Grunge fashion originating from the 80s was a combination of punk style clothing and practical outdoor wear. Punk has always been anti-establishment and so displayed many of the Grunge ideals. Durable but cheap cloth was the backbone of Grunge clothing (this way it didn’t matter if you accidentally put a cigarette hole in a shirt or if a friend decides to permanently borrow a dress). Often this clothing was worn for years so holes became part of the Grunge Fashion look.
Todays Grunge Fashion look
The Little Grunge Dress of Proenza Schouler – Fall 2010By far, the simplest way to add grunge fashion to your wardrobe is with the LGD or “Little Grunge Dress”.
The “Little Grunge Dress” typifies the babydoll-style fitted top and flared skirt. Try one in a floral print.
Many LGD’s I have seen have button fronts, corset backs, and lace fabric so there are good styled out there.
Try pairing your LGD with some Doc Martens, and ripped tights for a that 90s retro look.
Grunge Fashion On The Runway
The initial Grunge designer, Marc Jacobs, displayed slouchy trousers, work boots and plaid for his autumn/winter 2006 show.
Alexander Wang captured a touch of grunge with stocking caps, denim and ripped tights in his spring/summer collection 2008.
But no one captured the Grunge feel better than designer, J.W. Anderson, with his autumn/winter 2010 collection. Boots, plaid, belt necklaces and ripped jeans all featured to bring grunge clothing back to the runways.
J. W. Anderson winter 2010 Grunge lookHow to get the Grunge Fashion Look
The perfect grunge look has at least 3 layers on top (from the waist up) and 2 layers from the waist down.
For example, you could wear a pair of long johns under a grungy t-shirt with an unbuttoned flannel shirt and a ripped denim jacket. The bottom layer is long johns and ripped denim jeans (2). The top half is long johns, t-shirts, flannel, denim jacket (at least 3).
Grunge Fashion Makeup
Mary Kate Olsen brings the runway to the street with this grunge style.
Classic Grunge Bobydoll dressLayering clothes is an important part of grunge. If you live in a warm to hot area, layering a couple of t-shirts over each other in a noticeable way is a good alternative.
Flannel shirts were a huge part of the grunge look due to it’s warmth (Grunge comes from cold Seattle) and cheapness. If flannel isn’t your thing then wear any shirt you feel comfortable in however, avoid bright, bold colors. Another alternative is to wear a band t-shirt (Pearl Jam, Nirvana, etc.) over a long-sleeved shirt.
Ripped denim. Pale, stonewashed denim jackets and jeans with a few well placed tears is perfect for grunge fashion. Go crazy with your jeans ; add patches, tears, rips, sew on random fabrics, color or personalize them with fabric markers and so on.
Wear Doc Martens, Chuck Taylors, Skate Shoe or any other boots as long as they look grungy.
Elle Fanning showing off her new grunge fashion lookLoose fitting or Baggy clothes were important. Definitely no skinny fit or drainpipe jeans. Grunge was never meant to look shop bought. They should look like something you found in a thrift shop ( not quite your size but it will do)
Cardigans and jumpers. Large knit cardigans were a popular grunge fashion choice. With the addition of a few holes here and there, the humble cardigan or baggy jumper were perfect for grunge.
Hoodies. How could we get this far without mentioning the famous Hoodie? Thin Hoodies were often worn under other shirts or a thick Hoodie was worn over the top and then often covered with a cardigan.
Just remember – There is no real set rules to Grunge fashion, just wear what feels right.
Is Mary Kate Olsen the new grunge Queen?Other great Grunge Fashion sites of interest
- Grunge Fashion – A good blog about grunge and punk
- Grunge Fashion Term – The Urban Dictionaries definition of Grunge
- Another short page about Grunge Fashion
- Grunge Fashion – Wikipedia’s description of Grunge
