The 90s might be considered vintage, but the aesthetic is everywhere right now. Teens are embracing the fashion, throwback hits are trending on TikTok, and iconic snacks are making a comeback. Since the 90s aesthetic is so popular right now, it makes for a really fun party theme!
Planning a 90s party means embracing the bold style, pop music, and carefree vibes of the decade. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having a sleepover, or just wanting a fun party with friends, we’ve put together the best tips and details to make your 90s themed party a success.
What is a 90s Theme Party?
A 90s theme party recreates the fun atmosphere from the 1990s by using decorations, outfits, and music from that decade. It is a time to get creative, dress the part, and enjoy the throwback vibes. Teens these days weren’t around in the 90s, while their parents were, so it could be fun for them to plan together.
90s Party Outfit Ideas
One of the reasons 90s fashion is so fun is that it was bold and funky, and they had it all, from neon colors to grunge and everything in between. Bright colors, geometric shapes, zigzags, and animal prints were all popular, so nothing was off limits. This means you can expect some surprises, with guests showing up in a variety of outfits from grungy flannel to neon jumpsuits.
90s outfit ideas for girls
These iconic 90s fashion trends for girls are making a major comeback. Here are some clothing girls can wear to a 90s party:
- Crop tops
- High-waisted jeans
- Platform sneakers
- Chunky boots
90s outfit ideas for boys
Boys can wear these 90s fashion trends to the themed party:
- Cargo pants
- Oversized graphic tee
- Jeans with a tucked-in plain t-shirt and a belt
90s themes for everyone
Here are some 90s party ideas that are non-gender specific:
- Wind breakers
- Track suits
- Converse shoes
- A flannel tied around the waist
- Baggy jeans
90s accessories
Accessories are the only thing that can make your 90s outfit better. Here are some 90s accessories you can wear:
- Chokers
- Mood rings
- Slap bracelets
- Mini backpacks
- Fanny packs
- Backward hat
Hair and Makeup for a 90s Party
An outfit isn’t complete without 90s theme hair and makeup. Butterfly clips and scrunchies paired with bubble braids, space buns, high ponytails, or a half-up, half-down look are perfect ideas. For makeup, frosted lip gloss (with a silvery sheen instead of being clear) and pastel eyeshadow are the way to go. Girls also often wore lip gloss with lip liner.
Boys’ hair in the 90s was often parted down the middle and floppy. They also had bowl cuts, spiky hair, buzz cuts, or flat tops. Frosted tips became popular toward the end of the 90s. Backwards hats were also a go-to, making an easy way to cover hair that doesn’t fit with the 90s theme.
90s Party Decorations
Decorations are essential for setting the scene at a themed party. For a 1990s theme, decorations should include neon colors, smiley faces, and maybe some glow sticks.
CDs and cassette tapes strung as a banner, along with posters of 90s celebrities, bands, or movie covers, is also perfect. You can create your own CD decorations by buying cheap blank CDs, or visit a local thrift store to pick some up. Yin Yang signs, peace symbols, brightly colored geometric shapes, and zig zags help add to the 90s vibe. Inflatable chairs also enhance the aesthetic and provide extra seating, while a black light can set the party over the top.
90s Party Music Playlist
There is so much 90s music to choose from, and playing “Now! That’s What I Call Music” volumes from the 90s is one easy way to cover it all. To make it even easier, you could choose a pre-made 90s playlist on Spotify or YouTube.
If you want to create your own playlist, here are some playlist must-haves for a 90s-themed party:
- “Tearin’ Up My Heart” – *NSYNC
- “…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears
- “Wannabe” – Spice Girls
- “Jump” – Kris Kross
- “Macarena” – Los Del Rio
- “No Scrubs” – TLC
- “Genie in a Bottle” – Christina Aguilera
- “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana
- “This is How We Do It” – Montell Jordan
- “Mambo No. 5” – Lu Bega
90s Themed Food and Drinks
The food and drinks at a 90s party should be nostalgic and iconic. While snacks will be fine for a party that’s a couple of hours long, you’ll need to plan a 90s theme dinner if it’s a sleepover.
90s party food
To start with, consider party snacks like:
- Lunchables (make them at home for a healthier meal option)
- Pizza rolls
- Bagel bites
- Pringles
- Doritos
90s sweet treats
Later, you can pull out the sweet stuff:
- Dunkaroos
- Gushers
- Pop Rocks
- Warheads
- Fruit by the foot
- Ring Pops or push pops
Drinks for a 90s theme party
You’ll also need some drinks or mocktails to complete the 90s feel. Here are some of the most iconic drinks of the 90s:
- Yoo-hoo chocolate drink
- Sunny D
- Capri Sun
- Hi-C juice boxes
90s Themed Games and Activities
Plan some popular games and activities from the 90s to fully complete the experience for your party guests. Aside from dancing to the 90s music playlist, or watching movies from the 1990s, there’s plenty to do.
90s party games
- Classic board games like Twister, Dream Phone, or Girl Talk
- Yo-yo contest
- Nintendo 64
- Hacky sack
90s party activities
- 90s trivia
- MASH, a paper game that predicts the future
- Use 90s slang (make a poster for reference and inspiration)
- Get out the 90s magazines
- Make friendship bracelets or paper fortune tellers
- 90s karaoke
- Set up a photo booth for the best 90s party photos
- Watch classic 90s movies
Party Favors for a 90s Theme Party
Goodie bags are essential for a 90s party, and it can be fun to choose the perfect mix of items.
Some of the best favors to include are:
- Slap bracelets
- Lisa Frank stickers
- Yo-yos
- Glow-in-the-dark jewelry
- Butterfly clips
- Lip gloss
- Hubba Bubba bubble gum