Think you've seen everything that the decade that was the '90s had to offer? You're done with images of #TBT babes in kilts and chokers? You've seen every picture of Kate Moss as a 20-year-old, ever? Yeah, yeah, we felt like that, too. Then, we stumbled upon a specific picture of Gwyneth Paltrow. Her mouth stretched into a laugh and a black ribbon tied loosely through her sunshine-blonde hair. Her arched, tanned shoulder against a black cotton tank dress. We had to stop what we were doing. What ensued was an afternoon-long pillaging of back-in-the-day pictures of Gwyneth in the '90s. Like a living, breathing Calvin Klein campaign, these snaps would have us believe GP spent most of her 20s being a waify goddess partying with Brad Pitt, dressed in a selection of leathers and cashmeres in monochrome or earthy tones, and nothing but a slick of lipstick and a flute of Champagne in hand. (Goop, what?) From silk maxi-coats to perfect white tees and barely there slip dresses, Gwyneth Paltrow is a beacon of hope in a time when we thought we were through with normcore. Warning: These images will make you feel like moving to New York, wearing brown, buying leather trousers, and throwing all your makeup away.
LAX, 1997
Gwyneth heading for NYC in '97, dressed in a black silk maxi-skirt, Gazelles, a high V-neck (you don't get those anymore), and shades. Evian: Gwyn's own.
Brad & Gwyn, 1996
Out and about in NYC looking like a living, breathing Calvin Klein advertisement (you can almost smell the leather and cK One from here). As you will learn on this slide-journey, there is no one who wears a leather jacket better than GP.
Note: It's never a biker, but strictly normcore blazer styles worn cropped or ankle-length. A special shoutout goes to Brad's nubby cowl-neck that looks like something you'd find in a model's beach house in Cape Cod.
Gwyneth & Winona, 1997
Forget Brad. Park Johnny. This was the relationship of the '90s that we wanted in on. They shared a flat, for crying out loud! And they hung out with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Here they are in coordinating cardigans and floral maxis, like two grunge Hamptons stepsisters with perfect matching pixie crops.
Golden Globe Awards, 1996
The new couple sported matching monochrome outfits and beach-kissed hair. The rest of Hollywood paled in comparison.
Miramax Pre-Oscars party, 1999
This whole look is very Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You. Choker, slip-on platforms, and midnight silk cami with a boyfriend jacket slung on top. The outfit is so "now" that this red carpet could be the sidewalk outside of an Eckhaus Latta show.
From Dusk Till Dawn Premiere, 1996
Proof that a leopard print coat and black two-piece is always a winner.
With Leo, 1994
Could these two look more fresh and innocent? We're sure they sell that black velvet turtleneck in American Apparel. Make like GP and wear yours with a crucifix and a coffee-colored lip. Check out the housewife curl on that bob.
NYC, 1995
What did I say about the leather blazer? Here she is making a plain white T-shirt look like a zillion bucks. She's also the reason you should start wearing your hair in a chignon, now.
Jefferson in Paris Premiere, 1995
Gwyneth at 23 years old in a bias-cut white silk dress and matching shawl. With no jewelry, nail polish, and minimal makeup, this look is heaven.
12 Monkeys Premiere, 1995
This blackvelvet suit (with what we can guess are heeled Gucci loafers) takes the biscuit. We're also taking a breather over her Sun-In-esque streaks at the front of her hair.
Shakespeare in Love Premiere, 1998
At the height of her fame, just before she bagged the Oscar, GP came into her own as a risk-taking style icon. Still minimalist, but with a sexier edge, this sheer, beaded, silver dress is #freethenipple life to the max.
The Myth of Fingerprints Premiere, 1997
Like a Joseph poster girl, Gwyneth's leather-cashmere combination is the ultimate normcore-luxury mix. We're distracted by her matching scarf and tank top. Deeply impractical, definitely stylish.
Boogie Nights Premiere, 1997
Here's Gwyn in every downtown girl's current uniform: baggy silk trousers, Adidas Gazelles, and a black tank top. Print it, stick it to your fridge, and remember it looked great almost 20 years ago, too.
Great Expectations Premiere, 1998
This suit fabric spaghetti column dress is the kind of '90s minimalist piece that sends us into a crazed 10-hour binge on eBay, only to re-emerge having bought a Larry David badge. Gray never looked so good, right? We're a fan of the Cam Diaz 'do and visible bobby pins, as well.
Emma Premiere, 1996
Here lies the picture that started our internet spiral. Like some kind of modern Bardot, we've puzzled for at least 45 minutes over how she's tied her hair with that ribbon (Cloth? Tie? Scarf?). When we find out, we'll let you know.
MTV Video Music Awards, 1996
Wearing a red velvet Tom Ford for Gucci suit. Holy hell. Looking cooler than anyone ever did.
1998
How does she put a fisherman's jumper over a sparkly, black-tie dress and look this fabulous? Try a casual bun and a grungy knit next time you go somewhere this fancy. You might look this cool.
Beck Concert, 1998
We repeat: a Beck concert! What different, golden times! We're into her linen skirt and slinky camisole in natural colors. Very Monsoon. A touch The Beach. Cute stringy mules and mini bag, to boot.
Met Gala, 1995
A traffic-stopping white tank dress worn with mauve eyeshadow. Winning.
1996
If you looked up "chic" in the dictionary, you won't find this picture, but you really, probably should. Again with the knotted preppy sweater and the whole T-shirt and maxi-skirt thing. She's every minimalist's dream crumpet.
1997
Let's call this her Phoebe from Friends moment. The carpet-print chiffon coat with matching slip dress and furry collar are proof that clothes used to be better. Check her chunky sandal, too.
Hamlet Premiere, 1997
So simple, so good. A chunky white rollneck over some good ol' vintage denim, with complementary half-up, half-down hair. The definition of the American Dream.
1996
Here's why less is more: black tank dress + platform sandals = '90s goddess. Not sold on the flatform-thong shoe? Try a black Birkenstock, instead.
HamletOpening Night On Broadway, 1995
Again with the sexy fiancée, leather jacket, and coordinating column dress and accessories. If it ain't broke...
Living in Oblivion Premiere, 1995
Words don't do service how weird, excited, and then sad this coat makes me feel. A double-breasted silk coat with a white T-shirt underneath is a thing of immeasurable beauty. Brad looks cute, too.
The Pallbearer Premiere, 1996
How do they manage to nail preppy while still looking badass? Might be the cyborg shades...
1998
A chalky pinstripe blazer and girl-band pile-up hair. Certifiably, the best babe to have existed.
Armani Grand Opening, 1996
In her uniform of a basic top and leather trousers. Winona, again sporting the high V-neck and cropped suit trousers. High fives all around.
Sliding Doors Premiere, 1998
In a mint cheongsam and side-swept fringe.
1998
Insert 50 Shades of Grey joke here. Or not. This whole thing makes perfect sense. We love her mannish trousers and busy-mum shades. Note BP has been replaced by BA, her arm candy until their split in 2000.
1997
No one wears brown anymore, do they? Here, the oversized shearling jacket with brown booties and skirt are so Manhattan in fall '97. If only we could book flights.
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