I don’t want to age myself, but I grew up in the 90s. I was in first grade in 1991, and frankly, it was a TIME to be alive.
Lately, I find myself dreaming about those days. Remember? We didn’t have cell phones; we weren’t available 24/7; we actually spent time together…
Fall in the 90s was a specific kind of special. I grew up in Indiana, so that meant walks home from the bus stop with leaves on the sidewalk. I remember carving pumpkins as a family, setting out luminaries along our driveway, and planning the perfect Halloween costume.
One year in particular, I got invited to a slumber party near Halloween, and we stayed up late telling ghost stories. When we all went to the basement with our sleeping bags, we were too scared to sleep! Every noise we heard sent us screaming.
“Relax,” our host said. “We have a security system.”
In the 90s, break-ins and abductions were oddly common, but it wasn’t as common for people to have security systems. In the morning, our host confessed she’d lied to us about the alarm just so we’d go to sleep. Ha!
Although I’m much older now and don’t have slumber parties, I’m trying to find ways to bring back that magical feeling of the 90s this season.
And here’s my plan:
Bust out your favorite 90s fall fashion staples
Maybe it’s flannel shirts, frayed hoodies, or a wristful of scrunchies; either way, it’s time to wear them again. I mean, did we ever stop wearing flannels?
If your closet is missing decades-old fashion, hit up your local thrift shop for affordable (and eco-friendly) goodies.
Me personally? I’m bringing back the chunky, lace-up boots! I gifted myself a second-hand pair of Doc Martens for Christmas last year and spent the last 10 months breaking them in. They are Daria-esque 90s perfection!
I love wearing them with dark-wash denim and a cardigan for that back-to-school feel. Which brings me to…
Shop for school supplies (student or not)
I haven’t been a student in years, but my at-home desk is full of the fun stuff.
Buy yourself a new notebook, a pack of gel pens, a Trapper Keeper, whatever it takes to get you in the spirit. And then use it!
I use my colorful pens and markers all the time for journaling and my daily planner.
There’s a certain joy in a fresh pack of pencils, and we shouldn’t deny ourselves.
Hit up the mall
Nothing says the 90s like bringing back mall culture, so plan a trip to your local mall!
Grab a giant pretzel, slurp down an Orange Julius, and meet your crush at the fountain before you spend your entire allowance!
But seriously, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of mall culture returning ever since visiting the local mall in Buffalo. I wrote an entire piece on it for my Substack (read it here).
I’ve vowed to make the mall a cheerful, bright sanctuary as the days get colder and darker. I mean, what’s better than dinner at the food court, followed by some shopping and the arcade?
Have a movie night
Pull out your 90s favorites, whether it’s “You’ve Got Mail” or “Casper,” order a pizza, make some popcorn, and you’re set.
Bonus points if you’re watching these on DVD.
I recently hooked up a DVD player to an old computer monitor and have been borrowing DVDs from the library. I watch them before bed (choosing the little monitor over my 50-inch wall TV), and there’s something calming about it.
Top the entire night off by putting your phone away.
Read like it’s 1997
Screw book recommendations from the algorithm; how about browsing the library shelves and seeing what speaks to you instead?
Maybe you find a cozy mystery, or something you’ve never heard of. Curl up with a book or a magazine, your favorite blanket, and a reading lamp.
If you’re really feeling it, treat yourself to a personal pan pizza when you finish your book, Book It style!
Jam out to your favorite 90s songs
Whether it’s a 90s movie soundtrack or your favorite CD from the era (“Jagged Little Pill”), listen to it!
Extra points if you’re listening to it on CD, but a playlist will still get you in the spirit.
If you’re really lucky, your favorite 90s artist might still be touring, and you can see them live.
I personally think “Name” is THE best 90s song ever created, and I’m seeing the Goo Goo Dolls in Buffalo this November. And I will be wearing a 90s-esque outfit.
Eat your favorite old-school snacks
Caramel apples, slice-n-bake cookies, nostalgic Halloween candy… bring it on!
Maybe put together your favorite after-school snack (bus ride need not apply). Mine was Triscuits with melted cheese… and wow, do I still love eating it!
Can you find a favorite beverage? A Fruitopia perhaps?
It’s not about making anything elaborate. Keep it simple, as long as you remember the flavors.
Celebrate Halloween with the classics
Watch your favorite old movies (“Hocus Pocus”), decorate with thrifted decor (or decor you’ve kept over the years), and carve pumpkins!
Visit a haunted house, find the best fall foliage, or make your own festive paper garland.
Keep the season’s spirit alive by keeping it simple and staying present.
Make plans without your phone or AI
The 90s were the last moments before smartphones and the internet took over, and they shaped our lives!
Bring back the decade’s spontaneity by making last-minute plans, doing things without your phone, and planning without relying on technology.
Maybe you even send a handwritten note to a friend or host a game night (no electronics)!
Create a 90s Fall Bucket List
I made a 90s Fall Bucket List for my Etsy Shop based on my personal longing for the era:
But feel free to make your own! If you grew up in the 90s, I’m sure you have special moments you’d like to recreate, and they’re likely different from mine.
If you’re bringing back the 90s this fall, I’d love to know how you’re doing it!
To see more writing from me, subscribe to The Bitter Lemon by clicking “subscribe” on the right side of your screen. Want even more? Subscribe to my newsletter to get roundups, book recs and lifestyle tips.
