The ’90s are one of the biggest fashion decades in fall fashion this year. Growing up in the ’90s, it is so nostalgic for me to see the trends. Some, I wish never made a comeback. Dad sneakers? Cringe! But minimalist midi dresses? I’m all for that trend.

Whenever I see a simple midi dresses, I’m reminded of two people I loved in the ’90s: 1) Kate Moss and 2) Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character, Kathryn, in Cruel Intentions. I know most people favored Reese Witherspoon in that movie but I was always drawn to Kathryn’s fashion. I can’t believe it’s the movie’s 20-year anniversary! When I put on this plaid midi dress the first day of New York Fashion Week, I instantly felt like Sarah Michelle Gellar in one of my favorite movies as a teenager.

NY was still having a heatwave the day I wore this plaid midi dress. So I welcomed the sleeveless style. It got a little cooler at night, so I threw on a leather jacket for dinner at Scarpetta (I’m obsessed with their spaghetti!). But if it’s already cool where you live, you can get similar ’90s vibes in slim plaid midi dresses with sleeves. Here are a few I’m liking….

Shop Plaid Midi Dresses

There was something about the halter neckline, simple silhouette and subtle sparkle (zoom in to see the sequins) that I felt Kathryn would wear in the movie. To further emulate the ’90s classic, I threw on strappy square toe sandals and kept my hair super sleek. I’ve been playing around with new red lipsticks and found a new one I love. This is NARS “Jungle Red” and it’s a great day-to-night red because it’s a bit brighter with an orange tone. When the full look came together, I smiled. I think Kathryn would have been proud.

day to night

I actually ended up wearing this plaid dress from morning to night my first day. I forgot to bring more casual clothes to wear to meetings and showrooms. So I simply dressed down the dress with my fave white sneakers (now on sale!).

At first I felt a little odd wearing sequins during the day. But the sneakers gave me that cool girl NYC feel. My friend, who saw me both times of the day, even said she liked the more casual look better!

Photos by Falcon Griffith