Hey guys, and welcome to day number eight of my 30 Days Blogger Challenge. Today I'm going to talk about my favorite fashion style, which is grunge. Of course, for some fashionistas, grunge fashion may be too outdated, but despite being from other times, grunge awakens the sweet feeling of nostalgia. Let me inform you a bit more about today's subject and tell you about the history and origin of grunge fashion.
The Origins of Grunge as Fashion
The style, as a cultural phenomenon, emerged in the mid-1980s and reached its popularity in the early 1990s. Needless to say, the grunge music genre and bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and others played a crucial role in the formation of grunge as a fashion style, or, better to say, as an anti-fashion movement. Celebrities and music icons such as Kurt Cobain, Dean DeLeo, and Courtney Love popularized this fashion among teenagers from the late '80s and '90s.
Overall, grunge fashion can be characterized as thrifty, sloppy, slightly messy, and distressed. James Truman, an editor of 'Details', specified: “Punk is anti-fashion; it makes a statement, while grunge is about not making a statement, which is why it’s crazy for it to become a fashion statement.” I think these words perfectly describe the whole meaning of grunge, or should I say, the idea without an idea?
Punk fashion, of course, played the biggest role in grunge formation. Just like the early punks, grunge took the usual, everyday clothing and DIYed it to fit the aesthetic. The regular jeans were turned into distressed jeans by ripping and washing the color out. A regular office skirt was turned into a punk skirt with studs and spikes.
90s Grunge Wardrobe Essentials
As with any other particular fashion style, grunge includes a whole lot of different items, which can be considered as ‘essential’ for the look. A typical grunge outfit may include a plaid flannel shirt, tucked into high-waist jeans or loosely covering short denim shorts. It can be based around ripped, distressed jeans, with fishnet stockings seen through the holes. The base element of another look may be a floor-length, flowy dress with spaghetti straps and an alternative print. Black-based floral prints can be used just as often.
The main thing to remember — grunge fashion is all about comfort, loose layers, and androgynous appeal. It is versatile, casual, and affordable. Unlike the romanticism of 80s goths and Generation Z’s brand obsession, grunge is cheap; it isn’t eye-catching, yet it has a universally flattering power.
Another anchor that connects grunge fashion with other subcultural and pop-cultural movements is accessories. Simple beanies, black fedora hats, round glasses, chokers, and an abundant amount of bracelets on both hands. Of course, here, as well, simplicity comes over anything else, yet you can cover all your needs with quantity.
Grunge shoes deserve their own chapter in the great book of grunge fashion. The chunkier the heels of the boots, the better. Heavy, massive, and edgy boots can be alternated with the classic Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers. Wedges seem to be popular as well, yet among the later subcultures like soft and indie grunge.
In the early 2010s, around 2013-2014, grunge as fashion made a colossal comeback via New York Fashion Week. It was a moment when designers shared their latest collections inspired by 1990's boho-chic outfits. Since then, all things grunge reside in our everyday fashion choices. Celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Rihanna, Adam Levine, and Kristen Stewart constantly appear in grunge outfits, and I adore their rebellious looks.
Summarizing...
Grunge is, without a doubt, my favorite fashion style. Of course, it doesn't seek popularity and doesn't want to keep up with the society of consumerism. Therefore, wearing grunge is one of the most approachable ways to make your everyday fashion just a little more complex, without being pretentious. Whether you are a teenager, a fashionista, a casual fashion admirer, or a newbie who is starting to understand fashion and the deep meaning behind fashion as a social construct. And what is your favorite fashion style?
