by Evan Schwartz ’13

We are currently in the midst of a 90s Renaissance, and this phenomenon, like an eclipse, cannot go unnoticed. Popular culture elements that were über cool in the 1990s halls of Bayside High School when Zack Morris ran supreme are now experiencing a stellar resurgence. Trends of this decade, from fashion to music, are being rocked and loved by the sweet peoples of 2012.

Take a look at this blast from the past in the fashion world. Now, if you consider yourself hip at all, you are probably an avid thrifter, a thrift store shopping extraordinaire. Thrifting is not a new practice, but it has recently become a lifestyle choice for some. A great thrifter knows exactly what stores to frequent, what to look for, and is an expert at the “Noticeable spots and stains” check. Understanding the mainstream growth of thrift shopping helps explain the resurgence of clothing items that were rocked in the 90s, believed to have died in the 90s and are now (thankfully) off the chain again in 2012.

Notice all of those super fly denim shirts around town? Got me thinking 90s! Denim on denim is always a risky fashion choice, but if you understand that the shades can’t be the same, then you are not to fret, because you surely look fly! How about bandanas? A simple accessory that both genders could pull off in the 90s is coming back as a fashion statement with a dope Rosie the Riveter twist that says, “Yeah look at me; I know what’s bangin’ and it’s this tight bandana!”

But people in the 90s looked totally fresh head to toe, so those bringing back the bandana are also rocking the “Doc” Martens or similar knockoffs. Grab a pair of these kicks and you gain so much cred you won’t know what to do with yourself.

Shield your eyes for this next throwback that’s making a bomb return. Neon. We’re not talking Happiness shirts or those overworn Bethany Beach/Ocean City shirts. We mean windbreakers (the epitome of all things wicked cool), backwards snap-back caps (the brighter the better) and shorts (consult the lacrosse team).

As you bask in the 90s realness you just took in, we’ll take a look at the dope beats that are being brought back in 2012 that will have you yelling, “CHA-CHING!” One of the most rad bands to get jiggy to in the 90s was obviously No Doubt. The band encompassed all things teenage-angst in their music and inspired a decade of Rastawear and a grunge-chic, young and bougie Gwen Stefani look. Their last album, released in 2000, was followed by an indefinite hiatus that left fans thinking they were cashed, but they burst back onto the scene this year with a new album, “Settle Down,” that offers a hella real sound that has us nostalgic for the 90s.

Another 90s music resurrection is the boy band, and not just any boy band, but the perfect boy band. Groups like ‘N Sync and the Backstreet Boys stole the hearts of teenage girls in the 90s for a reason. They had perfected the boy band formula that states the group must consist of five (one for every preference) post-pubescent, but not too old looking, guys that include the bad boy, a heartthrob, a sensitive one, a big brother type, and then the one that makes you wonder why he is in the group. For those who thought this perfected marvel ended with 98 Degrees, 2012 gave us One Direction. Snap! This group is a carbon copy of the 90s boy bands that topped the charts.

That’s all the time we have for now, folks! Peace out!