By Neia Balao
7:00pm PST, Jan 26, 2023
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The '90s ushered in an array of Hollywood's most promising, scene-stealing young stars… including Sarah Michelle Gellar. From starring as a small-town beauty queen who meets her tragic end in 1997's "I Know What You Did Last Summer" to taking diabolical to a whole new level as Kathryn Merteuil in 1999's "Cruel Intentions" to, of course, portraying Sunnydale's resident hero who "saved the world a lot" on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" from 1997 to 2003, Sarah had a spellbinding effect on audiences. In addition to her acting talents, the '90s also saw Sarah slay (sorry, we had to!) in the fashion department. To celebrate the Jan. 26, 2023, premiere of her new series, Paramount+'s "Wolf Pack," Wonderwall.com is taking a look at Sarah Michelle Gellar's most wonderfully retro '90s fashion moments…
First up? That one time our favorite slayer looked pretty in purple! For the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 10, 1998, Sarah Michelle Gellar stepped out in a very "of the time" ensemble: a lilac tube top, a muted miniskirt with gold appliqués and metallic sandals. Sarah kept her accessories to a minimum with just a few rings, a sparkly bracelet and a dainty layered necklace.
Keep reading for more…
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There was one shade that reigned supreme in Sarah Michelle Gellar's wardrobe during the '90s: black. On Oct. 8, 1997, the young star attended the premiere of "I Know What You Did Last Summer" in a slinky black midi-length dress accessorized with chunky sandals and a textured handbag.
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Are rectangular sunglasses supposed to go hand in hand with formalwear? Theoretically, no, but Sarah Michelle Gellar made a pretty compelling case. On Sept. 13, 1998, SMG attended the Emmy Awards in a floral-printed corset top and a midnight blue satin skirt with a daring thigh-high slit accessorized with blue heels and frosted blue-rimmed sunglasses that tied this peculiarly-chic red carpet moment together. Ugh. We're obsessed.
MORE: '90s stars before and after plastic surgery procedures
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Playing with print? We see you, SMG! Sarah Michelle Gellar showed up to premiere of "The House of Yes" on Sept. 29, 1997, in a dark brown lace cami and leopard-print miniskirt topped with a long black coat. She finished off the look with a pair of knee-high leather boots. Also, the fact that they were square-toe too?! We love them even more.
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Back in the day, Sarah Michelle Gellar was a brunette beauty for a time! For the Professional Children's School Honors in New York City on April 25, 1994, she kept things simple in a black minidress paired with drop earrings.
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Kathryn Merteuil would've been proud! On Feb. 25, 1999, Sarah Michelle Gellar channeled her "Cruel Intentions" alter ego when she attended the film's premiere wearing a body-hugging black gown with a plunging neckline and bedazzled mesh paneling. She kept it classy with a matching black shawl, square-toe kitten heels and glamorous jewels.
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Sarah Michelle Gellar's love affair with monochromatic ensembles continued into the end of the decade! On March 15, 1998, the "Cruel Intentions" cutie attended the 20th anniversary screening of "Grease" in an all-black look that consisted of a tube top, slacks and the ultimate '90s staple: platform flip flops. She topped off the look with a leather jacket and a nylon handbag. What really tied this look together though? Her oval sunglasses. *Chef's kiss*
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Were you really a '90s star if you weren't photographed at an airport? On Jan. 12, 1998, Sarah Michelle Gellar was seen arriving at Los Angeles International Airport in a quintessentially '90s outfit: a white long-sleeved top, baggy overalls, a black sweater draped around her shoulders and a pair of white sneakers. She donned a pair of oversized sunglasses in hopes of going incognito — but we still knew it was her!
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On Sept. 28, 1998, Sarah Michelle Gellar attended the opening night of "Rent" on Broadway in a dark brown midi-length dress with a cream-colored lace bodice. She kept things neutral with a sheer brown cardigan, black strappy sandals and a leopard-print handbag.
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Sarah Michelle Gellar stepped outside of her comfort zone when she attended the 25th anniversary of "Saturday Night Live" event on April 22, 1999, in this tangerine-themed getup. The former "All My Children" actress paired a ribbed high-neck top with the outfit's statement piece: a glittery, beaded skirt with the slightest train. Her dainty purse and cream-colored sandals made for the most perfect finishing touches.
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Sarah Michelle Gellar looked winter-ready when she attended the "Simply Irresistible" premiere on Feb. 4, 1999, in a muted periwinkle organza dress and a double-breasted coat. Unsurprisingly, the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star selected a pair of strappy sandals as her choice of footwear that evening.
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You'd think Sarah Michelle Gellar was out filming an episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" based on her outfit! On April 12, 1999, while at a press conference for VH1's "Divas Live," SMG channeled her evil-fighting alter ego, Buffy Summers, when she stepped out in a black top with dark brown leather pants and square-toe boots.
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Could she be any more stunning? Sarah Michelle Gellar posed for photos at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 21, 1999, in a teal velvet cowl-neck gown with subtle ruching around the waist. A floral appliqué outlined in light blue beading added the perfect touch of femininity.
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Nothing screams '90s quite like a strapless off-white dress with matching metallic sandals — which is exactly what Sarah Michelle Gellar wore to the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards on March 10, 1998.
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Three-quarter-sleeve top? Midi-length cargo skirt? Blue tinted sunglasses? Check, check and check! Sarah Michelle Gellar wore the ultimate '90s cool-girl getup when she attended the WB Summer TCA press tour on July 20, 1999. Of course, her look wouldn't be complete without a pair of open-toe sandals and a structured handbag!
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A sheer overlay dress wasn't atypical for the '90s! On Aug. 1, 1999, Sarah Michelle Gellar hit the red carpet at the first-ever Teen Choice Awards in a strapless dress with subtle silver embellishments along the hem and a sheer layer of fabric on top. Sarah's accessories — black sandals, a silver ring and a thick white bracelet — complemented her minimalist gown.
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This girl, this gown! Sarah Michelle Gellar opted for a classic '90s garment — the halter dress — when she attended the Emmy Awards on Sept. 12, 1999. The "I Know What You Did Last Summer" actress paired her sky blue gown with matching metallic heels and a layered beaded bracelet.
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On Aug. 29, 1998, Sarah Michelle Gellar attended a performance of "Phantom of the Opera" in a black square-neck tank top, a white skirt, black sandals and a glittery black-and-gold handbag.
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Ah, yes, the classic "tie your jacket around the waist if it gets too warm" hack! Sarah Michelle Gellar opted for a cute but casual look when she attended the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas concert on Sept. 10, 1998: a plum-colored square-neck tank top, brown slacks and embellished peep-toe heels.
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Back to black! For the "Starship Troopers" premiere on Nov. 5, 1997, Sarah Michelle Gellar put a spin on the good ol' LBD! She paired her long-sleeved black minidress, which featured a sexy thigh-high slit, with a pair of her signature strappy black sandals.
