Many of the spring 2014 trends seem fresh and fun, but if you were alive and well in the ’90s, you’ve seen them before. These nine trends will have you saying “Oops, I did it again.” We ’90s girls wore similar fashions because our pop idols were rocking them on stage, in videos and even when just running to the grocery store. Here are nine trendy ways to emulate our fave pop queens this spring.

Short-Stacked and Platform Shoes

Is it just me or did pop stars wear more comfortable shoes in the ’90s? That probably had to do with how chunky, and supportive, their heels were. Well, hooray! Short-stacked heels are back again, so we won’t have to choose between comfort and heels. And you might have sworn you’d never wear platform sneakers again, but since they have graced so many runways for spring, why not reconsider that pledge.  

 

Eye Shadow

Here’s a challenge: Name a spring 2014 eye shadow trend that isn’t ’90s pop. Well, all those colors we rocked during our childhood because Britney/Christina/your favorite Spice Girl did are taking this spring by storm.

Pastel? Duh.

 

 

White? Definitely.

 

 

Blue? Super duh.

 

Bare Face

During our pubescent problem-skin years (thanks, hormones), it was hard not to notice how pop princesses had flawless and seemingly foundation-less skin. The queen of this look? Mandy Moore. So, channel your inner Mandy, skip the foundation and focus instead on getting your post-pubescent skin to glow with touches of liquid illuminator.
 

Crop Tops

If there’s one trend that every pop queen of the ’90s shared, it was showing off their bellybuttons. From the red carpet to the stage, the crop top was a wardrobe staple. Many a ’90s girl struggled getting out the door and past the parents when trying to copy this look. But struggle no more: The crop top is back, and classier than ever. This time around, skip the super low-rise jeans and go with bottoms with more distinguished waistlines, because … you know, #adulthood.
 

Oversized Pants

What better way to rock your crop top than with a belted pair of oversized pants? This spring, big pants (especially wide-leg) are all the rage. And while the ’90s men clearly owned the baggy pants look, it didn’t stop many a diva from getting her moves on in pants with extra legroom.
 

Sheer Fabrics

If you wanted to be sexy in the ’90s, you went sheer. And we all knew the magic fix for a skimpy top was a sheer over layer. Our ‘rents may not have been 100 percent with us on that one, but all our fave pop idols were doing it. Sheer accents and over layers are just as hot this spring as they were back in our tween and teen years.
 

Pastels

I’m pretty sure baby pink and baby blue were considered neutrals in the pop world from 1990 to 1999. Well, pastels have been adorned the “it” colors of spring 2014. Clearly Britney was ahead of her time.
 

Razzle Dazzle

One thing we learned from our pop icons was how to add some spice to an outfit. Yes, we’re talking Spice Girls. These gals were no strangers to the iridescent fabrics, embellishments and other quirky details that graced this year’s fashion week runways. Come on ladies, don’t be shy!

 

Mermaid Hair

Alanis Morissette. Need I say more? The “I-didn’t-brush-my-hair” look is going to be hot this spring for longer locks. So we can go back to the days of falling asleep in braids and even start parting our hair in the center again. I, for one, am very excited.

 

February may be the official month of love, but to the style-obsessed, it’s all about fashion: The first of many a Fashion Week kicked off in New York on the 6th and then we’re off to London, Milan and Paris. So why fuss about romance when there are meggings (yes, that’s leggings for men) and orange lipstick to discuss? Many fashionistas would take a runway show over a candlelit dinner any day.

Like good magicians, great fashion shows will blow you away and leave you wondering how they ever pulled it off. As models move flawlessly forward, they exhibit goddess-like confidence and fierceness. Victoria Secret has even dubbed its models “Angels.” But don’t be fooled: Behind every Aphrodite is a real woman -- with real thoughts, worries and funny little habits that make her even more gorgeous. To discover this other side of models that we never get to see on the runway, we went behind the scenes and talked to the people who make the magic happen. Here are seven amazing things we found out about models.

1. They sometimes just want to get it over with.
You know those let’s-just-get-this-over-with things we have to do sometimes (i.e., public speaking, gyno appointments, job interviews)? Well, walking down a runway is just as nerve-racking, and like with public speaking, speeding through it will only make it worse.

“The camera shot is what lasts,” says Iris Latour, fashion coordinator, host and model with eight years of industry experience. “I always tell my girls to slow down. Nothing is worse than a fast walk. Imagine that you're speeding up so fast that the photographer can't even get a good shot of you! Then, why did you walk in the first place?”

