The grunge style became popular in the 80s and 90s with the rise of grunge music. Bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains set the tone for a new fashion statement, and with their influence, it captivated a different audience.
Beginner’s Introduction To Grunge Style
If you’ve not been the cool girl your entire life and want to be one now, then we have to tell you that this is the right place for you as a beginner. Here’s all you need to have before stepping into this.
- Tee shirts in all forms; from plain tees to band tees.
- Lots of leather and denim pieces.
- Edgy accessories like chains, studs and zippers preferably in metal details.
- Boots and sneakers.
- Cool crossbody bags.
Styling Tips
- The key to mastering and rocking grunge looks is black. Go for black or dark shades.
- Denim and leather pieces are a must when trying to create a grunge look because they go with everything.
- Wear those cool chains and bracelets that your mom might want to throw out.
- Create a rough badass look with oversized tees or ripped clothes. The sharper your look is, the better it is.
- Wear grunge makeup that is all bold and dark. And keep your hair messy.
- Leggings, lace ripped and patterned tights, flannel shirts or tank tops, boots, leather, and denim will help you create the perfect grunge look.
- Don’t compromise on the quality of your clothes even if grunge style is supposed to be like “homeless.”
Recommended Outfits for Grunge Look
Tops
- Crop tops
- Plaid shirts
- Flannel shirts
- Band tees
- Graphic tees
- Layered tops with a leather jacket
- Dresses in neutral or earthy tones.
Bottoms
- Ripped jeans
- Cut-off denim shorts
- Shorts with sheer tights
- Skirts
- Leather pants
Shoes
- Combat boots
- Ballet slippers
- Converse
- Sneakers
- Doc Martens
- Boots
- Keds
Look Book
↓ 1 – Branded Logo Tees
Grunge followers make it recognise what brands they support, and because of this, it is paramount that you buy brand attire. T-shirts and tank tops with band logos or statements on them are a must-have garment list. Build layers on this by wearing a flannel shirt over the top.
↓ 2 – Stockings with Shorts or Mini Skirts
Stockings are also a must part of grunge dressing scene. Wear them with shorts or mini skirts or with dresses but keep the jackets aloft.
↓ 3 – 90’s Grunge Style
Have you ever thought of when grunge styles stepped in the fashion industry? Well, it was back in the ’80s, and 90’s when music bands were driving people crazy. The original style started with band tees, fishnet, denim, mesh, leather, flannels and camo.
↓ 4 – All Black
↓ 5 – High waist printed pants or denim with tucked-in tees
↓ 6 – Denim Jacket
↓ 7 – All Black for Plus Size Grunge Look
↓ 8 – Tie and Die with Ripped Jeans
Tie and dye is another uncommon sight but looks marvelous when expressing yourselves as this tank top in blue is matched with distressed jeans and grey sneakers. A backpack is a good option if going back to school.
↓ 9 – Black Outfit with Sneakers
Grunge doesn’t mean you cannot dress up in robes or skirts. Just express yourself appropriately. How about this cute black dress? You can style it in your way or by wearing white socks and sneakers with them. For a sweet look, take advantage of silver glittery hair clips and loop earrings. Don’t forget to put on a hot red lipstick, dear grunge girl.
Vestido Valentine Ref.: SP243936 – R$ 133,00
A Skater skirt in gold with a grey cardigan over it and a white one underneath is good for going to a party. Style a silver bag with a black beanie and boots for the perfect combination.
↓ 10 – Kurt Cobain And Courtney Love
↓ 11 – All Black with Doc Martins
IRO Distressed wool sweater – € 132
IRO Anblum belted leather mini skirt € 341
Dr Martens – Farylle – Bottines épaisses en Cuir Avec lancets en Ruban – Noir 195,99 €
↓ 12 – Accessorise Your Outfit
Grunge is all about being swaggy and relaxed rather than decent and elegant. Dress all swaggy in a sleeveless tee with ripped shorts and accessorize your OOTD with metal chains. Oh, wait, grab the denim jacket and throw it over your shoulders. Plug in your headphones and put on black sunglasses. Yeah, there you go.
↓ 13 – White-collared shirt with slit bell-bottom pants and neutral footwear
↓ 14 – Street Style
Have a look at these cute and trendy street-style dresses if you are an all-time grunge being.
↓ 15 – Graphic Tees
↓ 16 – Pearl Jam
17 – Cara Delevinge, the tomboy in the fashion industry, is rocking this grunge look with graphic jeans and a plain white shirt with a navy jacket. Heeled boots and a beanie. You can keep the flannel shirt for later when done with the coat.
↓ 18 – Grunge And Glossy
↓ 19 – Dungaree
↓ 20 – Boho Grunge
Black Soft PU Slim Jacket – US$20.67
↓ 21 – Nirvana
Observe the styling sense of this lady. Ripped-up stockings are her way of self-expression with a low neck top and a bandana in hair. Dark nail color and liner will be needed to complete the picture.
