In recent years, the term “basic” has grown to describe current popular trends being overused. Urban Dictionary defines basic as “An adjective used to describe any person, place, activity involving obscenely obvious behavior, dress, action.” For example, you’re a college-aged female walking down the street holding Pumpkin Spiced Latte from Starbucks (commonly nicknamed a PSL)—now you’re automatically a “basic” bitch. However, wasn’t there a time in the 90’s when we were all still basic, just in the 90’s sort of way?
Here’s 20 differences of being basic back in the 90’s, versus today:
1. Mood Rings (90’s) vs. Pandora rings (today)
2. Chain Wallets (90’s) vs. Vera Bradley wallets (today)
3. Bleached tips (90’s) vs. bleached everything (today)
4. Neon windbreakers (90’s) vs. sorority rain jackets (today)
5. Light-up L.A. Gears (90’s) vs. Air Jordan’s (today)
6. Cargo Pants (90’s) vs. Yoga Pants (today)
7. Slap bracelets (90’s) vs. Lokai bracelets (today)
8. Starter jackets (90’s) vs. Parkas (today)
9. Friends (90’s) vs. Gossip Girl (today)
10. Jean skirts (90’s) vs. Skinny jeans (today)
11. Patterned vests (90’s) vs. North face vests (today)
12. Spicing up your life (90’s) vs. throwing what you know (today)
13. Walkmen (90’s) vs. iPhones (today)
14. Big, Floppy hats (90’s) vs. Monogram hats (today)
15. Disposable cameras (90’s) vs. Selfie sticks (today)
16. Gauchos (90’s) vs. Leggings (today)
17. Fashion jerseys (90’s) vs. Spirit jerseys (today)
18. Sketchers (90’s) vs. Ugg boots (today)
19. America’s Funniest Home Videos (90’s) vs. YouTube (today)
20. Polo (90’s) vs. Lacoste (today)
Best basic trends that have stuck around:
1. Flannels
2. High-waisted shorts
3. Timberland boots
4. Aviator sunglasses
5. Combat boots
6. Over-sized t-shirts
7. Leather jackets
8. High socks
9. Boy bands
10.Being in Greek life (we all know it’s true)