 

Iris Latour taking it slow. She knows the camera phones are watching! (Photo credit: Pete Hopkins)

2. They’ll pick bagels over apples any day.
A lot of people assume models fast or skip meals before a show -- and that they have superpowers that allow them to do ridiculous things like say no to nachos! Not true. With all that strutting and stress, models can’t run on empty. And like the rest of us, they crave carbs when the pressure’s on. Food is often provided at fashion shows, and during New York Fashion Week, models often pick bagels over fruit. Who can blame them? They are in New York, home of the world’s best bagels, after all.

 

You’d be clapping too if there were bagels waiting for you backstage! (Photo credit: Gerry Shih)

SEE ALSO: Work Out Like A Supermodel

3. They “breathe through their butts.”
The best advice I ever got, says Ella Cooley, a California model with five years of industry experience, is “Breathe through your butt.” As silly it may sound, focusing your breath towards your rear end helps your shoulders drop and keeps your chest from moving in ways that might affect the look as you walk. They’re actually also great “words to walk by” for those of us (finger pointed at my tall-girl slouch) who struggle with maintaining good posture.

 

4. They sometimes get left behind.
It takes a village to dress a model at a fashion show. “There are several dressers assigned to each model,” says Cooley. “They make sure that I get in and out of each look safely and back out on the runway in good time.” A team of people working all up in your personal space is essential. “I've been forgotten before,” says Latour, “and you can't imagine how insane it is to rip off my own clothes, headdress, shoes and try to slink into something else on my own!”

 

Pre-show “all hands in” backstage. One, two, three: No model left behind! Photo credit: Nick Navarro

5. They often feel nervous when all eyes are on them.
Models can’t just imagine everyone in their underwear to calm their nerves, especially when looking down can cause them to misstep, or worse, become yet another viral video of modeling falls. Instead, models have to find a way to balance being in the moment while not messing up their walk. “I remind myself not to fall and find a soft focus where the things I see around me are present but fuzzy,” says Cooley.

SEE ALSO: Mind, Body, Beauty: Head-to-Toe Transformation

6. They study a lot to get ahead.
Shows require beauty and brains. To do right by the designer, Cooley says, you have to study their work so you can develop the right walk. “Clothes can be used to tell a story,” she says. “Taking on the appropriate attitude for a piece is important to help the audience realize the overall aesthetic the designer is going for.”

 

Just your typical Tuesday night study group. (Photo credit: Alamedia Design)

7. They love BYOB.
And by BYOB, we mean “bring your own bra,” of course. We all know that bra size doesn’t mean a bra fits. And since models aren’t preternaturally immune to this phenomenon … “I always pack a nude bra and thong, and a black bra and thong,” says Latour.

Misplaced your invite to your favorite designer’s show? No worries. Just attend fashion weeks across the globe virtually by cruising Twitter and Instagram. Check out the official fashion week hashtags #NYFW, #LFW, #MFW and #PFW. And don’t forget to share your fave fashion finds with us on Twitter @thestyleglossy!

SEE ALSO: Get ’em Now: Fierce Fashion Finds for Freezing Temps

We have more clothes than our closets have room for, and yet getting dressed in the morning is always a frenzy of trying on and flinging off. In principle, we all agree that quality, not quantity, is the key to a smart woman’s closet. Open the bulging door, however, and “more is more” seems to be the operating standard. 

Celebrity stylist Monica Schweiger, who has worked with such stars as Debra Messing, Gwen Stefani and Mandy Moore, believes that a well-edited closet will cut down on morning stress and make you a better dresser. “With closets and drawers bursting at the seams, it can be more difficult to find something to wear,” says Schweiger. “But when there is space to actually see your clothing and accessories, it gives you the opportunity for creativity.”

Identify and evict your wardrobe’s deadwood with these tips:

Main squeeze We cling too much to clothes that cling too much to us. Not only do we believe we’ll eventually fit into that slinky dress once again, we even buy new too-tight items as an advance reward for future weight loss. Weight may fluctuate, but the solution to the sausage-casing problem is clear-cut: Ditch the blouses with buttons that gape. Ditto for those trousers with the too-snug crotch, and jackets that whisker too much in the armholes.

