collage with different grunge outfits

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 Of course, for some fashionistas grunge fashion may be too outdated, but, despite being from other times, grunge awakens the sweet feeling of nostalgia.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 on 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 merged 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 popularized like Kurt Cobain, Dean DeLeo and Courtney Love popularized this fashion among teenagers from the late '80s and '90s.

a photo of Kendall Jenner wearing grunge outfit.
Kendall Jenner

Overall, grunge fashion can be characterized as thrifty, sloppy, slightly messy, and distressed. James Truman, an editor of the '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 by ripping and washing the color out. A regular office skirt was turned into a punk skirt with studs and spikes.

a woman in a black alternative outfit

90s Grunge Wardeobe 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 the high-waist jeans or loosely cover the short denim shorts. It can be based around the ripped, distressed jeans, with fishnet stockings seen through the holes. The base element of another look maybe a floor-length flowy dress with spaghetti straps and an alternative print. Though black-based floral prints can be used just as often.

The main thing to remember — grunge fashion is all about comfort, loose layers, 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 has a universally flattering power.

a photo of KGwen STefani wearing grunge outfit.
Gwen Stefani


Another anchor that connects grunge fashion with other subcultural, and pop-cultural movements are accessories. Simple beanies, black fedora hats, round glasses, chokers, and an abundant amount of bracelets on both hands. Of course, here, as well, the simplicity comes over anything else, yet you can cover all your needs with the 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.

a photo of KGwen STefani wearing grunge outfit.
Cara Delevingne

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.

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, fashionista, casual fashion admirer, or a newbie who starts to understand fashion and the deep meaning behind fashion as a social construct. And what is your favorite fashion style?

Lots of love,
Liz