While social media will always be a bountiful source of outfit inspiration, over the years I have found that the archive is where the real gems can be found. Not unlike the personality-packed power of vintage clothing itself, there’s something about returning to the source, as it were, that can help us avoid assimilating the style of others – something that is all too easy to do (even if subconsciously) when scrolling through Instagram’s fashion feeds. Plus, you know that historic styles are often a key source of inspiration for designers when creating new collections, and if it’s good enough for the pros then it’s good enough for us.

If the abundance of clean-lined silhouettes and straight-leg jeans is anything to go by, the ’90s has remained a go-to for the fashion world over the past 12 months. And as someone who has never quite warmed to the ditzy florals and bohemian flavour of traditional summer style, I myself have been jumping in my time machine and revisiting the cool-girl minimalism of my birth decade. 

So, which ’90s looks that will be inspiring my style this summer? Naturally, I had to get some of the supers in there: Think Naomi and Kate in their off-duty model separates. Also, the iconic ankle-skimming white shirt dress that Gwyneth wore when dating Brad Pitt, probably one of my favourite looks – and as a dress-ambivalent individual, that’s saying something. 

Looking for a little old-school style to inspire your heatwave ensembles? See below for six looks that I’ve pinned to my summer fashion moodboard.

Waistcoat + white tee

Naomi Campbell (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)Jim Smeal

Bring a tailored spin to your favourite white tee this summer with a Naomi-inspired waistcoat-and-tailored trousers ensemble. Want to make it more casual? Just swap out the trousers for slouchy jeans.

Straight leg jeans + tank top

Kate Moss during Kate Moss Arriving From New York – December 16, 1994 at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)Jim Smeal