10 Edgy Grunge Outfits That Are So Cool It Hurts (2024)

Given the resurgence of '90s fashion trends, it should come as no surprise that grunge style is back. From slouchy silhouettes to intentionally mismatched prints to flannel shirts as waist accessories, grunge outfits look effortlessly cool while also comfortable — so why not try the throwback aesthetic?

Unlike Y2K style's dreaded low-rise jeans, whale tails, and micro-minis, grunge doesn't demand you expose a ton of skin with every outfit. Layering, playing with plaid, leaning into punk-inspired accessories, and slipping on a pair of combat stomp-around boots are all ways to get grunge while still looking snatched. Best of all, it's a breeze to pull off. Consider working one of these styling cues into your weekly 'fit rotation — and maybe even trying out agrunge beauty lookwhile you're at it.

Ahead, we've rounded up grunge outfits that feel nostalgic but look modern.

Play with Plaid

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Grunge in the '90s took cues from alt-rock culture and, thanks to Nirvana's massive fame at the time, plaid flannel button-downs became synonymous with the aesthetic. You can modernize this grunge-style staple by skipping the shirt and working in the iconic pattern through a jacket,skirt, or matching set.

Add Some Soft Edge

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Warm weather doesn't have to mean the end of your grunge outfit experimentation. An airy sundress paired with combat boots channels the effortlessness and hard edge of grunge in a brunch-approved silhouette.

Layer, Layer, Layer

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Another quintessential grunge style hallmark is adding lots of layers. To get the look, consider layering a shacket over a plaid dress and jeans. Incorporate a mix of muted and brighter colors to accent in all the right places.

Mix N’ Mismatch

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Clashing and contrasting prints and patterns are a tenet of this aesthetic. Remember, grunge istoo cool to care to match. If you don't quite trust your own sense of mismatched taste, try a single piece of clothing like a patchwork skirt or top that combines two different prints.

Work in Pleats

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Grunge outfits don't have to be loud or ostentatious. You can nod to the aesthetic with something as simple as apleated skirt. Plaid is definitely the grungiest option, but any skirt with accordion pleats will do.

Glam It Up

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A T-shirt and ripped jeans combo is perhaps the simplest grunge outfit formula. However, if you're looking to dress it up a bit — sans effort — tie up your tee for an instant crop top, throw on a chain accessory, and finish with some strappy heels. The result is glam grunge.

Embrace School Spirit

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Nothing evokes the OG true '90s grunge aesthetic quite like an oversized flannel tunic under a varsity jacket. To bring this style into the modern age, pair the fit with a pair of heeled boots to give it a bit of va-va-voom.

Go Oversized

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While you certainly don't have to wear an oversized item of clothing to give off grungey vibes, embracing at least one loosely fitted piece definitely helps channel the aesthetic. There's really no way to overdo the oversized element of grunge style, but if you prefer more form-fitting tops, try incorporating a pair of baggycargo pantsor distressed jeans into your look.

Reach for a Graphic Tee

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Wearing the T-shirt of your favorite band or your graphic tee of choice is one part of this grunge ensemble. Rather than complement it with distressed jeans or plaid bottoms, consider a colorful statement skirt instead. The result is a modern take on grunge that's unexpected and refreshing.

Slip Into a Slip Dress

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A slip dress with strategic black lace brings out the softer side of grunge. Throw in some accents like combat boots — with or without tights — and some headgear to stay true to the aesthetic.

10 Edgy Grunge Outfits That Are So Cool It Hurts (2024)

FAQs

What is a grunge look for females? ›

The grunge style starter pack includes soft AF band tees, baggy jeans, silver jewelry, combat boots, studded belts, and oversized zip-up hoodies in shades of black and grey. You can also take inspo from grunge subcategories that have developed over the past decade.

What is soft grunge girl? ›

Soft grunge was based upon the dominant fashion silhouette of the 2010s: high-waisted, tight-fitting trousers or pleated mini skirts with crop tops or t-shirts; while also making use of items common in the 1990s.