Yesterday’s news Let’s say you’re lucky enough to wriggle into garments from a decade ago. If the miniskirt fits, wear it, right? Wrong, most of the time. If you’re no longer club hopping or attending karate class, you need to dispose of the leather pants and martial arts whites. On borderline cases, seek a second opinion. Invite a friend over to give you tough-love advice on what still works on you.

The frivolous frock Inexpensive garments from fast-fashion shops are easy to part with after a season or two, but what about the teddy bear print designer dress that you splurged on? Put up for sale any designer piece of clothing that you haven’t worn in a year, on an auction site like eBay. This tough bottom line will benefit your bottom line since brand-name labels fetch a premium price.

The sentimental keepsake You turn a blind eye to the hand-knit sweater squatting in your chest of drawers. It was a gift. It was what you were wearing when you met your boyfriend. It’s a family heirloom. The reality is that while provenance is important for artifacts on “Antiques Roadshow,” it is not a reason to harbor a moth-eaten pullover. As long as you have worn the “cherished” piece one time for your friend/boyfriend/relative to see, you’re home-free. Let it go.

Ladies in waiting You’re savvy enough to recognize that fashion is cyclical, so why let go of anything that may make a comeback in, oh, a decade or two? After all, aren’t the neon colors and slouchy boots of the 1980s hot again? True, but style revivals always bear an update. Marc Jacobs’ new line of ’80s getups for fall looks current; the power suit with lumpy shoulder pads from your attic most decidedly does not. Solution: Allot yourself one head-to-toe look of your favorite retro pieces.

Logo OD The college sweatshirt says you love your alma mater. The swim team jacket hints at your athleticism. Clothes make the woman, but it should be the cut and materials of your clothing -- not the advertising plastered on it -- that telegraph who you are. Eliminate any item with a graphic bigger than your fist; keep the rest strictly for runs to the mailbox or corner market.

You don’t have to stuff your closets and drawers with separate wardrobes for every season to look great all year round. With a little advance planning, you can build a wardrobe that’s in style spring, summer, fall and even winter. The advantage: You get to wear the pieces you love 12 months a year, you save money, and you invest your fashion budget in versatile, luxurious fabrics.

Wardrobe Tip No. 1: Think layers.
Head to the store with the three t’s in mind: tanks, T-shirts and tights. “The trick to any great wardrobe is layering,” says Shane Cisneros, a fashion stylist who has dressed stars, including Zoe Saldana and Vanessa Minnillo. And keep in mind that you can layer under as well as over. For example, slip a long-sleeved black cashmere or jersey T-shirt under that brightly colored summer dress to give it a cold-weather feel. Complete the look with leggings, chunky boots and a green army jacket, leather motorcycle jacket or structured tweedy blazer.

Wardrobe Tip No. 2: Choose a consistent palette.
Every season, Jacqueline Krafka, designer of the casual chic line T-Los Angeles, builds her collection with a core group of basic colors (black, white, nude and heather gray) and adds a pop of color (orange, purple or turquoise) in items like tanks and pocket T’s. Follow Krafka’s example with cardigans, skirts and jackets in interchangeable neutral colors, reserving more vivid hues for accent pieces like scarves, handbags or lower-priced T-shirts.

Wardrobe Tip No. 3: Aim for natural fibers.
Few fabrics are truly seasonless, but such natural fibers as silk and wool come close. New weaving and knitting techniques allow manufacturers to create light but strong fabrics with a luxurious feel and a built-in resistance to wrinkling. Krafka adds that luxury versions of natural fabrics, such as fine-gauge cashmere and silk georgette, can offer polish along with the comfort of a T-shirt. Even better, these multiple-personality pieces are easy to dress up or down.

Wardrobe Tip No. 4: Invest in classic fashions.
Some items are more or less disposable: white tanks, T-shirts in the hue of the season, trendy pieces from low-priced retailers. Core wardrobe staples, however, will last season after season, always looking polished and feeling great against your skin if you choose superbly tailored pieces in beautiful fabrics. “Every woman should have a little black dress,” says celebrity fashion stylist Nicole Chavez, who has dressed Scarlett Johansson and Catherine Zeta-Jones. “It should be special, so invest in one with a really great neckline, sleeve or embellishment.”

Wardrobe Tip No. 5: Accessorize.
Women’s accessories are the cornerstone of a fashionable, adaptable wardrobe. Whether she’s shopping for her red carpet clients or for her own weekend wardrobe, Chavez selects a few statement accents that she can pair with any fabric, season or style. “The best thing to have in your closet is a leopard scarf or a leopard shoe,” says Chavez. “Leopard is almost a classic color, and it goes with every color,” she says. Krafka also keeps a supply of belts handy that can turn a long summer tunic into a neatly cinched blouse-and-tank combo.

