So, I’ve been on a bit of a 90s kick lately, you know, watching old movies and stuff. And Winona Ryder, man, her style back then was just something else. It got me thinking, could I actually pull off that kind of vibe? So, I decided to give it a whirl, just for fun, see what happens.
My Deep Dive (Sort Of)
First thing I did was just immerse myself in pictures. Lots of them. Movie stills, old red carpet photos, candid shots. It wasn’t like super serious research, more like just getting a feel for it. You start to see patterns, right? The dark colors, the slightly grungy feel but still kinda chic. It’s not just about throwing on black clothes; there’s a definite attitude that goes with it.
I noticed a few key things that kept popping up:
- The Leather Jacket: This is a big one. But not just any leather jacket. It had to look a bit worn, a bit loved. Not too polished.
- Band Tees: Or at least, tees that looked like they could be band tees. Faded, a bit oversized sometimes.
- Simple Bottoms: Jeans, usually dark wash or black, sometimes skirts. Nothing too fussy.
- Oversized Stuff: Big sweaters, blazers. She made looking comfortable look cool.
- Minimal Makeup: Usually a strong lip or a bit of a smoky eye, but not overdone.
The Hunt for Pieces
Alright, so then came the part where I actually had to find stuff. I started by digging through my own closet, because, let’s be real, I wasn’t about to go on a massive shopping spree. I actually found an old black leather jacket that I’d forgotten about. It wasn’t perfect, a bit too shiny maybe, but it was a start. I figured I could rough it up a bit if I really committed.
Then I hit up a couple of thrift stores. This was fun, but also a bit frustrating. You’re looking for specific vibes, and sometimes you find gold, sometimes you find… well, not gold. I was mainly on the lookout for oversized black sweaters and some decent dark wash jeans that weren’t skinny jeans. It’s harder than you think to find good, non-skinny jeans these days, I tell ya.
I did manage to snag a couple of plain, dark t-shirts and one that had a kind of vintage-y looking graphic on it. Close enough to a band tee for my experiment, anyway.
Putting It All Together – The Trial and Error
Okay, so then I started trying to actually wear this stuff. My first attempt was the leather jacket, a dark grey t-shirt, and some black jeans. It felt… okay. But something was missing. It was too clean, maybe? Winona’s look always had this effortless, slightly undone quality.
The Oversized Challenge: I found that getting the “oversized” element right was tricky. There’s a fine line between “effortlessly cool oversized” and “I’m drowning in my dad’s clothes.” I had this big, chunky knit cardigan I thought would be perfect, but when I put it on, I just looked… bulky. Not quite the vibe.
I realized it’s a lot about balance. If you’re going oversized on top, you probably want something a bit more fitted on the bottom, or at least not equally baggy. It’s not like you can just throw on any old big shirt and call it a day. There’s an art to it, I guess.
What worked better for me was a slightly oversized black blazer I found. I wore it with a simple t-shirt and jeans, and that felt more like it. It had that androgynous edge that she often had.
What I Learned from Trying
So, after a week or so of trying to channel my inner 90s Winona, what did I figure out? Well, for one, it’s a really comfortable style. Lots of soft fabrics, nothing too restrictive. I can see why it worked.
It also made me appreciate the power of a few good basics. A good leather jacket (even my not-quite-perfect one), some decent dark jeans, and a collection of simple tees can go a long way. It’s not about having a ton of clothes, but having the right pieces.
I also think a big part of her “style” was just her attitude. She always looked like she was comfortable in her own skin, a bit mysterious, a bit cool without trying too hard. And that’s something you can’t really buy in a thrift store, you know?
I don’t think I’ll be dressing like this every single day. It was a fun experiment, and I definitely picked up a few ideas to mix into my regular wardrobe. That leather jacket is seeing more daylight now, for sure. And I’m definitely more open to trying out a darker lip color more often. It’s all about taking bits and pieces, right?
