The Return of 90s Shoes: 7 Retro Trends Defining Autumn/Winter 2025
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The 1990s have made a stylish comeback, and nowhere is it more visible than in footwear. This season, 90s shoes are dominating fashion runways and street style, blending nostalgia with modern flair. From Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic heels to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s timeless minimalism, the revival of retro footwear trends is setting the tone for autumn/winter 2025. Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the Y2K aesthetic has gone viral, transforming nostalgic fashion into a cultural phenomenon.
If you’re ready to refresh your wardrobe, here are seven iconic 90s shoe styles making a huge return this year.
1. Bracelet-Strap Heels : Glamour Reimagined
The elegant bracelet shoe is back, bringing with it the sophistication of dainty ankle straps. Ferragamo’s fall/winter 2025 collection highlights these sleek designs, adding a seductive and timeless edge. Perfect for evening wear, these heels bring back the glamour of red-carpet 90s fashion with a modern twist.
2. Mules: Minimalist Chic Returns
Once a staple of 90s minimalist style, mules are reclaiming their place in today’s fashion scene. Designers like Daniel Roseberry have redefined them with artistic details, making them a must-have this season. Easy to style and endlessly versatile, mules prove that simple design never goes out of trend.
3. Ballerina Flats : From Runway to Street Style
The timeless charm of ballerina flats is shining again. Karl Lagerfeld’s pointed-toe design from 1999 may have added a bold edge, but the classic toe-cap version remains a favourite. Seen across autumn/winter 2025 collections, these flats embody both comfort and chic elegance, making them perfect for everyday wear.
4. Loafers: Preppy Meets Power Dressing
Once a practical choice, loafers have evolved into fashion’s ultimate statement shoes. Thanks to Miu Miu’s preppy influence, loafers are now a trophy piece that blends sophistication with versatility. Pair them with mid-length skirts or tailored trousers for a polished yet trendy look this autumn.
5. Classic Stilettos: The Eternal Favourite
When it comes to 90s shoes, nothing defines the decade better than the stiletto. Sleek, tall, and effortlessly glamorous, these heels dominated fashion in the mid-90s and continue to rule today. Their timeless design ensures they remain a wardrobe essential for women who love elegance and power dressing.
6. Metallic Boots : A Bold Statement Piece
If you’re looking for futuristic flair, metallic boots are the go-to choice. Rabanne’s autumn/winter 2025 runway featured dazzling silver designs that echoed the jet-set vibe of the late 90s. With their reflective finish and calf-length cut, these boots strike the perfect balance between retro and modern.
7. Mary Janes: The Classic Gets a Modern Update
The return of Mary Janes is proof that some styles never fade. This season, designers are reworking the classic with chunky heels, oversized buckles, and bold silhouettes. Whether styled casually or paired with evening wear, Mary Janes add a nostalgic yet contemporary touch to your footwear collection.
Why 90s Shoes Are Trending in 2025
The comeback of 90s shoes isn’t just about nostalgia - it’s about self-expression. Today’s fashion embraces individuality, playfulness, and unapologetic style, all of which defined the 90s era. With Y2K fashion going viral on TikTok and Instagram, these throwback trends have become more than footwear - they’re cultural symbols redefined for a new generation.
If you’re ready to refresh your wardrobe, here are seven iconic 90s shoe styles making a huge return this year.
1. Bracelet-Strap Heels : Glamour Reimagined
The elegant bracelet shoe is back, bringing with it the sophistication of dainty ankle straps. Ferragamo’s fall/winter 2025 collection highlights these sleek designs, adding a seductive and timeless edge. Perfect for evening wear, these heels bring back the glamour of red-carpet 90s fashion with a modern twist.
2. Mules: Minimalist Chic Returns
Once a staple of 90s minimalist style, mules are reclaiming their place in today’s fashion scene. Designers like Daniel Roseberry have redefined them with artistic details, making them a must-have this season. Easy to style and endlessly versatile, mules prove that simple design never goes out of trend.
3. Ballerina Flats : From Runway to Street Style
The timeless charm of ballerina flats is shining again. Karl Lagerfeld’s pointed-toe design from 1999 may have added a bold edge, but the classic toe-cap version remains a favourite. Seen across autumn/winter 2025 collections, these flats embody both comfort and chic elegance, making them perfect for everyday wear.
4. Loafers: Preppy Meets Power Dressing
Once a practical choice, loafers have evolved into fashion’s ultimate statement shoes. Thanks to Miu Miu’s preppy influence, loafers are now a trophy piece that blends sophistication with versatility. Pair them with mid-length skirts or tailored trousers for a polished yet trendy look this autumn.
5. Classic Stilettos: The Eternal Favourite
When it comes to 90s shoes, nothing defines the decade better than the stiletto. Sleek, tall, and effortlessly glamorous, these heels dominated fashion in the mid-90s and continue to rule today. Their timeless design ensures they remain a wardrobe essential for women who love elegance and power dressing.
6. Metallic Boots : A Bold Statement Piece
If you’re looking for futuristic flair, metallic boots are the go-to choice. Rabanne’s autumn/winter 2025 runway featured dazzling silver designs that echoed the jet-set vibe of the late 90s. With their reflective finish and calf-length cut, these boots strike the perfect balance between retro and modern.
7. Mary Janes: The Classic Gets a Modern Update
The return of Mary Janes is proof that some styles never fade. This season, designers are reworking the classic with chunky heels, oversized buckles, and bold silhouettes. Whether styled casually or paired with evening wear, Mary Janes add a nostalgic yet contemporary touch to your footwear collection.
Why 90s Shoes Are Trending in 2025
The comeback of 90s shoes isn’t just about nostalgia - it’s about self-expression. Today’s fashion embraces individuality, playfulness, and unapologetic style, all of which defined the 90s era. With Y2K fashion going viral on TikTok and Instagram, these throwback trends have become more than footwear - they’re cultural symbols redefined for a new generation.
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