Grunge Fashion Keeps Coming Back, Here's How To Do It Now
The grunge look is a style that was inspired by the grunge music scene, finding its roots in comfortable, dirty and flannel pieces. Grunge emerged in Seattle during the mid-1980s and was noted for its stripped-down sound and angst-driven lyrics. Although grunge was inspired by punk rock and heavy metal, it soon adopted its own look and style. Grunge musicians were known for their aversion to on-stage theatrics and adopted an unkempt, workmanlike look. And it wasn’t uncommon for a grunge musician to be unshaven with a mop of tousled hair.
In the past several years, grunge has seen a revival thanks to the championing of designers such as Hedi Slimane, who dedicated his A/W 13 Saint Laurent collection to the style, and the Olsen twins for their iconic plaid shirt and Starbucks coffee combo.
But while the widespread popularity of grunge has continued to fluctuate since its birth in the '90s, the truth is that it never really goes out of fashion. Everyone from fashion elite to street style stars still regularly recycle their leather jackets, plaid shirts and gothy dresses to recreate the trend in new ways. Reinventing the style now is easy, and you probably have a few of these staples lying around already. Taking inspiration from grunge trailblazers like Drew Barrymore, Kate Moss and Johnny Depp and Kurt Cobain, styling grunge now is simple.
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Below, the best ways to perfect the grunge look.
Oversized Leather Jacket
If there's one item that's in the grunge fashionistas cupboard, its the leather jacket. When it comes to grunge style, its all about going oversized - so, instead of going for your regular fit, size up.
The White T-Shirt
This is just a good investment all around, and perfect teamed with your leather jacket. Do as Drew does and pair a messy, just-got-out-of-bed hairstyle with a bright lip.
Flannel
The grunge look has always been heavily steeped in flannel. The flannel shirt trend began as part of the "Pacific Northwest's thrift-shop esthetic", the New York Times once wrote. Grunge fashion was very much an anti-fashion response and a non-conformist move against the "manufactured image", often pushing musicians to dress in authentic ways and to not glamorise themselves.
Lived-In Sneakers
One of the most popular items in footwear for the grunge fashion fanatic has to be a good pair of lived-in sneakers, preferably Converse and Vans. Pair with a maxi skirt, ripped jeans, or a velvet dress. Or, in Kaia Gerber's case pair with a long leather trench and beanie.
Black Floral
A perfect transition into grunge is the classic floral LBD. Just pair with black boots or your high-top Converse. Or, follow in Lucy Boynton's footsteps and take it to the red carpet.
The Long, Shabby Cardigan
The trick to looking seriously grunge is draping an oversize coat or cardigan over a pretty gown, as exhibited expertly here by Gwen Stefani.
Round Sunglasses
Kurt Cobain, one of the kings of grunge, wore round sunglasses and they've been an iconic piece in grunge style ever since.
Witchy Dress
Thanks to TV shows like The Craft and Buffy The Vampire Slayer, black dresses that give off a witchy-vibe were added the grunge style. Below, Jamie King puts a modern twist on the witch dress, perfecting adding a pair of pointed black boots.
Bovver Boots
Another must for the grunge wardrobe is a pair of chunky, flat black boots. To make it modern, find a pair with cutouts and hardware.
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