How to look 90s grunge? ›

Unlike Y2K style's dreaded low-rise jeans, whale tails, and micro-minis, grunge doesn't demand you expose a ton of skin with every outfit. Layering, playing with plaid, leaning into punk-inspired accessories, and slipping on a pair of combat stomp-around boots are all ways to get grunge while still looking snatched.

What does real grunge look like? ›

Early grunge adopters favored oversized T-shirts, hoodies and layers, ripped jeans, roomy denim jackets, droopy beanies, Vans, and Doc Martens. But the counterculture movement transcended mere aesthetics. Nineties grunge embodied an intentional rejection of mainstream and mall culture.

How to look edgy as a girl? ›

Makeup. The way you wear your makeup can also add an edgy vibe without being Goth. A little smudged black eyeliner on the outer v of your eyelids adds some this-is-from-the-night-before-and-I-woke-up-this-way, but not I-don't-remember-last-night-at-all-and-I-might-have-a-new-last-name. There's a difference.

Who is a grunge girl? ›

A grunge girl is content to just sit around and listen to some good music. She is not typically high strung or obsessive.

What is grunge called now? ›

Post grunge“ is very very loosely based on the original grunge era. The grunge era speaks for itself, bands like Smashing Pumpkins in Nirvana Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, all dominated the airwaves during that time.

What aesthetic is Lana Del Rey? ›

People who identify with the coquette aesthetic on TikTok mimic Lana Del Rey's eyeliner for their makeup looks, which is so distinct to her look. No other musicians this day and age resonate with old aesthetics as much as Lana Del Rey does, and her makeup is an obvious reflection of that.

Why is grunge so cool? ›

Although most grunge bands had disbanded or faded from view by the late 1990s, they influenced modern rock music, as their lyrics brought socially conscious issues into pop culture and added introspection and an exploration of what it means to be true to oneself.

How to look grunge in school? ›

  1. Do not style your hair too much. Grunge hair is usually somewhat messy and un-styled. ...
  2. Choose the right makeup. Like hair, grunge makeup does not require a lot of work. ...
  3. Choose flannel outfits. ...
  4. Select the right footwear. ...
  5. Go for leggings, jeans, and shorts. ...
  6. Dress in dark colors. ...
  7. Layer your clothing. ...
  8. Try band t-shirts.
Feb 4, 2023

Are fishnets grunge? ›

Fishnet stockings

While stockings were an integral part of '90s style, fishnets in particular were the grunge-girl staple.

How to dress like Nirvana? ›

The classic grunge look for men usually consists of a ripped t-shirt, distressed denim jeans, and an oversized flannel shirt. Accessories like Doc Martens boots or Converse sneakers are also essential to complete the look.

Is grunge coming back? ›

The OG urban 90s fashion trend, grunge is being revived in 2023 with full force. Runways across the globe showcased grunge styles in their SS '23 collections. The new take on grunge retains the same angsty temperament of the original trend, but with added polish.

What do grunge people believe in? ›

The grunge subculture is most concerned with social justice and not conforming to the norms of society. The term grunge means dirt. The followers of this subculture liked to wear: flannel shirts, t-shirts with slogans, ripped jeans, and combat boots. Most had an unkempt appearance and dirty hair.

What is considered a grunge style? ›

Grunge fashion is characterized by durable and timeless thrift-store clothing, often worn in a loose, androgynous manner to de-emphasize the silhouette. The style was popularized by music bands Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.

What is the meaning of grunge look? ›

Grunge is the name of a fashion and of a type of music. Grunge fashion involves wearing clothes which look old and untidy.

How would you describe a grunge girl? ›

Women tended to favor slip dresses, flannel shirts, ripped jeans, chokers, and the bell-bottoms/babydoll t-shirt was a popular combination as well. For more feminine, edgy fashion, however, there was also the Kinderwhor* aesthetic, popularized by Courtney Love, who was Kurt Cobain's wife.

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