It’s no secret that the 90s have been making a comeback in recent years, whether it’s in music, film, art, or fashion. We’ve brought this nostalgia upon ourselves, as we’ve doomed our own generation into repeating the chokers and fuzzy crop-tops of decades past. Whether we like it or not, the trends are back.
Sure, we may look to the likes of Selena, Shakira, J. Lo, and more for 90s style inspo, but what about a more unlikely hero? What about…let’s say…Elvis Crespo?
Hear me out. I know we’re all busy pretending to be sick and tired of “Suavemente,” but the video is everything we 90s kids have ever wanted in a lookbook. It’s got range, it’s got drama, it’s got cheesy vaporwave effects. We would 100 percent wear these looks today.
I know, I was just as skeptical as you are, and rightfully so – we’ve been force-fed “Suavemente” all of our lives, at every family party, every get-together, and every non-Latinx club night (somehow, DJs continue to think the song is relevant in 2017). No matter – it’s time you put your reservations aside and embrace Elvis Crespo for all that he is: a style icon.
Rewatch the video below, and scroll down for our play-by-play breakdown, with timestamps tied to each look.
1
All Black Everything (0:00)
Equal parts antichrist, Neo from The Matrix, and late 90s R&B loverboy (hi, Boyz II Men), my mans was not playing games with this all-black number. His mouth is singing “Suavemente,” but his clothes are singing Madonna’s “Like A Prayer.” This look is for dudes who work part-time at Dover Street Market and regularly vacation in Japan with their trust fund money. You know, the guy who shows up to your party uninvited, then stands in the corner with his equally goth friends talking about how they wish that they were “literally anywhere else,” right before they hijack your AUX cable and play Richie Hawtin deep cuts for two hours straight.
2
Clout King (0:18)
What better way to approach a 2017 fashion revival than by rocking some clout goggles? Paired with shiny black vinyl pants, this look is full-throttle SoundCloud rapper; Lil Peep is shaking. It’s one studded leather collar away from achieving full Lil Uzi Vert realness. If you’re looking to recreate this fit, don’t be afraid to steal your tía’s clothes.
3
Night Out On Dyckman (1:04)
Is it just me, or is this fit straight out of The Sims? Either way, it’s versatile; the black blazer and lime green v-neck combo is unmatched for a night out at Mamajuana’s, or any place that has ever offered a hookah menu. Your mom has attended at least one baby shower looking like this. Just add some pearls, blue eyeshadow, and lip liner, and voilà, the church-bound doña look is complete.
4
Fuccboi Skater (1:29)
Why did this look just swipe left on my Tinder profile? This fit is perfect for an angsty sculpture major who was misunderstood all his life. Pretty sure I saw eight guys on the corner of Spring & Broadway in SoHo wearing this exact ensemble the other day. The man just posted “Don’t wear Thrasher if you don’t skate” as his most recent Instagram caption. No matter how you slice it, this was a look destined for fuccbois. Elvis Crespo wants you to kiss him again, but there is no guarantee that he will text you back.
5
Sporty Chic (3:00)
As we speak, this exact jersey is being mass produced at Forever 21 with the word “VIBES” stitched into the chest panel. This type of 90s athleisure slay makes regular appearances in 2017, especially after the return of brands like Tommy Hilfiger. The cut of the shirt says, “I’m ready for the field,” but the metallic sheen says, “I’m ready for the dance floor.” As I write this, somebody is dying to throw this number over their windbreaker pants and white Nike Air Prestos. Wait, am I that somebody?