The late ‘80s and early ’90s saw the emergence of the iconic grunge fashion movement – and now, it’s back! This ’90s-inspired look is experiencing a revival as more and more people find themselves embracing the revolution and style. From plaid flannel, ripped denim, and chunky boots to raw fabrics and laid-back ideals, grunge is making a major comeback in the world of fashion. So, get ready to rock – because the era of grunge fashion is here once again.
1. Unearthing the Revival of Grunge
- Kurt Cobain’s Legacy: The late musician Kurt Cobain deserves much of the credit for the original grunge revival that started in the early 1990s. Cobain’s life was plagued with tragedy, but he still managed to make some wonderful music while inspiring a new wave of alternative rock. Cobain’s Nirvana was the face of grunge and their influence can still be felt today.
- The New Purists: Grunge has evolved since Cobain’s days. Many artists have picked up the grunge torch and crafted their own take on the genre. Today, grunge has moved from its punk and alternative roots to embrace more metallic sounds and influences. Bands like Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, and Alice in Chains are all carrying on Cobain’s legacy in their own way.
- DIY Music: Grunge has regained popularity in part because of its DIY aesthetic. The occasional regional act, or (even better) homemade bedroom record can have just as much impact on the genre as any other record. The progress of technology has allowed bedroom producers to take the time to hone their craft and network with other creatives to find their own audience.
- The Grunge Revival: Grunge has gone through a surprising resurgence in recent years, with a slew of new bands coming onto the scene. These acts have both embraced the sounds of grunge from the past and are forging their own way, with groups like Nirvana-influenced Royal Blood and metallic-tinged Refused leading the way. It’s a thrilling time for fans, as the genre seems to have a new-found energy.
2. Popularizing the Grunge Look
Grunge, one of the most popular fashion trends of the 1990s, made a statement with its anti-establishment style. The trend was popularized mostly by the explosion of music in the Seattle scene, with the bands Nirvana, Sound Garden, Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains leading the charge. Even if you weren’t from Seattle, you could still jump on the bandwagon and get your grunge on!
Here’s how to make it work:
- Choose a staple grunge outfit. T-shirts, ripped jeans, combat boots and plaid shirts were the staples.
- Work on accessorizing. Adding a band tee, chunky rings and a grungy beret, could take your outfit from 0 to 100!
- Style your hair and make-up accordingly. Let your hair be a bit messy and go for an all-black make-up look.
- Don’t forget the attitude! The grunge style was all about having an unapologetic stance of anti-establishment.
The grunge look was great to express an individual’s sense of style. It was an attitude, a statement and an art all its own. A trend that resonated strongly, which everyone could make their own. Although the trend is no longer popular, it’s still remembered for providing people with a creative outlet and a break from trends of the time.
3. Habits and Clothes You Need to Rock the Grunge Style
With the grunge style, you need to master the art of buying and styling haphazardly thrown together outfits. That being said, you don’t need to fill up your closet with plaid shirts and combat boots. It’s all about having the right attitude and picking the right mix of clothes (and habits).
Achieving the Hairstyle
To get the signature grunge hairstyle, you’ll need to let your hair be the star of the show and go wild with it. There’s no specific way to style it. Just add some sea salt spray, a bit of dry shampoo at the roots, and maybe a little bit of hair wax. Mess for a few moments and you’re good to go.
Covering Up in Style: The Essentials
- Plaid shirts, flannels, and printed tees
- Chunky sweaters and comfortable hoodies
- Military and denim jackets
- Ripped jeans, baggy overalls, and leather pants
- Combat and chunky boots
Through this list, you can definitely find something to wear for any occasion. To make your look unique, wear an over-sized shirt with tight fitting jeans, or layer several printed tees. Embrace the freedom of grunge and express yourself in any way.
4. Why Grunge is Still Relevant
In the early 1990s, the genre of grunge famously rose to fame as the music and fashion of many trend-seekers. The genre was often closely associated with Seattle, and was popularized by the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden. Even though grunge isn’t as prominent now as it was back in its fervent heyday, the genre is still relevant.
For one, there is plenty of exceptional new music being made within the genre. New bands like Death Cab for Cutie, Mudhoney, and Foo Fighters are regularly praised for their thoroughly enjoyable grunge tracks. The internet also allows more and more musicians who adhere to the genre’s traditional sound to connect with a broad fanbase.
Additionally, the fashion of grunge remains highly prominent on today’s streets. Many fans still emulate the dress of their favorite bands, even if they have modified them slightly to fit their own stylish sensibilities. For example, many fans shop for secondhand flannel shirts and use them in unique ways or mix them with modern items such as sneakers. As a result, the style of grunge is more alive than ever.
Furthermore, many of the values and struggles that grunge has been symbolic of endure to this day. Mental health awareness, for instance, is one of the core themes of much grunge music. This is a reality that many people still experience in the present day. Grunge is, therefore, something that many people can relate to – and it is here to stay.
5. Go Grunge or Go Home
Grunge is perhaps one of the most iconic musical genres of the 1990s. The term refers to a mainly guitar-driven rock style, characterized by hard-hitting riffs and heavy distortion. It’s often seen as the soundtrack to Generation X and a rebellious statement against all the conventions of the day.
From the chaotic chords of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to the fuzzy sounds of Alice In Chains’ “Would?”, the grunge sound dominated radio stations and record collections alike. These were the anthems that spoke to the discontent of the generation, the sound of a generation raging against the machine.
So, if you’re looking to make a statement or show your knowledge of musical subcultures, there’s no better way to do it than with a little grunge. Here’s what you need to know to get that look and style:
- Clothing: Layer up and opt for flannels, ripped jeans, combat boots, beanies, and denim jackets.
- Hair: Go for a messy and wild look. Geometric haircuts with choppy layers and brightly-coloured dyes look great.
- Makeup: Aim for a pale or smokey look, dramatic dark eyes, and exaggerated black eyeliner.
- Accessories: Don’t forget the choker necklace and a grunge-style bag.
Take a page out of the grunge lookbook this season, and don’t forget to belt out your favourite anthems while you’re at it. Grunge is the epitome of 90s cool – and it’s here to stay.
Grunge is back and ready to take over the fashion world once again. Reimagined for a new generation, we can count on grunge to make a lasting impact on the runways and streetwear scenes. As we’re witnessing the revitalization of the grunge aesthetic, some things remain the same–it continues to celebrate self-expression and individual style.
