Here’s How To Create A 90s Photoshoot On A Budget

Have you ever been so inspired by a particular decade that you wanted to recreate it?

I love the 1990’s. It was a time when I was in my teens, and I feel like every decade since then has been trying to catch up to what the 90’s did for fashion and style.

One of my favorite things about the 90’s is all of the great TV shows that were on during that time.

Now, you can go back and watch a lot of those shows on Netflix or Hulu, but there are some other ways to bring back some nostalgia from that era if you want to create an awesome photo shoot.

90s Photoshoot Props: What Do You Need?

If you’re looking to take a step back in time and recreate the nostalgia of the 90s, we’ve got your back.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite props to inspire your own 90s photoshoot. From old cassette tapes, camera phones and retro clothing — these props will help you create the most authentic look. You’ll be surprised at how much personality they can add to your photos.

So here are some tips for pulling off a 90s photoshoot with very little money:

The Denim-On-Denim

Go back in time with these 90s photoshoot props! From up-dos to distressed denim and plaid shirt combos, we've got you covered.

So you want to recreate the denim-on-denim look that was so prevalent in the 90s. Besides doing your best impression of a young Jennifer Aniston and Ben Stiller, what do you need?

First, you’ll need both a loose jeans and a huge jacket. If you don’t have any old denim jeans lying around or can’t find one at Goodwill or thrift stores, fear not: there are plenty of affordable options online!

The Cap

Go back in time with these 90s photoshoot props! From up-dos to distressed denim and plaid shirt combos, we've got you covered.

You can get a cap in almost any color, pattern, and style you want. You can even use them as a prop for your photoshoot instead of just wearing it.

A good place to buy caps is at your local thrift store or vintage clothing store because they’re not that expensive and they’re often very stylish. If you don’t know where to find one locally you can get one online in places like Amazon because there are plenty of sellers who sell their own handmade versions of this iconic 90s accessory!

The Phone Case

Go back in time with these 90s photoshoot props! From up-dos to distressed denim and plaid shirt combos, we've got you covered.

A phone case is another easy-to-find and affordable prop.

The Nokia 3310 is one of the most recognizable phones in history. It was launched back in 2000 and it still remains one of the most popular single sim phones available today. Add this Iphone phone case to complete the 90s look.

The Backpack

Go back in time with these 90s photoshoot props! From up-dos to distressed denim and plaid shirt combos, we've got you covered.

Now that you have your outfits, put on a backpack. You can find the perfect style of backpack at thrift stores or secondhand shops. You can also buy them online from retailers like Urban Outfitters, who offer an array of colorful vintage backpacks in all different shapes and sizes.

Anything Corduroy

Go back in time with these 90s photoshoot props! From up-dos to distressed denim and plaid shirt combos, we've got you covered.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about 90s fashion is corduroy. This fabric was all over the place in the ’90s, especially on grunge outfits like flannel shirts and denim jackets.

If you’re not too confident about creating your own outfits, then you can always check out Pinterest for inspiration on how to style different items together. For example, this amazing corduroy dress styled with Doc Martens boots and denim jacket screams 90s vibe.

The Jeans And The Flannel

Go back in time with these 90s photoshoot props! From up-dos to distressed denim and plaid shirt combos, we've got you covered.

The jeans and flannel are the ultimate 90s outfit. To get the look, you’ll need to acquire a pair of dark wash jeans that are slim through the legs, but not tight. They should be fitted at your waist and have a bit of stretch so they’re comfortable to wear all day long.

For the top part of your outfit, we recommend buying an oversized flannel shirt—the bigger, the better (it’s important for this type of shoot). Go for an off-white or blue shade as it will make any color stand out when paired together with denim or black pants. Plus it’ll also add to that grunge look!

The Sneakers

Go back in time with these 90s photoshoot props! From up-dos to distressed denim and plaid shirt combos, we've got you covered.

One of the key pieces to any “90s” outfit is the sneakers. It’s an easy way to add some color and personality to your outfit, so you can make it as loud or subtle as you like. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got some ideas:

  • Thrift stores are great places to find old-school sneakers at a low cost (and they’ll probably smell like mothballs). You can also find them on Amazon —just be sure not to go overboard with how many pairs you buy!
  • The more unique the silhouette of your shoe, the more likely it will stand out in photos. Consider investing in the classics like Nike hi-tops if possible; they’ll really make a statement while still keeping things affordable.

The Scrunchies

Go back in time with these 90s photoshoot props! From up-dos to distressed denim and plaid shirt combos, we've got you covered.

First of all: how do you wear a scrunchie? So many possibilities, but the most popular one was the side-ponytail everyone was rocking.

The scrunchy is perhaps the most iconic accessory of the 90s. It was used by both genders, but girls usually wore theirs in their hair while boys had them around their wrists or necks.

The Hair Crimper

Go back in time with these 90s photoshoot props! From up-dos to distressed denim and plaid shirt combos, we've got you covered.

In order to achieve this look, you’ll need a hair curler. The smaller and more compact the curler, the better. If you ever bought one back in the 90s, you’d only get one head to curl your hair – thankfully we’re past those times and now you can actually decide what kind of curls you’re looking to make.

You might not find these at your local drugstore, but if you’re feeling adventurous and want to get creative with your hairstyle then this crimper is for you.

Incorporating custom embroidered patches into your denim jacket, jeans, caps, or backpacks is a fantastic way to enhance your 90s-inspired style. GS-JJ.com provides a diverse selection of custom embroidered patches, allowing you to choose from a variety of colors and patterns. This allows you to create a unique vibe and is a perfect addition to your other fashion items.

custom embroidered patches

So, you can create a ’90s photoshoot with a budget by incorporating the right items into your wardrobe. If you want to throw some color into the mix then add a backdrop to it. Just remember that there are so many different items out there that will help bring out your inner ’90s self. I hope this post has given you some ideas on how to get started or even just reminded you of memories from our favorite decade.

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