These Wild Red-Carpet Outfits From the ’90s Will Leave You Speechless

The ’90s were a weird time for fashion. The decade gave us spaghetti straps, low-rise jeans, and crop tops, and according to celebrities, these trends were also more than okay to wear to fancy events—yes, even the Oscars. Here, 72 wild, unconventional red-carpet outfits from the ’90s that you seriously have to see to believe.

In 1994, Elizabeth Hurley made fashion history in this black Versace gown that was held together by oversized gold safety pins (of course). Hurley was just going to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral as Hugh Grant's guest (they were dating at the time), but she clearly stole the show.

It was not unusual for Juliette Lewis to show up to a red carpet wearing something, well, unique, but this look she sported at the 1994 Golden Globe Awards really is, uh... something. The simple black dress and kitten heels would have been fine, if not a little boring, but this sparkling headdress takes it over the top.

So, Kate showed up to the 1996 Golden Globe Awards in what looks like a shiny blue raincoat and matching blue pants. TBH, looks comfy.

Clearly, the ’99 MTV VMAs were a different time, as evidenced by Xtina’s leopard-print cami with lace trim, matching coat, and platform boots.

At the 1999 Golden Globes Awards after-party, Cameron was like, "listen, I'm going to show you exactly how '90s I can go." That has to be the explanation for this long kimono style dress over black pants (pants?!), grungy hairstyle and makeup, and long pearls.

Somehow, Pam's hat manages to be fuzzy and feathered and bright pink all at once. And those sparkling multicolor pants and the blue eye makeup? Iconic, truly.

Most celebs opt for the "less is more" philosophy when it comes to dressing for the MTV VMAs. Gwynnie opted for the "more is more" train of thought in an oversized red velvet suit with matching shoes. Interesting choice.

While Vivica A. Fox is, no doubt, a goddess, this is... a lot. This shimmering orange top not only says "goddess" splashed across the front, but it even has feathered wrists.

So, we're all in agreement that Melissa Joan Hart decided to hit up the Varsity Blues premiere while she was in the middle of running errands, right? That's the only explanation for this jeans and tank top combo, with a sweatshirt tied around her waist. Girl.

It's the lime green and pink shiny plaid maxi skirt for me. No one can say Mandy Moore at the Billboard Music Awards wasn't colorful.

You know, leather pants and a glittering pink sweater wouldn't have been thaaaat wild. A little casual even! But the lime green feathered scarf? Yeah, we stan.

Let's be clear: a suit on a woman can be incredible. We're just not sure why Julia Roberts chose one that doesn't fit her for one of the fanciest events of the year, the Golden Globes.

Of course Fran Drescher showed up to the Golden Globes in an over-the-top flowered headpiece. She's "the nanny!" What did we all expect?

Australian costume designer Lizzy Gardiner definitely made an impression at the 1995 Academy Awards: her dress was literally made up of expired gold American Express cards. Why? That part is unclear.

Whoopi was way ahead of the neon-green trend that’s been in full force lately, but at the Oscars, she paired the hue with deep purple and teal to make a can’t-miss-it red-carpet ensemble. Like, wow, this is a LOT of color.

Halle showed up to the Emmy Awards in an embellished crop top and maxi skirt, proving that, yes, you can bare your midriff at a fancy event!

Christina had too many ’90s fashion moments to pick just one, folks. So here she is again at the Billboard Music Awards in a Las Vegas fringed crop top, a magenta skirt, and VERY crimped hair.

At the European Music Awards, the girl group (pre–Michelle Williams) coordinated in ombré pink-and-orange two-pieces. Clearly, fringed crop tops and maxi skirts were very much A Thing.

At the Golden Globes, the star wore an off-the-shoulder printed duster over black pants and accessorized with a tasseled choker. I mean, can you even imagine her wearing something like this today?

Meryl (aka Hollywood’s reigning queen) went through a blazer-with-giant-flower-brooch phase this decade because she wore them to a TON of events. Case in point? This sunflower and stripes getup at her footprint ceremony in front of the Chinese Theater.

