ICONIC 90s theme party ideas

The 90s was an awesome era of grunge, girl bands and boy bands, iconic TV shows and brilliant retro nostalgia! This post is full of ideas for party decorations, costumes, drinks, iconic music and ultimate 90s style ideas to help you plan your 90s theme party. 

It can be really fun to design and customise all party decor, music, costume and everything else given how many 90s theme styles there are. For a 90s party invitation, you can think about the ultimate fads, and TV characters, such as a Tamagotchi invitation, a blockbuster ticker, a Pokemon card or an epic 90s style bucket hat!

90s Party Costume Theme Ideas

The great thing about a 90s birthday party is the huge amount of ultra-iconic looks and styles. For your party dress code, you might like a classic 90s fashion trend or an iconic 90s movie or TV show theme look. Another great idea for decade-themed parties is to dress as a fad from the era. We have heaps of ideas for each of these below! 

A ‘#90’sSTYLE’ Theme

Here are some suggestions for awesome 90s style theme party outfits:

Classic 90’s looks

• Baggy overalls over a graphic tee, or baggy denim jeans.
• Plaid mini skirt with a cropped sweater and platform sneakers.
• High-waisted mom jeans with a tucked-in band tee and a denim jacket.
• Velvet slip dress layered over a white t-shirt.
• Grunge-inspired flannel shirt paired with ripped jeans and combat boots.
• Neon windbreaker paired with bicycle shorts and chunky sneakers.
• Tracksuit with a crop top and chunky sneakers.
• Tie-dye shirt with acid wash jeans and Doc Martens.
• Faux leather jacket with a bodycon dress and choker necklace.
• Denim mini skirt with a halter top and platform sandals.
• Pink sequin mini skirt with chunky platform sneakers.

Classic 90s styles

• Grunge Rocker: Flannel shirt tied around the waist, band t-shirt, ripped jeans, combat boots. Hairstyle: Messy bedhead with loose waves or a messy bun. Accessories: Choker necklace, leather cuffs, beanie hat.
• Hip Hop Dancer: Oversized graphic tee, baggy jeans, high-top sneakers. Hairstyle: Cornrows, box braids, or a high ponytail with a scrunchie. Accessories: Gold chain necklace, hoop earrings, baseball cap worn backwards.
• Rave Kid: Neon-colored crop top, baggy pants with suspenders, platform sneakers. Hairstyle: Brightly colored hair extensions, crimped hair, or space buns. Accessories: Glow sticks, face jewels, chunky plastic bracelets.
• Preppy School Kid: Polo shirt layered over a sweater vest, pleated skirt or khaki pants, loafers. Hairstyle: Side-parted hair with a headband, or a sleek ponytail. Accessories: Backpack with patches, hair clips or bows, glasses with thick frames.
• Fresh Prince/West Coast: Brightly colored tracksuit or oversized patterned shirt, baggy jeans, sneakers. Hairstyle: Flat top haircut, high-top fade, or cornrows. Accessories: Snapback hat, gold chains, sunglasses with colored lenses.
• Spice Girl: Mini dress or crop top with platform shoes, leopard print, metallics. Hairstyle: Pigtails with colorful scrunchies, zig-zag partings, or crimped hair. Accessories: Chokers, platform sneakers or boots, body glitter.
• Skater: Graphic tee, baggy jeans or shorts, skate shoes. Hairstyle: Long hair with a beanie, or a messy skater haircut. Accessories: Skateboard, wristbands, trucker hat.
• Techno Raver: Cyber-inspired clothing, metallics, futuristic patterns. Hairstyle: Neon-colored hair dye, shaved designs, or a pixie cut. Accessories: LED jewelry, visor sunglasses, fishnet gloves.
• Valley Girl: Crop top, mini skirt, leggings, jelly sandals. Hairstyle: Big, voluminous curls or a sleek high ponytail with a scrunchie. Accessories: Oversized sunglasses, charm bracelets, mini backpack.
• Boy Band Heartthrob: All-white ensemble, matching suit or tracksuit, sneakers. Hairstyle: Frosted tips, gelled hair, or a bowl cut. Accessories: Silver chain necklace, wristbands, aviator sunglasses.

