You've probably heard of the grunge style, but only as a name. Do you actually know what it is and how to recognize it? It's very easy to spot this style, but at the same time it's also easy to confuse it with another, so let's look at its distinctive features. The idea of "grunge" emerged in the 90s, aiming to oppose commercial aesthetics. What do I mean? Grunge brings new light to everything imperfect, old, torn, and discarded, turning it into a fashion phenomenon of its time. Now let's take a look at the main characteristics of this style:
1. Careless appearance. Maybe the right word isn't careless, because here this effect is intentionally achieved. The goal is for the clothes to look very old and worn out. It may seem like an easy task, but it's actually not! However, here you might confuse grunge with vintage. The difference is that vintage involves clothes and accessories that were super trendy in some past period, while grunge doesn't follow such rules.
2. Mix of clothes. A typical grunge outfit includes layered clothing that at first glance seems messy, but everything is carefully selected. Torn clothes and contrast between materials create the typical grunge aesthetic.
What clothes are most characteristic of this style? Iconic for grunge style are the plaid shirt and ripped jeans. What's typical here is that the shirt is worn unbuttoned, usually over a t-shirt. For the jeans, the rule is—the more ripped and faded they are, the better. This way you clearly show society that what's fashionable isn't necessarily trendy. Oversized hoodies or sweaters are also part of this style, and old photos of your parents are proof of that. Fishnet tights and army boots will add even more drama to your grunge look. Add a leather jacket, and you’ve got real aggression and textural contrast.
Grunge makeup. If you're a true fan of this style, you shouldn't forget the signature smokey makeup. Dark eyeshadows and pale skin should also be part of the outfit. Choose a dark lipstick and you've got a complete grunge look. Doesn't this makeup remind you of another style? Yes, I’m talking about the gothic style. In both cases, the goal is to achieve that dramatic effect.
What jewelry to choose. This look favors tarnished metals. They enhance the visual effect and make your energy shine with a new light. Layering jewelry is also a great option when talking about grunge. Several necklaces or bracelets worn together work perfectly. This way, you'll look truly authentic and are sure to earn applause from your audience. To boost the dramatic effect and blend even more into the grunge aesthetic, consider leather jewelry with black stones, for example.
Shoes. The best friend of this look is boots and all their variations. Chunky sole Chelsea boots are the top choice here. They add a rebellious look but in a more polished form, and can be used in modern grunge styles. Boots with buckles and all kinds of metal elements are also suitable for this style, and you can create truly original and interesting looks with them.
Is there a place for this style in modern fashion? The number of followers of this outfit is growing every day, so the place of the grunge look in modern fashion is solid. More and more people are choosing to express their individuality and rebellious spirit, so the grunge style is a great way to tell everyone that you don't care what others think of you. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and don’t let anyone dictate your style.
If you're still wondering how to transform into a true grunge star, I've prepared a few classic looks for you:
1. This is a classic example of a grunge look. A pleated black skirt with a belt combined with a striped shirt and a worn-out graphic t-shirt. Army boots and dark smokey makeup add more mystery to the look. It’s very important to pay attention to details like jewelry. You can see the layering of necklaces, which is so typical for grunge.
