The 90's are back again and with more attitude than ever. With dramatic smoky liner and ruffled hair, the decade embodied the anti-capitalist “dressing down” vibe, taking advantage of thrift stores and vintage trends. Seeing the grunge look live on in 2023 calls us back to a more sustainable time for fashion, with a focus on effortless edge instead of racing to keep up with the newest fad. You can still spot leather mini skirts lining the shelves of popular clothing shops today, but the beauty of grunge fashion is that, at its core, it takes a stand against consumerism. Making the most of the clothes you have and buying secondhand is a rule of thumb here. If you’re looking for a more eco-conscious style or channelling 90's icons like many young consumers, it’s time to dig up your old Nirvana t-shirt. Here are Manic's favourite wardrobe pieces to wear for the 90's grunge revival:
1. Leather Jackets
The first item on our list is maybe the most iconic - leather jackets are synonymous with the 90s underground fashion scene. Well-loved by style enthusiasts of all ages, the grunge movement spun a 60's rocker look into a moodier, casual statement. For an authentic grunge look, pair this favourite with chunky boots and lots of eyeliner.
2. Distressed Jeans
A staple for any true 90's outfit ripped denim is a memorable statement piece. These jeans were very popular in the alternative rock scene, which brought this controversial look into the
mainstream with singers like Kurt Cobain. To personalize your denim, sew mismatched patches over the knees to mimic this rock star’s look.
3. Flannel Shirts
Another iconic item from the 90's, the flannel shirt, is a cozy and comfortable take on grunge
fashion. Easily thrown on in the morning, it embodies grunge’s laid-back approach to dressing up, making it arguably the most accessible item in any grunge wardrobe. Go for an oversized fit and deep purple tones to match this look.
4. Chokers
As the most loved accessory from the 90's grunge trend, chokers made their way into Y2K
fashion and stayed popular for years. Being versatile, they can be worn with a lacy dress or a
vintage tee. With another wave of 90's trends on the rise, bring back the original look with a dark choker worn with any tee or a plaid shirt.
5. Waistcoats
Grunge can be semi-formal, too. Pair a waistcoat with baggy pants and chained jewellery to
elevate your look into business casual with an alternative edge. If you’d prefer to dress up the grunge further, a waistcoat fits nicely with a leather miniskirt and a swept-back updo.
6. Combat Boots
Perfect for rocking out in, these chunky boots work with almost any grunge-inspired outfit.
These shoes were made popular by Riot Grrrls, alternative rock artists who made their political statements with their wardrobe as well as their music. Wear your vintage docs with
denim for a standard look, or go bold and create an ensemble with a sweet slip dress and your trusty leather jacket.
7. Band Tees
For the “I just rolled out of bed” look, you can't go wrong with a band t-shirt. One of the most loved pieces from this subculture, this second-hand tour merch can be made casual or punk rock depending on what you style it with. Its versatility makes it a must-have on our list!
8. Slip Dresses
The most feminine look on the list, slip dresses were a cutesy take on the grunge trend. Worn under a heavy jacket or alone, Hollywood’s sweethearts loved them throughout the 90's. For the grunge look, go for a deep jewel tone or the classic little black dress.
The return of 90's grunge demonstrates our growing interest in sustainable fashion, with our
focus turning to secondhand stores instead of fast fashion retailers. Embracing vintage styles
gives the power back to the consumer and de-emphasises the influence of micro-trends,
allowing us to get more out of our clothes and dress truer to our individual styles. Whether
you’re a newcomer to the grunge subculture or unabashedly returning to the trend, these styles can be tailor-made for you.
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