If 90s hip-hop style is your thing, read on to find out how to get the ‘House Party’ look circa now.
House Party Dance-Off
Back in the day (the late 80s and early 90s), when hip hop was more about the message than the money, we had Kid ‘n Play. Consisting of NYC-based pals Christopher ‘Kid’ Reid and Christopher ‘Play’ Martin, the pair started making musical waves in 1988 with the release of their debut LP, Too Hype. With a string of hits that included ‘Gittin Funky’ and ‘Rollin With Kid ‘n Play’, the duo established itself — along with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince and Heavy D. and Boyz — as ambassadors to the sunny side of hip hop culture, dropping positive vibes throughout their lyrics highlighted by a wink and a smile. Besides having an upbeat message backed by hype beats, part of Kid ‘n Play’s appeal were their peppy, comedy-laced music videos which featured some of the most memorable dance moves of the New Jack Swing era, most notably, their ‘Kid ‘n Play Kick Step’ which many of us are still trying to perfect. Natural-born performers with charisma to spare, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood would come a callin’ and in 1990, Chris and Chris starred in House Party, an otherwise typical teen comedy that was elevated to icon-status due to a whip-smart script, fresh comedic performances, a rump shaking soundtrack, and this legendary dance floor showdown.
About the Look
There is so much good stuff going on in this scene that it takes repeated viewings to really take it all in. But once we’ve gotten a few booty bumps out of our system, we can turn our attention the fashion, and especially that of beautiful babe Sidney (Tisha Campbell) who, along with gal pal Sharane (A.J. Johnson), out-fox (and out dance) Kid and Play in the dance-off to end all dance-offs. While Sharane goes all Fly Girl-crazy in a second-skin unitard, wide belt and ankle boots, Sidney dresses a little more eclectic, sporting a crop top, patterned vest, leopard print shoes, and a pair of suspender pants roomy enough to work the ‘Running Man’ without splitting a seam. With a 90s revival in full effect, it’s hard to find styles from the era that haven’t already returned to a saturated vintage market. But we’re thinking Sidney’s look here is worthy of a comeback, especially if it’s accessorized with dance moves to match. Because, let’s face it, they sure don’t make house parties like they used to.
bracelet: Adina Designs ~ bag: House of Harlow ~ shoes: Christian Louboutin ~ earrings: Guess