↓ 22 – For Women Above 40
Our Canadian jersey hoodie 68$
↓ 23 – Black Tank Top with Denim Shorts
Again same shorts style but with a twist in the way of a long velvet jacket. Animal print shoulder bag and some braids to tie up your hair in style.
Goddess Dress Ref.: MO9147 R$ 125,00
↓ 24 – Vintage Look
↓ 25. Red and Black
↓ 26. Chunky Shoes
↓ 27. A floral dress (or romper) worn over a white collared blouse
↓ 28. Celebrity Inspired Look – Miranda Kerr
29 – Miley Cyrus
↓ 30. Ema Roberts in Flannel Shirt
↓ 31. Rita Ora
↓ 32. Black and White Combo with Flannel Skirt
As grunge style is derived from a musical genre, band tees are a must in this case. Shirts from the ’90s and ’80s popular bands are perfect for this fashion. Try finding them in used clothing stores rather than having custom-made shirts. Don’t forget to check out these ideas on How to Style a Flannel Shirt.
↓33. 90’s Style Maxi Dress
↓ 34. Leather Pants
↓ 35. Grunge Work Wear
↓ 36. Floral Skirt with Black Tights
↓ 37. Leather Skirt
↓ 38. Grunge Outfit for Plus Size Girls
Did you know a velvet dress could be grunge? Well, check it out! This outfit works for gals of all shapes and sizes and is perfect for the colder seasons… plus, it has an almost goth/spooky vibe to it that would be perfect for October! Great for parties and dates, this black velvet dress is paired with ripped tights, a felt hat, and combat boots. Last but not least, swipe on some dark lipstick and stack some silver necklaces to accessorize.
↓ 39. Oversize Sweater for 80’s Rock Fashion Look
↓ 40. Plaids
Grunge Hairstyles
Whether male or female, the grunge style has an ‘I don’t give a damn’ aura, and so hairstyles are frequently seen clean, but shabby. The best way to achieve this look is not to bother brushing your hair in the morning. Simple. Go for a scruffy chin or shoulder-length hair.
Peeps, why not mess around with different colored hair dyes? These are seen a lot in the grunge scene, and any color is acceptable. You can accessorize with beanies or bandanas if you’re not overly happy about your hair but make sure these are dark or natural colors.
Neon and day-glow are huge no’s in the grunge spectrum. It is usually implied that the grunge look is dirty. This may be so, however, do keep personal hygiene maintained. Dirty and messy does NOT mean unclean.
Grunge Makeup
What even is a grunge look without makeup. Duh, it is a big NO. Bold lips, smokey eyes, and eyeliners are a must. If you are not into the dark makeover, then you can try out soft grunge looks as well. Artwork-inspired makeup has a prominent place in grunge fashion.
If you are an all-time grunge girl, then watch this video for some makeup inspiration.
Best Grunge Bloggers To Follow
Follow these grunge Instagram bloggers for more ideas.
Shop A Few Looks
Buy a similar grunge set
Lace Two Pieces Hollow Out Elastic Long Skirt
Tiger Print Tank Top – $18.99 USD
Women’s Black Modern Biker Leather Jacket – $159.99 USD
Unisex Flip Up Steampunk Sunglasses – $10.99 USD
Buy a similar look here
I like the 8th pic outfit . That is the best grunge look . I’ll probably try that …. Thanks though
why are there cigarettes in the pics?? do I have to smoke to be a cool grunge chick?!?!
Exactly!!!
Nope
Don’t feel presured to smoke to be grunge, once your hooked to an oxegen tank, no one is going to think your cool honey. Plus that’s going to cost you a lot of money over the years, overall don’t try it, it’s bad for health and your pockets.
Having cigarettes in some of the pictures is in no way associated to grunge nor are we promoting it in any way. Hope this clears the misunderstanding 🙂
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends
No!! Smoking doesn’t equal “cool grunge chick”. It really is a bad habit and causes issues.
So, no. Don’t feel pressured to smoke to be “cool”.
Thanks for explaining it so well Asher. Totally agree with you on this.
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.
I’ve got a question, do you have to smoke to be grunge??
No, you don’t.Grunge is about expressing yourself and if you don’t like smoking, how are you going to be you?
No you don’t 🙂
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends
Interesting post, nice job 🙂
Thank you for your feedback, keep visiting.
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.
vary good post
Thank you for your feedback, keep visiting.
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.
why are there cigarettes in the pics??
Why does it make a difference?
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.
Seriously, there was only one picture with a cigarette. Just one not cool to be smoking.
Amazing job! I really enjoyed this article and it helped me get to know the grunge style a bit better.
Thank you for your kind words Asher. Keep visiting
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.