Another red carpet, another maxi skirt—this time worn by Meg Ryan. She paired her pastel yellow one with a short-sleeve knit for a surprisingly low-key Golden Globes ’fit.

To show her support for her husband Will Smith’s Wild Wild West film, Jada showed up to the premiere decked out in fringed leather pants and a cowboy hat. Literally a *wild* outfit, amirite?!

Tyra showed up to the VH1 Fashion Awards (which I don’t think even exists anymore?) in metallic sandals, a neutral bandeau, and a brown figure-hugging jersey skirt. Fifty Shades of Grey? More like Two Shades of Beige.

At the Guilty by Suspicion movie premiere, Drew kept it extremely casual in a cardigan, ripped jeans, and brown boots. Is it just me, or did everyone in the ’90s underdress for these things?!

Angela straight-up glowed at the People’s Choice Awards in a bright gold jacket. She really committed to the three-piece suit with a polka-dot vest, ruffled dress shirt, and pants.

At the premiere of Contact, Tyra wore a plain T-shirt, light-wash jeans, a backward hat, a tote bag, and, perhaps most important, Adidas slides.

Ever seen a plush Mickey backpack on a red carpet? Yeah, neither have I until I was blessed with this photo of Drew. She was all smiles with her Disney pal by her side and wore a jacket with white contrast stitching, round tinted sunglasses, and a choker.

At the Eyes Wide Shut premiere, Salma went with a button-down tied into a crop top, a crochet beanie, and a high-waisted leather skirt with lace-up details.

Yes, Carrie Bradshaw wears some truly OTT looks in Sex and the City, but none rival this one that SJP wore in ’95. The metallic bra? The beaded jacket? The satin pumps? There is so much happening here that I am truly overwhelmed.

Okay, I know Cameron has a scarf buttoned into her coat and a fedora, but can we talk about her blue eyeshadow for a sec? If that isn’t the most ’90s thing you’ve ever seen, IDK what is.

At the MTV Movie Awards, Courteney wore a cropped floral top, high-waisted jeans, and extra-strappy white sandals.

Penelope wore a poncho (but a fancy silk one at that) to the premiere of Cookie’s Fortune with dark-wash jeans, heels, and a red lip. Is it weird that I kind of want to wear one now?

At the MTV Movie Awards, Halle opted to wear a bra top with extra-long fringe, bootcut jeans, and a giant flower choker.

We'll cut Jada some slack since she was pregnant at the Woo premiere, but still: this see-through white button down is just so '90s. You can't not comment on it!

Rachel and Monica, um, I mean, Jennifer and Courteney matched in black ensembles at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. But can you even handle Jen’s chic bandanna top and full-length skirt combo?

Uma really made the case for a pink-and-red color combo with this dress, but the jacket tied around her waist is what makes this ensemble so ’90s.

At the premiere of Alien: Resurrection, Sigourney donned this completely sheer white gown and wore black undergarments for ~sexy~ contrast. Also, her bag is made of white feathers, so there’s that.

For reasons completely unbeknownst to me, brown was a popular color in this time period, so here’s Jennifer at the Emmy Awards wearing the hue and a coordinating sequined top.

The singer wore a super-slinky two-piece set with a sky-high slit on the skirt to the ’97 MTV VMAs.

At the Light It Up film premiere, Rosario wore a metallic suit with a burgundy top, which happened to match her lipstick color perfectly.

Celine is arguably the ultimate fashion risk-taker (remember when she wore a blazer backward?!), and this completely see-through halter dress is just further evidence. It looks even better with her Grammy Award!

The iconic girl group TLC turned up at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards in coordinating neon ’fits that spelled out their band name. My question is: Did they have to walk around in that same order all night?

Have you ever thought to pair tiger-stripe tights with a one-shoulder metallic dress? Well, that’s what Chloë did at a New York City movie premiere, here.