A ’90s Movie Classics’ Theme

• Forrest Gump: White button-down shirt, khaki pants, red baseball cap, and running shoes.
• Edward Scissorhands: Black leather pants, white button-down shirt, black leather belt with buckles, and scissor gloves.
• Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction: White button-up shirt, black cropped pants, black bob wig, and red lipstick.
• The T-800 (Terminator) Judgment Day Costume: Black leather jacket, black pants, combat boots, sunglasses, and toy shotgun.
• Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family: Black dress with a white collar, black tights, black shoes, and two braids.
• Neo from The Matrix: Long black trench coat, black sunglasses, black pants, black boots, and black shirt.
• Jack from Titanic: White shirt, suspenders, black pants, and a drawn-on pencil mustache.
• Jurassic Park: A dinosaur onesie!
• Scream: White sweater with blood stains, black pants, black boots, and a Ghostface mask.
• Aladdin: White vest, purple pants, red fez hat, and a toy magic lamp.
• The Mask Movie: Yellow zoot suit with a green mask, fedora hat, and oversized yellow gloves.
• Train Spotting: grungy, edgy attire with plaid shirts, ripped jeans, combat boots, and a rebellious attitude.

A 90s TV show theme:

• Friends: Dress as one of the iconic looks such as Rachel Green in her classic 90s fashion with a plaid skirt and white shirt! This costume is best as a group costume for 6 people as each of the characters! 
• Seinfeld: Dress as Jerry Seinfeld with a puffy shirt and jeans, or as Elaine Benes with a floral dress and big hair. You could also dress as George Costanza in a tucked-in shirt and glasses, or as Kramer with wild hair and a colorful shirt.
• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Dress as Will Smith’s character in colorful 90s tracksuits and high-top sneakers, or as Carlton Banks in a preppy sweater vest and khaki pants. You could also go as Uncle Phil in a suit and tie, or as Aunt Vivian in a stylish 90s dress.
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Dress in Buffy’s signature leather jacket, tank top, and jeans.
• The X-Files: Dress as FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in suits and badges, or as a group of aliens in gray suits and sunglasses. You could also go as the Smoking Man in a trench coat and cigarette, or as a monster-of-the-week creature in elaborate makeup and prosthetics.
• The Simpsons: Dress as Homer Simpson in a white shirt and blue pants, or as Marge Simpson in a tall blue wig and green dress. You could also go as Bart Simpson in a red shirt and blue shorts, or as Lisa Simpson in a red dress and pearls.
• Beverly Hills, 90210: Dress as Brenda Walsh in a 90s dress and denim jacket, or as Dylan McKay in a leather jacket and jeans. You could also go as Kelly Taylor in a crop top and high-waisted jeans, or as Steve Sanders in a letterman jacket and jeans.
• Sex and the City: Dress as Carrie Bradshaw in a chic outfit with a tulle skirt and heels, or as one of te other fabulous 4 in a group costume: Samantha Jones in a sexy dress and heels; Charlotte York in a preppy outfit with pearls; or Miranda Hobbes in a professional pantsuit.

A ’90s FADS’ theme

Fads could make some of the best 90s outfit ideas, and are super fun to re-create:

1. Tamagotchi Party: Dress as your favorite Tamagotchi character with colorful clothes and accessories.
2. Beanie Baby Bash: Wear an animal onesie or with the iconic cut-out nametag of your favourite Beanie Baby plush toy.
3. Slap Bracelets: Dress in 90s attire with bright colors and accessorize with slap bracelets.
4. Nickelodeon Nostalgia: Dress up as characters from classic Nickelodeon shows like Rugrats or SpongeBob SquarePants.
5. Grunge Gathering:Costume: Wear flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots for a grunge look.
6. 90s Game Night:Costume: Dress as characters from classic 90s board games or wear 90s-themed attire.
7. Pokemon Party:Costume: Dress up as your favorite Pokemon character or Pokemon trainer.
8. 90s Dance Party:Costume: Wear colorful, neon clothing and accessorize with glow sticks and bracelets.

90s Party theme drink ideas

Another great way to theme a party is to serve popular drink options from the decade. We have created this fun list of iconic drinks from 90s movies:

• Gin and Tonic from “Trainspotting” (1996): In this gritty drama set in Edinburgh, the characters frequently drink Gin and Tonics while grappling with addiction and other challenges.
• Cosmopolitan from “Sex and the City” (2008, but the series began in the late 90s): While “Sex and the City” is more associated with the TV series that started in the late 90s, the characters often enjoy Cosmopolitans, popularizing the drink during that era.
• White Russian from “The Big Lebowski” (1998): The character Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, played by Jeff Bridges, famously enjoys White Russians throughout the film.
• Martini from “GoldenEye” (1995): James Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan, famously orders a Martini, shaken not stirred, in this classic Bond film.
• Mojito from “Swingers” (1996): In this cult classic about young singles navigating the LA dating scene, the characters enjoy Mojitos during a night out.
• Singapore Sling from “Fear” (1996): In this psychological thriller, the character David, played by Mark Wahlberg, orders a Singapore Sling while out at a bar.
• Bellini from “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1999): In this romantic heist film, the characters enjoy Bellinis during an elegant dinner scene.
• Blue Hawaiian from “Swingers” (1996): Another cocktail enjoyed by the characters in “Swingers,” the Blue Hawaiian adds to the film’s retro vibe.
• Saketini from “Lost in Translation” (2003, but set in the late 90s): While the film is set in the early 2000s, it captures the atmosphere of the late 90s in Tokyo. The characters enjoy Saketinis during a night out.
• Gin and Tonic from “Trainspotting” (1996): In this gritty drama set in Edinburgh, the characters frequently drink Gin and Tonics while grappling with addiction and other challenges.

