The “Grunge” Look

With the influx of popularity of 90’s bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, it’s no surprise that the most popular style of the 90’s, grunge, is making a comeback as well.  Every twenty years or so certain styles begin to cycle back into mainstream society and with the 90’s twenty years behind us, it seemed inevitable that grunge would make a comeback.  The “grunge” look is characterized by dark or neutral colors, as well as items you would typically find at thrift stores like flannels and army jackets.  While this may sound unappealing to some, with a little effort, these pieces of clothing can be turned into a fashionable, every day outfit.

 

The most commonly associated article of clothing with grunge is the flannel.  Flannels come in all colors, usually with a checkered or plaid pattern.  To achieve a grunge look, flannels can be worn multiple ways. This includes: tied around your waist, as a cardigan, or even as a dress.  Flannels are typically worn larger than your regular shirts, so don’t be surprised if they seem a little long.  Forever 21 has lots of cute, inexpensive flannels like the ones shown here.

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2000138255&VariantID

 

Flannels can be paired with a wide variety of clothing including jeans, skirts, or my personal favorite –the t-shirt dress.  A t-shirt dress is just like it sounds, a t-shirt that is long enough to be a dress.  You can wear the dress with the flannel over it to give the whole outfit a flowy look, or you can put a belt around your waist to add some shape instead of just the straight up and down t-shirt (image shown below). T-shirt dresses are available at many stores, but the best quality and least expensive ones I have found are from H&M.

http://www.hm.com/us/product/47524?article=47524-A&cm_mmc=pla-_-us-_-ladies_tops_short_sleeved-_-47524&gclid=CIvN27_S9cACFY9cMgod1G0AYg

 

While old dirty Converse are grunge, combat boots are another option that are taking over the fashion industry.  Combat boots, like Doc Marten’s, are a little on the pricey side but well worth the investment.  They come in a variety of patterns and colors and look awesome paired with leggings and a flannel.  Classic black combat boots go with everything. Because of their rise in popularity, they are available in many different price ranges at a variety of stores. I own a pair of Madden Girl boots from Journey’s (which were fairly inexpensive) and they have lasted me three years!

http://www.journeys.com/product.aspx?id=197850&h=Journeys/-combat-boots

 

Combine these items together and add accessories like a crystal necklace, paint your nails matte black, throw your hair up in a high ponytail and get ready to take on campus with your newly completed grunge look.