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Frank Ockenfels via Getty Images

To help differentiate each of Cruel Summer's time periods, "We used color as a primary clue," costume designer Taneia Lednicky explained to E! News.

1993 called for "brighter and bolder prints," she detailed. As for "that fun mid-thigh length of shorts and tucked in shirts and t-shirts all helped" mark that first summer? "Younger things, kids' prints and styles," Lednicky said of her main inspiration points. "Sears and J.C. Penney's catalogues."

She continued, "As the kids age, they look to Seventeen and Tiger Beat. We softened the colors for '94 some and used more color blocking."

Finally, for 1995, Lednicky explained, "Self expression is part of growing up. More adult sources. Identifying the thing that makes each character unique. Our characters all became more adult, and generally more polished. The color palette continued to fade. We used more ripped jeans and flannel."