Ultimate 90’s party music

From the music of 90s kids to the tunes that were played in nightclubs, the 90s has a brilliant mix of iconic artists that will take the imaginations of the guests back to that era.

1. Britney Spears: Britney Spears was one of the biggest pop stars of the 90s known for hits like “…Baby One More Time” and “Oops!… I Did It Again,” 
2. Nirvana: With their groundbreaking album “Nevermind,” Nirvana spearheaded the grunge movement of the early 90s with hits like “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
3. Backstreet Boys: This boy band dominated the late 90s with catchy pop hits like “I Want It That Way” and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”
4. Spice Girls: With their infectious pop anthems like “Wannabe” and “Spice Up Your Life,” the Spice Girls became global superstars in the late 90s.
5. TLC: Known for their empowering R&B hits like “Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs,” TLC was one of the most successful girl groups of the 90s.
6. Beastie Boys: Combining hip-hop and punk rock influences, the Beastie Boys had hits like “Sabotage” and “Intergalactic” that became anthems of the 90s.
7. Madonna: A pop icon since the 80s, Madonna continued her reign in the 90s with hits like “Vogue” and “Frozen.”
8. Dr. Dre: A pioneer of West Coast hip-hop, Dr. Dre released his seminal album “The Chronic” in 1992, featuring hits like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.”
9. Mariah Carey: With her powerful vocals and chart-topping ballads like “Hero” and “Fantasy,” Mariah Carey dominated the pop charts throughout the 90s.
10. Daft Punk: This French electronic music duo rose to fame in the late 90s with their hit singles “Around the World” and “Da Funk,” pioneering the French house music genre.

90s music club styles:

1. House Music: Originating in Chicago during the 1980s, house music became a global phenomenon in the 1990s. It is characterized by its repetitive 4/4 beat, synthesized basslines, and soulful vocals. Subgenres of house music include deep house, acid house, and progressive house. House music was particularly popular in mainstream clubs and underground dance scenes alike.
2. Techno: Emerging from Detroit in the 1980s, techno music gained widespread popularity in the 1990s. It is characterized by its futuristic soundscapes, repetitive rhythms, and minimalist approach to production. Techno often features synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments to create its signature sound. It was a staple of underground rave culture and club scenes around the world.
3. Trance: Trance music emerged in the early 1990s, primarily in Germany and the Netherlands. It is characterized by its melodic hooks, pulsating basslines, and repetitive beats. Trance often features ethereal synthesizer melodies and uplifting chord progressions, creating a hypnotic and euphoric atmosphere on the dance floor. Trance music became increasingly popular in rave culture and mainstream clubs throughout the decade.

Epic 90s Dancefloor decor

Nothing cements a theme like the birthday decorations on the dancefloor! This is a perfect way to add colour and iconic styles to the space, and getting the dancers immersed in this 90s chasm!

• Neon Lights: Fill the dance floor with neon lights, including neon signs, neon tubes, and neon-colored LED strips. Use colors like hot pink, electric blue, neon green, and vibrant yellow to create an eye-catching atmosphere.
• Glow Sticks and Glow Accessories: Hand out glow sticks, glow bracelets, and glow necklaces to guests as they enter the dance floor. These glowing accessories will add to the party atmosphere and create a fun visual effect in the dark.
• Retro Posters and Flyers: Decorate the walls with retro posters and flyers from iconic 90s clubs, raves, and dance parties. Look for posters featuring classic club nights, DJ performances, and rave events from the 90s to add authenticity to the decor.
• Backlit Dance Floor: Create a backlit dance floor with colorful LED panels or light-up dance tiles. Program the lights to pulse, flash, and change colors in sync with the music to enhance the party atmosphere.
• UV Blacklights: Install UV blacklights around the dance floor to make neon colors and fluorescent decorations pop. Use UV-reactive paint, tape, and decorations to create glowing patterns and designs on the walls and floor.
• Mirror Balls and Disco Balls: Hang mirror balls and disco balls from the ceiling to add sparkle and shine to the dance floor. The reflective surfaces will catch the light and create a dazzling effect as guests dance the night away.
• Video Projection Mapping: Use video projection mapping to create dynamic visual effects on the walls and floor of the dance floor. Project retro visuals, psychedelic patterns, and 90s music videos to immerse guests in a multimedia experience.

