Tiffani Thiessen, known for her roles in Saved by the Bell and Beverly Hills, 90210, has shared her perspective on the return of 1990s and Y2K fashion trends, specifically as her 16-year-old daughter Harper Renn Smith embraces them. The 52-year-old actress discussed the nostalgic style resurgence during an interview with PEOPLE for The Sitdown, while promoting her current series Coven Academy.
Essential Details on the Retro Fashion Revival
- Thiessen finds it “really, really fun” to watch her teenage daughter adopt 1990s aesthetics that defined the actress’s own youth.
- Specific returning trends that have her approval include zig-zag hair parts, side parts, tiny sunglasses, and blazers paired with crop tops.
- While she welcomes the comeback of the unitard, she joked she would opt for darker colors rather than the bright orange style she wore on television in the past.
The 1990s Staples Making a Comeback in Teen Wardrobes
During her interview with PEOPLE, the actress detailed several distinct style choices from her decades in the spotlight that are currently cycling back into mainstream fashion. Thiessen rose to fame playing Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell, which aired from 1989 to 1993, and later portrayed Valerie Malone on Beverly Hills, 90210 from 1994 to 1998. Seeing those decades influence modern teen wardrobes has provided a unique sense of déjà vu.
Among the returning trends, Thiessen noted a particular fondness for zig-zag hair parts, suggesting the look might help revive side parts after years of middle-part dominance among younger generations. She also expressed approval for tiny sunglasses and blazers styled with crop tops. However, not every beauty choice from her era has earned her backing. She stated that while modern feathered bangs are acceptable, she prefers to leave behind the heavily teased hairstyles that relied on excessive quantities of hairspray.
Reflecting on her own adolescent years growing up in Long Beach, Thiessen recalled wearing suspenders with baggy trousers and white sleeveless tops. She also noted hearing reports that overalls are returning to popularity—another staple of her personal and on-screen wardrobe during the height of 1990s television.
Television Projects Past and Present
The conversation surrounding fashion coincided with media appearances promoting Thiessen’s latest professional venture. Beyond her historical television credits, the actress currently stars as Miss Graves, the head of the magical Crescent Veil Academy, in Coven Academy.
| Project Title | Network / Platform | Role / Era |
|---|---|---|
| Saved by the Bell | 1989–1993 | Kelly Kapowski |
| Beverly Hills, 90210 | 1994–1998 | Valerie Malone |
| Coven Academy | Disney+, Hulu, Freeform on Demand | Miss Graves |
Thiessen shares Harper and 11-year-old son Holt with her husband, actor Brady Smith. Coven Academy is currently accessible to viewers across multiple streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, and Freeform on Demand, bridging the gap between her classic 1990s television footprint and contemporary family programming.