Wardrobe Tip No. 6: Train your clothes to play well with others.
With today’s ultralight knits, tanks with gaping armholes and show-every-curve leggings, it’s trickier than ever to build outfits that don’t require 15 other pieces. “Make sure each piece can stand alone as well as works as a layer,” says Krafka, who suggests looking for high-quality fabrics and modest-enough cuts that provide sufficient coverage.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/Alija

When it comes to choosing a T-shirt, blouse, sweater or dress, it’s the neckline that is likely to make all the difference between a look that flatters your figure and one that accentuates your less-than-perfect parts. “Often, when an outfit doesn’t work, it’s because of the neckline,” explains Houston stylist and fashion show producer Todd Ramos.

On the other hand, choose the right cut, and you’ll appear taller, slimmer and more stylish. How to create this magic? You have to factor in your bust size, neck length, height and even face shape. Here’s a guide to discovering which necklines work for you.

Sweetheart, Scoop Neck, V-neck and Square Neck
The collarbone and decollete region is one of the most alluring parts of any woman. Wearing an open neckline that shows it off is going to make most women appear longer and leaner, says Ramos. Lower, open necklines like a sweetheart (which is shaped like the top of a heart), scoop, square or V-neck tend to look good on almost every body type and size. “They bring attention to your face and elongate your upper body, especially if you’re petite or have a short neck,” says Ramos. Just make sure you don’t reveal too much.

• Tip: If you’re not well endowed, sweetheart and scoop necklines are best at creating the illusion of curves.
• Bottom line: Great for everyone, unless you’re top heavy or have an especially long neck.

Crew Neck and Boatneck
If you have a long neck, narrow face, small chest or sloped shoulders, a high neckline -- one that rests on or very near the collarbone -- is your best bet. Crew necks and boatnecks draw the eye out to your shoulders so you appear more balanced and proportioned. In this case, the more substantial neckline gives the illusion of square shoulders, a shorter neck, a fuller face and more ample bust.

• Tip: If you’re pear-shaped, look for dresses in this cut to balance your upper and lower body.
• Bottom line: Crew necks and boatnecks balance out narrow necks, faces, shoulders and small chests. But on the flip side, these necklines can make you look bigger than you are if you have generous curves, a short neck or broad shoulders.

Cowl-necks, Mock Necks and Turtlenecks
By choosing the right amount of coverage, you’ll find there’s no need to shiver in the name of beauty. A true turtleneck that hits a couple of inches below the chin will whittle away your height, making it best for those who want to offset a long neck or face. A cowl-neck, which is a looser version of a turtleneck, naturally drapes at the chest, creating a vertical line that elongates the body. A mock neck hits slightly lower than a turtleneck and serves as a good midpoint if you can’t part with your more covered-up sweaters.

• Bottom line: Trade turtlenecks for mock necks or cowl-necks unless you have a long face or neck. 

A Universally Flattering Neckline
Whatever size you are, a halter will flatter your figure. “It gives support and lift to a big bust,” says Ramos. If the halter has a built-in bra, it can create curves where there are none, which is why you see a lot of halter-style bathing suits and wedding dresses. If your arms or shoulders are your trouble spot, Ramos advises topping the halter with a fitted jacket.

The Neckline to Avoid
Strapless clothing may be on every rack in every store, but stylists agree it’s a hard look to pull off -- unless you’ve got flawless proportions and a yoga bod like Jennifer Aniston. “A strapless cut can make top-heavy women spill out, and tall, thin women look giraffe-like,” says Ramos. The silhouette may, however, be a boon to petite women, helping them look taller.

Tweak Unflattering Necklines
If you wore crew necks before you figured out it’s not your most flattering neckline, work the scissors. “Cut a crew neck a few inches straight down the middle,” says Ramos. A T-shirt may fray a little, but that’s in vogue, he says. And if you cut a sweater, a few minutes in the dryer will prevent it from unraveling.

With any lower necklines, there’s the risk of going too low and looking inappropriately sexy. Whether your top goes too deep or a V-neck is not your best look, try it over a camisole or slim-fit collared shirt before you toss it. “Layering can breathe new life into a too-revealing top,” says Ramos.