Notting Hill: The Ultimate '90s Minimalism Representation
Can the most famous film star in the world fall for just an ordinary guy? Roger Michell's ‘‘Notting Hill’’ got the answer. The renowned romantic production that stars Julia Roberts — dubbed rightly so as the queen of rom coms — and actor Hugh Grant, tells the story of Anna Scott, a famous actress, who falls in love with William Thacker, the owner of a bookshop in Notting Hill. As their relationship evolves, so does the press' pressure on the anonymous man. Besides being a must-watch '90s romcom, the film also ascends as a true fashion classic of the decade.
Picture it: the year was 1999 and minimalism was in fashion. The it girls of the moment, frequently regarded as fashion icons, included actresses such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Winona Ryder, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lucy Liu, Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts herself, all of whom had an elegant and smart flair that shaped the sartorial scene of the ‘90s.
With this casual chic demeanor dictating what was fashionable on the streets, Oscar-nominated costume designer Shuna Harwood sought to convey authenticity and relevance, translating the sober, sleek and clean aesthetic to the big screen.
Here's the first impression one gets of Anna: a black leather blazer, a white shirt — soon to be smeared with juice —, straight leg denim pants, a pair of Vans, tiny sunglasses, and a black Chanel beret. A refinement so subtle that it's not even obvious. But noticed it is — it's no wonder that the bookseller can't take his eyes off her while she explores the books on the shelves. Still captured for her while trying to reconcile his work with his special guest, Will is donning a slightly unbuttoned bluish social shirt, tailored black pants, and black leather shoes that maintain the sleek memo.
This minimal and casual tone persists through the entire production — see Will’s tailored shirts and pants in neutral shades or Anna embracing a loose suit, a satin floral blouse, a white printed t-shirt, strappy mules, a denim knee-high skirt with a baby blue cardigan, a slip dress, a baby pink floral dress, and everything one might name '90s core.
Despite the causality of Notting Hill’s wardrobe, the film's success reflects the times’ effortless chic and timeless look, being credited somehow as the ultimate epitome of elegance. As we see TikTok trends just as posh entering the sartorial scene — from Office Siren to Model off Duty —, it's safe to say that '90s fashion is here to stay. Ahead, check 10 nineties fashion staples seen in Michell's production that are here to stay.
Slip Dresses
As seen on the likes of model and beauty mogul Bella Hadid and singer Olivia Rodrigo, there's nothing quite as chic as a slip dress.
White Blouses
An Office Siren must.
Strappy Sandals
A favorite of icons such as Carrie Bradshaw, strappy sandals are definitely an It shoe.
Suits
From actress Ayo Edebiri at the 2024 Golden Globes to Elle Fanning at the 2024 Tony Awards, the effortless cool factor emulated by women in suits should be studied.
Tailored Pants
Chic and smart, tailored pants add a sleek and bossy flair to any outfit.
Berets
A bit of a cliché when seen in Paris, berets can actually be fashionable in the right circumstances — check out model Elsa Hosk for some inspiration.
Tiny Sunglasses
Seen on the likes of actress Anya Taylor Joy at Dior Spring/Summer 2024 and model Kendall Jenner when spotted by paparazzi, tiny sunglasses add a cool, laid-back vibe to your look.
Floral Dresses
Perhaps the most edgy of all, floral dresses are both dainty and witty. Seen on actresses such as Philippine Leroy Beaulieu at Luca Guadagnino's ‘‘Queer’’ premiere at the 2024 Venice Film Festival and Greta Lee at the 2024 Academy Museum Gala, floral dresses bring a whimsical vibe while maintaining an elegant flair.
Printed Tees
Seen on actress Zendaya's ‘‘I Told Ya’’ Loewe shirt, singer Charli XCX's ‘‘linked with addison on melrose’’ tee and designer Stella McCartney's ‘‘It's about fucking time’’ creations, printed shirts are once again taking runways and celebrity looks by storm.
Cardigan
From the baby blue cardigan worn by model Kaia Gerber when she was out and about in Los Angeles in 2024 to Gigi Hadid's label Guest in Residence, classic cardigans echo all the posh ones worn by models such as Kate Moss and Cindy Crawford back in the sleek '90s.
