Quick answer
The most iconic 90s accessories were tattoo chokers, mood rings, slap bracelets, tiny sunglasses, bucket hats, mini backpacks, butterfly clips, puka shell necklaces, wallet chains and bandanas. Many cost a few dollars at the mall and are now sold again as trend pieces.
Jewelry
Tattoo choker
The stretchy plastic lattice necklace. Everyone had one.
Velvet choker
A ribbon of black velvet, sometimes with a charm.
Mood ring
Changed color with your "mood" (really, your temperature).
Puka shell necklace
The surf-style shell necklace for beach vibes.
Yin-yang pendant
On a cord or ball chain.
Hoop earrings
Big gold hoops, a hip hop and R&B staple.
Name necklace
Your name in script, often gold.
Silver toe ring
Summer must-have with platform sandals.
Beaded bracelets
Hemp, wooden or glass bead bracelets.
Friendship bracelets
Hand-knotted thread, traded with friends.
Bags
Mini backpack
Tiny leather or nylon backpacks replaced purses.
Small shoulder bag
Baguette-style bags tucked under the arm.
Fanny pack
Worn around the waist or across the body.
Clear plastic bag
Inflatable and see-through accessories were a fun fad.
Hats and headwear
Bucket hat
Shared by rappers, ravers and Britpop fans.
Backwards baseball cap
The default for guys (and plenty of girls).
Bandana
As a headband, tied around the neck or on a wrist.
Beanie
The grunge essential.
Everything else
Tiny sunglasses
Narrow ovals and rectangles, often tinted.
Wallet chain
Skaters and punk kids clipped one to their jeans.
Thin belt
Skinny belts with tucked-in tees and high-waisted jeans.
Watch with a cartoon face
Or a chunky, colorful sports watch.
Body glitter
Roll-on or gel, for shoulders and cheeks.
Temporary tattoos
Butterfly, tribal and star designs.
Hair accessories got their own guide: see 90s hair accessories for butterfly clips, claw clips, scrunchies and zigzag headbands.
Accessories by 90s style
| Style | Accessories |
|---|---|
| Grunge | Beanie, chokers, silver rings, wallet chain |
| Hip hop | Bucket hat, gold hoops, chains, bandana |
| Minimalist | Thin belt, tiny sunglasses, small shoulder bag |
| Pop | Butterfly clips, body glitter, platform sandals, mini backpack |
| Preppy | Headband, knee socks, small pearl studs |
| Surf/skate | Puka shells, hemp bracelets, cap |
How to wear 90s accessories now
Choose one statement
A choker or tiny sunglasses, not both.
Upgrade the material
Swap plastic for metal or better fabrics for everyday wear.
Mix with modern basics
A bucket hat with a simple outfit feels current.
DIY 90s accessories
Friendship bracelets
Embroidery thread and a safety pin.
Hair wraps
Thread wrapped around a thin section.
Beaded chokers
Seed beads on elastic.
Customized backpack
Patches, pins and markers.
Cheap, cheerful and everywhere
One of the defining features of 90s accessories was how inexpensive they were. Many cost only a few dollars at mall kiosks, drugstores and accessory chains, which meant teens could follow every trend without spending much. That low price made experimenting easy and helped trends spread quickly.
Accessories as identity
Accessories also signaled which tribe you belonged to. A wallet chain said skater or punk. Puka shells said surfer. Chokers and dark lipstick said grunge or alternative. Butterfly clips and glitter said pop. A bucket hat could say hip hop, rave or Britpop depending on the rest of the outfit. Choosing accessories was part of building your identity.
Friendship and sharing
Some 90s accessories were about relationships. Friendship bracelets were made and traded, best-friend necklaces split a heart between two people, and mood rings were passed around to see who was happy or nervous. These small items carried big emotional value and are often kept for years.
Updating 90s accessories
Many 90s accessories have been reinvented in better materials: metal chokers instead of plastic, silk scrunchies instead of polyester, and sleek claw clips instead of drugstore versions. Choosing quality versions makes it easier to wear them every day.
Related reading: Most of these accessories came from the mall; see the 90s mall stores we miss.
Conclusion
90s accessories were cheap and playful, and that is still their charm. Start with tiny sunglasses or a claw clip, then explore 90s hair accessories and the full 90s fashion trends.
Frequently asked questions
What accessories were popular in the 90s?
Popular 90s accessories included tattoo chokers, mood rings, slap bracelets, tiny sunglasses, bucket hats, mini backpacks, butterfly clips, puka shell necklaces, wallet chains, bandanas, yin-yang jewelry and friendship bracelets.
What is a 90s tattoo choker?
A tattoo choker is a stretchy plastic necklace woven into a lattice pattern that looks like a tattoo around the neck. They were sold everywhere in the 90s for very little money.
What jewelry was popular in the 90s?
Chokers, mood rings, puka shells, silver toe rings, hoop earrings, name necklaces, yin-yang pendants, beaded bracelets and body jewelry like belly button rings.
What 90s accessories are back?
Tiny sunglasses, claw clips, chokers, bucket hats, mini bags, butterfly clips and beaded jewelry are all popular again.
What jewelry was popular in the 90s?
Chokers, mood rings, puka shells, silver rings and toe rings, hoops, name necklaces, yin-yang pendants and friendship bracelets.
What bags were popular in the 90s?
Mini backpacks, small baguette shoulder bags, fanny packs and clear plastic bags.