Grunge style originated from Seattle’s alt-rock music scene. It became synonymous with Nirvana and Pearl Jam bands, popularizing this subgenre by favoring thrift-store clothing with an androgynous silhouette that downplayed body shapes.
Replicating the 90s grunge fashion trend is easy if you own some items – rummage through your mom’s attic or check out your local charity shop to see what might work.
Plaid Shirts
Plaid is one of the critical elements in grunge fashion. Choose plaid shirts in dark hues with worn details for maximum grunge aesthetic. Bright colors should be avoided instead of more subdued shades like burgundy, red, green, or black plaid patterns. Also, look out for oversized plaid flannel shirts with smocked collars featuring buttons down the front, which are ripped slightly for that authentic grungy appearance.
Women wearing 90s grunge fashion typically donned plaid skirts or miniskirts with plaid designs or plaid-printed pants. Tees with similar plaid designs or printed pants were also worn. If you prefer dresses, try floral prints or fringe on the bottom like River Island’s black Floral Frill Split Skirt; for pants, opt for wide-leg cargo styles; pair these up with either black or brown leather jackets/vests and finish your ensemble off with a t-shirt/tank top featuring that same plaid design as your outfit.
Men’s 90s grunge fashion may be more limited; however, its style still requires a relaxed attitude and appreciation of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana music. Graphic tees, Bretons, flannel shirts, and military or army jackets may all feature heavily, as can baggy pants and ripped jeans; the key to nailing this look is pairing these casual yet rugged pieces with an attitude and a few unique accessories to complete your ensemble.
Grunge fashion originated from punk yet differs dramatically in many ways. While punk is about creating an aggressive and rebellious image, grunge focuses more on looking natural and effortless – an aesthetic currently experiencing a revival inspired by iconic alternative bands and artists from its period.
Grunge style can help create a vintage-inspired look or be personalized by choosing different accessories and clothing styles that showcase your personality. Grunge can quickly become part of your style; take inspiration from some of your favorite singers and actors from the 90s to help design it into your look!
Distressed Jeans
Grunge fashion first gained widespread prominence during the ’80s. Inspired by punk culture and Seattle rock bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, this alternative fashion movement offered an alternative to the flashier trends of its day. Characterized by casual clothing accompanied by messy hairdos paired with plaid-patterned or ripped denim jeans, sometimes completed by black combat boots to complete its look.
Oversized tees and shirts are central components of the grunge fashion style. Perfect for layering over cardigans and shoes, oversized tees make an instant fashion statement while remaining comfortable all year. Look out for band logo t-shirts or those featuring graphic prints inspired by grunge music; darker blue, black, or gray colors may feature these band-related prints more prominently; you may also come across ones with an asymmetrical hemline; tight wife beater tanks can also add flair to the grunge look – these fitted or oversized versions make great additions when worn over flannels!
Ripped jeans are integral to grunge fashion style and can be found in various variations. Rip marks may occur naturally through use or intentionally, with small or large holes appearing anywhere along the leg rips or elsewhere on the pant’s fabric. Ripped jeans were also widely popular during punk culture’s late 1980s through 2000s revival.
Black leather jackets make the perfect grunge accessory. Pair yours with jeans, skirts, and dresses to complete the look, and opt for one with wash marks for added texture and character.
Combat boots are essential when dressing in grunge fashion. You can find combat boots in various colors and styles to complete any grunge outfit imaginable. You could pair your combat boots with dresses for an edgier or punk aesthetic. Alternatively, darker hues provide more edge.
Black Combat Boots
Black combat boots are indispensable in any grunge wardrobe, lending an air of grit and ruggedness to any look while looking great with virtually everything imaginable – jeans, leather jackets, and plaid shirts are just some items they pair perfectly with. Additionally, you could add mom jeans or skirts for more feminine accents.
Grunge fashion was made famous by Kurt Cobain, lead singer of Nirvana. Cobain inspired many young people to follow his fashion choices. Grunge is a counterculture that draws influence from punk rock, goth rock, and alternative rock music genres.
Grunge enthusiasts favor oversized tops, flannel shirts, and combat boots for their aesthetic. Black, gray, and red shades tend to be famous; the darker lip liner trend was popular among stars like Hailey Baldwin and Drew Barrymore.
The 90s grunge fashion style may not be for everyone, but it can be an enjoyable way to express yourself. By mixing elements from other types into your ensemble – such as rock star t-shirts or floral prints – the 90s style can become your unique expression of yourself, and others can feel inspired to try out its more intense aesthetic or try soft grunge aesthetic for an equally incredible result.
Women’s grunge clothing typically consists of oversized graphic t-shirts, plaid shirts, mom jeans, skater-style pants to achieve a distressed look, and cardigans or plaid dresses for added warmth and coziness.
Black choker necklaces were a trend during the 1990s and continue to be. You can opt for short-chain choker necklaces or longer ones made from fabric or leather and featuring an eye-catching pendant or charm to add an edge to any look.
Tiaras or barrettes were another staple items of clothing during that era, such as Courtney Love (Kurt Cobain’s wife), who famously donned numerous pieces to show her “kinderwhore style.” Jewelry options available to you may include silver and black band rings to find your style!
Accessories
Accessories were an integral component of 90s grunge fashion. From chain necklaces and crucifix pendant chains to hoop earrings and large ring sets – they were an easy way to show your individuality without needing excessive makeup!
Grunge followers wore slouchy beanies as part of their fashion aesthetic, with messy hair, tattoos, and piercings often part of their attire. Fuelled by rebellious music like metal, grunge was an underground culture that challenged mainstream society.
Women wearing the grunge style often donned ripped jeans and loose plaid or baby doll dresses in open styles, accessorized with worn or torn flannel button-down shirts and torn pantyhose or stockings – Courtney Love is often credited with popularizing this fashion amongst women.
Sleeveless music band tees were an iconic 90s grunge fashion choice. These versatile tops could be fitted or oversized, often seen under leather jackets. Loose and cropped pants were another must-have among followers of grunge style. At the same time, combat boots or Doc Martens were essential shoes in their footwear arsenal – particularly among female followers who preferred no heels!
Grunge culture’s adherents were generally anti-corporate and did not believe in the economic upswing during the 80s, which created social classes. Instead, they believed that human value should not be defined by money or property and should not be restricted to 9 to 5 jobs; these beliefs helped shape grunge as an overall culture.
Anyone with access to a thrift store can easily replicate grunge fashion. Simply gather together several key pieces and combine them for the desired effect; don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks! You might be amazed at how easy it is to pull off this 90’s fashion trend!
