Emerging in the 80s at the beginning of Seattle’s rock-music renaissance, the grunge aesthetic didn’t find its popularity until the early 90s, when famous bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam embraced the gritty, raw, and distorted appeal of this iconic style. Rugged jeans, band tees, plenty of plaid and, of course, the much-loved grungy combat boot cemented themselves in fashion history.
The comfort and versatility of grunge boots make them a worthwhile investment for any capsule wardrobe. Whether you choose to shop for new women’s black boots by Melissa or prefer to hunt through vintage stores for the perfect pair of distressed combat boots, they will serve your style well for years to come.
The Perfect Band Tee
Band tees are the epitome of grunge style, effortlessly bringing together comfort and casualness with the perfect touch of rock ‘n roll edge. Whether you want to showcase your favourite band or simply add a touch of rebellion to your outfit, there are countless ways to style this iconic t-shirt.
Pair a vintage band tee with distressed jeans and chunky grunge boots to stay casual and cool, or tuck it into a leather skirt or high-waisted and belted mom jeans for a more polished approach to this edgy trend.
Leather Love
Regardless of your personal style, one of the easiest ways to add edge with a hint of sexiness to any outfit is by incorporating leather in some form. Jackets, pants, skirts and even accessories, like grungy leather combat boots, elevate your outfit with a rebellious vibe. The texture and shine of the material create a beautiful contrast against other materials while adding bold depth.
You can stick to classic black pieces that will never go out of style or push your boundaries with coloured leather. These daring alternatives work best in dark, moody shades, such as ox-blood red, deep blues, olive green, and chocolate brown. For those opposed to wearing genuine leather, faux leather offers a cruelty-free alternative that delivers everything you could possibly want.
Distressed Denim
Grunge fashion and distressed denim go hand in hand. From ripped jeans and frayed denim skirts to the perfectly distressed denim jacket, these popular pieces add a rugged and effortlessly cool tone to any outfit.
The popularity of these pieces is primarily thanks to their immense versatility. They can be dressed up with chic ankle boots and bold jewellery or dressed down with your favourite Nirvana band tee and sneakers or grungy combat boots. As separate pieces, they can be styled outside of their aesthetic, allowing you to step out of your comfort zone whenever you like.
Vintage Appeal
There is a noticeable vintage influence within the grunge style. This nod to the past channels iconic and nostalgic looks from years gone by, giving your outfit a unique edge that is drenched in history. Vintage tees, timeless jeans, worn-in leather combat boots, and oversized flannels your grandfather once rocked offer the perfect retro feel to an aesthetic that owes its popularity to styles of the past.
Vintage clothing can sometimes be challenging to find and costly to purchase. The good news is that mixing and matching pieces from different eras creates a final look that is full of character, interest, and dimension. As long as you stick to the basics of grunge fashion, you will always create a statement.
Layers
When it comes to mastering the art of grunge fashion, it is all about perfecting the skill of layering. The beauty of layering pieces is that they allow you the opportunity to play around with different styles, materials and patterns to create a look that is uniquely yours.
Mix oversized flannel shirts with crop tops and baggy jeans, or pair a leather jacket with a neutral, flowy dress, fishnet tights, and grunge boots to add interest and dimension to an otherwise simple look. Play around with different combinations to find looks you love, and don’t forget the perfect accessories to bring everything together.
Plaid
Plaid is an iconic addition to grunge style and an absolute must-have for any wardrobe. Whether you rock flannel shirts or plaid skirts, this timeless pattern is the perfect representation of the 90s grunge style we all know and love. While white and black will always be a classic choice, experiment with more colour variation for something new.
Pair an oversized plaid shirt with ripped jeans and grunge boots for a classic look, or mix it up by tucking a band tee into a plaid pencil or maxi skirt with a studded black belt and your go-to combat boots.
The Ultimate Accessories
No outfit is complete without accessories. They elevate a look to the next level in ways no clothing garment could ever achieve. Classic stables, such as studded belts, chunky combat boots, fishnet stockings, and bold jewellery choices like chokers, layered necklaces, chunky rings, leather cuff bangles, and plenty of earrings, can deliver a significant impact with minimal effort.
Don’t be afraid to mix different metals and materials or stack pieces for a more eclectic and unique vibe. Adding a beanie or bucket hat, particularly in the winter months, to protect your hair from unexpected rain or snow further enhances the cool factor. The beauty of accessories is that it is completely up to personal preference. Any rules that may exist are there to be broken, allowing you to take your style from good to unforgettable.