• Graffiti Art: Use graffiti-style murals or backdrops featuring colorful graffiti art as a nod to the urban street culture of the 90s. You can also provide graffiti markers or spray paint cans for guests to create their own graffiti art on designated walls or canvases.
• Pop Culture Collage: Cover the walls with a collage of iconic 90s pop culture imagery, including movie posters, album covers, cartoon characters, and celebrity portraits. Use colorful tape or adhesive putty to stick the images directly onto the walls for a DIY collage effect.
• DIY Street Signs: Create DIY street signs featuring names of iconic 90s locations, such as “Beverly Hills,” “Seattle Grunge Street,” “NYC Underground,” or “Bay Area Rave Avenue.” Hang them above the dance floor to evoke the vibe of different 90s cultural hubs.

• Fiber Optic Lamps: Place fiber optic lamps or “plasma balls” around the dance floor to add a retro-futuristic vibe. These mesmerizing light fixtures were popular in the 90s and create a captivating visual effect as they change colors and patterns.
• CD Wall Art: Create wall art using CDs as decorative elements. Arrange CDs in geometric patterns or glue them onto a canvas to create a shimmering mosaic effect. Hang the CD artwork around the dance floor for a unique and visually appealing decor feature.
• Video Game Corner: Set up a retro video game corner with classic 90s consoles like Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation. Provide a selection of popular 90s games for guests to play, such as Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, and Mortal Kombat.
• Giant Jenga: Set up a giant Jenga game on the dance floor for guests to play between dancing. Paint the Jenga blocks in bright neon colors or decorate them with 90s-themed stickers for an extra dose of nostalgia.

90s Party Photobooth Ideas

Photo booths make a fun activity for any party, and for a 90s-themed party, where the styles and aesthetics are so iconic, a really fun idea is to have little photo booth nooks around the room. Here are some wild ideas for ultimate 90s theme style looks:

• Central Perk Cafe from “Friends”: Recreate the cozy atmosphere of Central Perk with a photo booth setup featuring a backdrop of the cafe’s iconic orange couch, brick wall, and a chalkboard menu. Provide photo props like oversized coffee mugs, faux lattes, and newspapers for guests to pose with. You can also include cutouts of the “Friends” characters or famous quotes from the show.
• Tamagotchi Background: Create a nostalgic Tamagotchi-themed photo booth with a backdrop featuring pixelated graphics of the virtual pet game. Use colourful backgrounds with pixel art characters. Provide props like Tamagotchi keychains, virtual pet toys, and handheld game consoles for guests to pose with. You can also include speech bubbles with phrases like “Feed Me,” “Play With Me,” and “Clean Up My Poop” for a cute touch.
• Blockbuster Video Store: Transport guests back to the 90s with a Blockbuster Video-themed photo booth featuring a backdrop resembling the interior of a video rental store. Provide props like oversized popcorn buckets, movie theatre tickets, and 90s movie character costumes for guests to wear. You can also include a fake Blockbuster membership card station for guests to pose with.
• 90s Bedroom: Create a nostalgic 90s bedroom-themed photo booth with a backdrop featuring retro wallpaper, posters of 90s bands and celebrities, and a cluttered dresser filled with vintage toys and gadgets. You can also include a bunk bed or canopy bed frame as part of the backdrop for guests to lounge on while taking photos.
• Nickelodeon Studio: Recreate the colourful and playful atmosphere of Nickelodeon Studios with a photo booth setup featuring a slime-themed backdrop, splatter paint decorations, and oversized foam props of iconic Nicktoons characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Rugrats, and Ren & Stimpy. Provide props like green slime buckets, goggles, and Nickelodeon blimps for guests to pose with. You can also include a “Double Dare” obstacle course or slime tank as part of the photo booth experience for added excitement.
• 90s Supermarket Aisle: Create a nostalgic supermarket aisle-themed photo booth with a backdrop featuring shelves stocked with iconic 90s snacks and beverages like Dunkaroos, Gushers, Capri Sun, and Surge soda. Use retro packaging and signage.

Good luck!

We hope you’ve enjoyed these 90s party ideas and have got great inspiration from the looks and style of the decade. From invitation to thank you cards, this is the perfect opportunity to infuse style at every stage. 

These party ideas should complement wildly good times and ultimate birthday fun. Have a great night!

BW, Zoe x