Smells Like Teen Spirit

Grunge is a style that I love and it's one that is very easy to pull off. I think I mentioned it a few posts ago when I was talking about styles from different decades, so, as a said before it all started in the late 80's and then was popular in the 90's. The grunge fashion actually came about because it was the type of clothes that the grunge music artists and fans wore. Grunge music is a genre of rock and it's got an alternative rock sound but with punk influences. The most famous grunge band is probably Nirvana...

The look, like the music, has some punk elements but the overall it is quite different. It's all about 'utility' clothes so that means lots of outerwear and durable fabrics. The clothes should be pretty worn and tatty as the look is a retaliation against the high glamour and gloss of the 80's. 

Here are some grunge inspired editorials...

The grunge look has many key features 

1. DISHEVELED

So this means holes, rips, ladders, patches and LOTS of them. 

For genuine grunge these holes and rips would have just happened overtime as people tended to wear the same outfits all the time. But now you can buy a lot of pre-distressed clothing. You could also look through vintage shops, charity shops or flea markets to look for old clothes that have holes or rips in them, you may even be able to get a discount because of it!

Firetrap

Jonathan Aston

Free People

Asos

2. SHIRTS

Plaid and Denim are best. These are very popular in the grunge look as they are easy to layer over practically anything; a dress, skirt, shorts, tops, trousers...

BDG

APC

Renewal at Urban Outfitters

3. FLOWERY COTTON DRESSES/PLAYSUITS

But they MUST be worn with old combat boots and a baggy, holey cardigan or layered over a long sleeved t-shirt - no traces of femininity wanted! Also should not be too short or tight - the grunge look is all about baggy

All above: Rockit

4. BAGGY KNITS

These are my favourite things as they are comfy, warm and snuggly. Here are some great ones...

Rockit

Cheap Monday

MM6

NEAL by Neal Sperling

Sparkle & Fade

5. TARTAN, PLAID AND CHECKS

These materials are very grungy looking, especially kilts.

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters

Converse

Rockit

The Reformation

6. COMBAT BOOTS AND HIGH TOPS

Dr. Martens

 Converse

Dr Martens by Jean Paul Gaultier

Kurt Cobain Converse

Urban Outfitters

You're shoes should be completely distressed, with mud, scratches and holes. To make the look even more grunge you could scribble on your shoes with permanent market or randomly stick pieces of duct tape on it to look as if you're trying to stop them falling apart.

And if you just want to achieve the grunge look quickly, go role in some dirt.