November that had us all breathing a sigh of relief. “She's doing really well thanks. And hopefully, she is watching tonight. So cheering me on," he said before the Earthshot Prize awards (via People). “She's been amazing this whole this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success."

"From what I understand, Catherine is doing very well," royal author Robert Jobson added in an interview withHello!that same week. "She is back training at the gym and doing all the things she wanted to do."

We're sending Kate Middleton so much birthday love! For more about your favorite members of the Royal Family, check out Meghan Markle’s New Netflix Cooking Show Will Feature Some Of Your Fave Celebs.