At one glance, you might think Kate was on her way to the nearest Renaissance fair, but no, she was at the Academy Awards wearing this emerald-and-gold number. (This was also the year your fave movie Titanic took home the Oscar for Best Picture!)

Cher rolled up to the Oscars in this see-through cold-shoulder embellished gown that also had a matching choker and headpiece. It even had a train for an extra ~dramatic~ effect.

The actress wore an extremely ruffled gown with a high-low hemline complete with sheer tights, opera-length gloves, and pearls to the Academy Awards.

The Casper actress wore flaming leggings that Guy Fieri would totally approve of to a Los Angeles movie premiere and accessorized with gold wedges.

Missy showed up the Grammys in a white suit and hat with So. Many. Feathers. Everywhere.

Natalie and her one gelled curl attended a movie premiere in a graphic dress and beaded purse, which is actually SO on trend even today.

The Charlie’s Angels actress bundled up on the red carpet in a red suede coat over a simple black tee and pants.

The Scottish singer wore a Minnie Mouse–inspired outfit with a black-and-white latex dress, over-the-knee boots, and mouse ears to the Grammy Awards.

At the Batman Forever premiere in Los Angeles, Brandy also opted for a black-and-white ensemble consisting of a cardigan, a crop top, and knee-high lace-up boots.

At the VH1 Fashion Awards, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress wore this edgy leather dress with cold-shoulder cutouts and a deep V-neck.

At the MTV Europe Music Awards, Missy wore this incredible jersey with matching sweatpants, a white T-shirt, and, of course, some statement gold jewelry.

The pop star wore these reflective pants and a pink tank to the Teen Choice Awards in ’99. Who needs a disco ball when you’re wearing an outfit like this?

At the New York city premiere of Shakespeare in Love, Gwyneth wore this very revealing beaded column on the red carpet. But hey, she looks pretty dang amazing in it.

Here’s another OTT Brit getup for ya, but this time in the form of a sheer, dotted top left unbuttoned with lots and lots of feathers.

The Clueless star wore an all-white ensemble with a hat Carmen Sandiego would totally wear to the premiere of Batman and Robin. Okay, so it’s not an Alaïa, but it’s definitely eye-catching.

At the premiere of Drop Dead Gorgeous, Kirsten wore a matching top and skirt set with delicate straps—that also happened to show off this inexplicable massive dragonfly on her back?

And now for the Big Little Lies segment of throwback ’90s fashion, here is Nicole wearing a jersey headband to the premiere of To Die For. And also, Tom Cruise is casually wearing a slime-green-colored button-down.

At the Third Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, Laura wore a velvet metallic suit with a choker. Renata would never!

At the premiere of Cruel Intentions, Reese opted for a white shirt with ribbon detailing paired with a magenta skirt for a look that seems right out of a Jane Austen novel.

Surprise! Another crop top! This time in slinky chainmail, as seen here on J.Lo at the VMAs. Also noteworthy? Those hair barrettes, which, in case you haven’t heard, are totally making a comeback.

Mary J. Blige went ALL out with the leopard print at the Grammys and even picked up an award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Her hood and oversize shades definitely complete the ’fit.

It wouldn’t be a ’90s gallery without the Spice Girls, and they definitely embraced their personas at every event—including here at the Lloyds Bank British Fashion Awards in London.

No one can say X-tina didn't keep things interesting in the '90s. At the ALMA Awards, she showed up in this lacy crop top and maxi skirt combo, and you know what? It's one of her more tame looks.

Remember when Shania Twain went to the Grammys and wore an entirely sheer black dress over a black bra and shorts set with a black leather blazer? Yeah, we forgot about that too.

Carmen Electra's black dress had a side surprise: metal straps that barely held the fabric together. We can't even lie, this is perfectly '90s, but also... perfect?!

Lil Kim never disappointed. Never! Especially at the MTV VMAs in 1997, when she wore a very small gold jeweled bikini with a matching skirt (iconic) and headdress.

There is, quite possibly, nothing more amusing than looking back at the outrageous coordinated outfits Destiny's Child wore to award shows. We love that dedication.