If you’re Latina born between 1981 and 1996, you’re a millennial. But being a Latina millennial isn’t just about age, it’s also about the experiences that have shaped your personality, your preferences, and your references. If you’re doubting your status as a millennial, here are 10 signs that should resolve those doubts.
You love a skinny jean with pointed-toe booties
The skinny jeans and pointed-toe bootie combo is quintessential millennial stuff. If you also love a button-up blouse, and you tend to tuck it in the front of your pants or jeans, that’s also a clear sign you’re a millennial. The good thing is that booties, skinny jeans, and button-up blouses don’t really go out of style. They may not always be the most popular options while other fashion trends are popping off, but they don’t look too outdated either.
You had a huge crush on Luis Miguel growing up
In the 90’s, Luis Miguel was one of the most attractive and charismatic Latino singers around, so we don’t blame you. And who can forget how jealous we all were of Mariah Carey during their romantic stint? Talk about a singing love bird match made in heaven. If you had songs like “Hasta Que Me Olvides,” “Por Debajo de la Mesa,” “Inolvidable,” and “No Sé Tú,” on repeat back then and you still listen to them, especially when you’re cleaning the house, you’re most certainly a millennial.
You had a nameplate necklace you didn’t take off
This is one of the many rites of passage that you probably experienced if you’re a millennial. Back then, nameplate necklaces were all the rage, especially among Latinas, so you had to have one. It was the one piece of jewelry you probably never took off! While nameplate necklaces are still a thing, though they’re not very popular, the more modern take on this is necklaces with initials.
You had thin eyebrows
Photo by Rune Enstad on UnsplashRemember when thin eyebrows were a thing? In recent years, beauty trends have focused greatly on thick, snatched eyebrows. Back in the 90’s, though, overplucking was everyone’s bread and butter. Funnily enough, 90’s eyebrows are making a bit of a comeback. However, before you jump into the trend head first, take the time to really think about it. If thin eyebrows didn’t suit you back then, don’t repeat your mistakes just to keep up with the times. These trends come and go!
Chayanne’s dance moves drove you crazy
Promotional Poster for the movie 'Dance with Me'
If you were a teen in the 90’s, Luis Miguel wasn’t your only crush. Chayanne probably drove you crazy as well, especially when you saw him dancing. He was the it guy in the late 90s with his album “Atado a Tu Amor,” and he also starred in the movie “Dance with Me,” which cemented him as one of the top Latino heartthrobs of the decade. That movie still holds up, by the way!
You’re very familiar with Laura Bozzo
Photo by laurabozzo_of on Instagram
Laura Bozzo has been around long before the dramatic talk show “¿Quién Tiene la Razón?” and you know this because you probably didn’t miss “Laura in América,” a tabloid talk show she hosted in the 90s. It was one of the most-watched talk shows in Latin America and it explored themes like domestic violence, drugs, and alcoholism. While Bozzo is not the most tactful individual, she captivated audiences around Latin America with her sass, coining iconic phrases like, "¡Que pase el desgraciado!" which you probably still use from time to time.
Gloria Estefan was your favorite diva
Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan dominated much of the 90s with her music. She had plenty of hit singles during that time, including "Don't Wanna Lose You,” "Oye Mi Canto," "Here We Are," "Cuts Both Ways,” and "Get on Your Feet.” Her Spanish album “Abriendo Puertas” was also huge back then. She was (and still is) a beauty and she also had great style, so we bet you took some inspiration from her.
“Selena: The Movie” was one of your favorites
Promotional Poster for the movie 'Selena'
While Selena was sadly murdered in 1995, Latina millennials are still very connected to her and her music. When “Selena: The Movie” came out, starring Jennifer Lopez, you probably begged your parents to take you more than once. It’s not a perfect film, but it captured some of her spirit so well that it resonated with a lot of people. Also, the movie probably rekindled your love for her music, especially hit songs like “Como La Flor,” “Amor Prohibido,” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” to mention a few.
You loved Sábado Gigante
One of the many special things about 90s Latin American TV is “Sábado Gigante” because it was the perfect mix of live entertainment and human-interest stories. There were also many contests and the best part about that was the “Chacal de la Trompeta,” a masked character who declared who was out of the competition by sounding his trumpet. Be honest, you loved screaming “¡Y fuera!” along with host Don Francisco and the live audience.
You wanted everything in Paulina Rubio’s wardrobe
Paulina Rubio was one of the top Latino pop stars of the 90s and her style was amazing. She’s one of the pop divas that definitely stand out from that time and for good reason. Not only was her music great, her style was so much fun. You would be lying if you told us that you didn’t want her entire wardrobe, including her leather jackets and golden get-ups. She accessorized so well and was definitely not a minimalist, which is a big part of what made her style stand out so much. Her style got even better in the 2000s, and that’s saying something.
