90s looks are back in style and that includes grunge. A few things come to mind when people think of the word grunge: black clothes, flannel shirts and rock bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Grunge music and subculture emerged in the late 1980s from the underground rock music scene of America’s northwest, in particular Seattle, Washington. These rockers’ rough-around-the-edges aesthetic was a rebuke of the flashy excess of bands in the 80s. Musicians like Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain wore everyday clothes and thrift-store finds to performances, such as ripped jeans, band tees, oversized sweaters, granny cardigans, sneakers and lumberjack wear like flannel shirts and combat boots.
As grunge music hit the mainstream in the early 90s, the grunge aesthetic became hugely popular too. Unlike other fashion trends, the 90s grunge aesthetic has a distinctive nonchalant vibe that leans towards a dark and monochromatic palette. However, grunge fashion is more than just wearing baggy black pieces from head to toe.
Grunge Outfits for Men & Women
Grunge fashion has come a long way. Grunge style may have begun as an anti-fashion statement, but it eventually turned into a trend that let men and women embrace the edgy and rebellious aesthetic.
When grunge became a cultural phenomenon in the 90s, it had a huge impact on fashion. For example, Marc Jacob’s first grunge-inspired collection for Perry Ellis in 1992 featured models in plaid shirts, vintage-print maxi dresses, tartan skirts, silk flannel shirts, combat boots and knit beanies. Although the collection was critically panned at the time, the show was a seminal moment in the fashion industry as it was the first time a fashion designer brought grunge elements to high fashion. Jacobs relaunched 26 looks from that iconic collection as Redux Grunge in 2018.
Variations on Grunge Fashion – Soft Grunge and Fairy Grunge
Soft grunge, or pastel grunge, is a less gritty take on grunge style. The soft grunge aesthetic blends more feminine elements, such as pleated skirts, floral patterns and pastel colors, with grunge fashion pieces for a softer but still edgy look. A soft grunge outfit is perfect for anyone who wants to go grunge without reworking their entire wardrobe. To easily achieve a soft grunge look, simply combine essential elements of the grunge aesthetic with existing pieces you already own.
Grunge clothing is an extreme opposite to what we're mostly known for: KPop Clothing and KPop Outfits. Another popular style we carry is the Preppy look; but that's another style entirely!
If you’re in a more experimental mood, explore TikTok’s fairy grunge trend which combines grunge and fairycore aesthetic clothes. Fans of fairy grunge don pieces like corsets, flowy peasant skirts, leg warmers and lace items in mostly neutral and earthy tones.
Before creating a grunge look, it’s important to know the essential pieces you’ll need to incorporate into your ensemble. Classic grunge style staples include flannel shirts, platform boots, ripped jeans, leather biker jackets, chunky silver accessories, plaid items and oversized pieces. There is a lot of layering involved when putting together a grunge look, so don’t worry if the designs clash.
Grunge Fashion Must-Haves
Flannel Shirts
The key to creating a foolproof grunge-inspired look is strategic layering. A flannel shirt is a fundamental piece you’ll need to rock a grunge look. Flannel shirts are versatile everyday staples that can help you achieve any type of edgy street style, be it punk or grunge. For classic 90s grunge energy, make sure the flannel shirt is oversized, and team it with a band tee and baggy jeans. To go extra, wear your flannel shirt underneath a faux leather jacket, or tie the shirt around your waist to give your look a laid-back 90s vibe.
Ripped Jeans
Loose-fit ripped jeans are quintessential grunge outfit essentials. If you’re looking to embrace the resurgence of grunge fashion, it’s time to invest in a pair of baggy jeans with distressed details. In line with the relaxed theme while amping up the grunge aesthetic, wear the denims with an oversized tee and chunky shoes.
Plaid Pieces
We can't talk about grunge without mentioning plaids, a go-to pattern of the 90s present in everything from oversized shirts to preppy style pleated mini skirts to trousers. This print is trending again as many celebrities, like Kristen Stewart and Haley Baldwin, have been spotted mixing plaid pieces with luxury fashion or low-key wardrobe staples.
Pop-punk legend Avril Lavigne is often seen in a classic plaid pleated mini skirt or plaid pants in her favorite black and hot pink color palette alongside statement-making dark makeup. Easily recreate the singer’s outfit by opting for a plaid co-ord set that includes a bustier top and preppy pleated mini skirt. Wear the duo with fishnet stockings to fully channel your inner rebellious spirit. For a more tomboyish look, pair plaid trousers with an oversized hoodie.
Oversized Clothing
Other key elements of grunge fashion include oversized pieces and baggy silhouettes. Take styling cues from the queen of oversized fashion Billie Eilish and include slouchy pieces in your lineup. Her go-to style includes an oversized graphic tee paired with baggy trousers or sweatpants. For footwear, she often wears chunky platform sneakers for relaxed vibes.
Platform Boots
We’ve seen platform boots everywhere recently, proving that these boots are more versatile than you think! Celebrity power couple Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker have appeared together in mostly black outfits that embrace a full-on grunge aesthetic, with Kardashian sporting a black pair of platform boots. Singer Olivia Rodrigo also loves combining Y2K preppy and grunge pieces together. She often wears statement shoes in the form of lace-up knee-high platform boots for a boost in height and grungy, futuristic edge. These fashion icons show that high platform shoes are great for making an edgy entrance. Cop a pair to instantly take your outfit to another level!
Chunky Silver Accessories
A grunge ‘fit won’t be complete without some chunky silver accessories, so add some silver accessories to your grunge ensemble. If you don’t feel like going full grunge, consider incorporating heavy-duty statement accessories into your outfit instead. Introduce chain-link jewelry like layered necklaces or earrings into your everyday rotation to add edgy vibes to your OOTD.
For more grunge-inspired clothes and accessories, check out YesStyle’s wide selection of fashion brands to help you complete a grunge outfit.
