How the Grunge Aesthetic Stands the Test of Time (2024)

Over time, the grunge look has spawned numerous manifestations: soft grunge, glam grunge, glam-goth grunge, lumberjack grunge, grunge fairycore, indie-sleaze grunge, indie-punk sleaze grunge, and more. Trendsetters like Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and Gigi Hadid are frequent wearers of ’90s grunge. But more recently, postmillennials like Jenna Ortega, Willow Smith, and Lily-Rose Depp (like father, like daughter) have added their takes to the mix.

“Gen Z has this incredible knack for taking favorite elements of subcultures and aesthetics, then they fuse them together to create something entirely new that feels nostalgic for millennials,” says Sinclair. “It brings a new flavor to the parts of our past that we cherish as our wonder years.”

The current grunge aesthetic is also faintly fetishistic, romantic yet melancholic: mismatching flowy georgette dresses, billowing blouses, and maxiskirts with ruffled trims, hook-and-eye fastenings, and lingerie-inspired inserts. Distressed fabrics that resemble scorched surfaces, aggressive stitching, and seemingly thoughtless cutouts visually paint the youth’s sentiments of frustration and outrage toward lawmakers. “We’re seeing new iterations of horrendous dressing, but it feels much sexier,” adds Sinclair. “But it’s not about sex. It’s about having ownership of one’s body.”

We’re also leaning toward colors that reflect our bond with nature and our gratitude for the imperfect beauty that we all embody. Picture muddy watercolor pastels: misted mauve, faded fennel, sulking-room pink, and puddle. A few brands that have mastered the apocalyptic-teen-angst trend include Blumarine, No/Faith Studios, and Red September.

Grunge is here to stay, at least for now: “We’re seeing a huge creative explosion coming from AI, where we’re going to see grunge take on a more fantastical look that draws on otherworldly inspirations,” says Sinclair. “We’re starting to see this animalistic approach to it and a return to witchy styling.”

As fashion trends ebb and flow, grunge remains timeless, organically adapting to the times while preserving its core essence—proving that, much like its wearers, it flourishes in the craft of reinvention.