Grunge aesthetic: How to dress like a grunge girl

Keepin' it dark and sassy 🤘

Grunge aesthetic outfit ideas

by Isabel Martins |
Updated on

Whether it's Kourtney and Travis, MGK and Megan Fox, Green Day teasing a new album, or the return of spiked collars and leather jackets, the vibes for this year are definitely pop-punk and grunge.

Although pop-punk music first hit the scene in the late 1970s with The Ramones (a must-have band tee), and grunge emerged with Nirvana in the early 1990s, both music genres kept growing in popularity and have continued to gain new followers well into the noughties and now.

With the rise of TikTok and the aforementioned #powercouples, it's safe to say that punk and grunge are stronger than ever, with baggy shirts, combat boots, ripped jeans and wrist cuffs becoming all the rage once more. And we can't lie, the aesthetic is to die for. It's officially time to bust out that old flannel shirt from the back of your closet, as well as purchase some new items to complete the look, of course.

If you're stuck on inspiration for your grunge outfits, don't panic (at the disco), we've got you covered with plenty of Insta and TikTok inspo below:

What is grunge style?

The grunge aesthetic is meant to have an "I don't care" look, teamed with a rebel attitude and vibe. Think Kurt Cobain, Drew Barrymore and Gwen Stefani in the '90s, and Lindsay Lohan in Freaky Friday. Urban Dictionary defines it as being "loosely tied in with rock and punk but stands as its own genre of music and style of dress. They just don't care, they throw on whatever."

There are several different types of grunge styles. '90s grunge, which involves skinny jeans and oversized denim coats, soft grunge which is a hybrid of mainstream fashion and grunge, and cute grunge, which sees your outfits a bit more matched and cuter than some of the other styles. Many of them often crossover with gothic styles and e-girl styles.

Essential grunge accessories:

• Flared skirts

• Oversized flannel shirts and t-shirts

• Loose skirts or trousers

• SO many layers

• Graphic tees

• Ripped jeans

• Ripped or fishnet tights

• Lots of heavy silver and black jewellery

Ready to find your favourite grunge outfit? We've got you covered with some of the best grunge clothes from the high street to shop right now.

CHECK IT OUT: Best grunge style clothes from the high street

Gallery

The best grunge aesthetic outfits

Skull t-shirt dress1 of 14

Skull T-shirt Dress

Grunge is all about oversized items, and this skull grey t-shirt perfectly fits the vibe.

Reclaimed Vintage inspired organic cotton hoodie2 of 14

Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Organic Cotton Hoodie

Super comfy graphic hoodies? Yes, please.

organic cotton blend mid rise oversized 'skater' jean3 of 14

Organic Cotton Blend Mid Rise Oversized 'Skater' Jeans

Skater girl vibes, but make it chic.

Romwe Plaid Pleated Chain Skirt4 of 14

Romwe Plaid Pleated Chain Skirt

Tartan style skirt? This gets a big YES from us.

Purple Haze Skater Dress5 of 14

Purple Haze Skater Dress

This is definitely more of a soft grunge look, and tbh we're so here for it.

Motorhead Signature Collection Top6 of 14

Motorhead Signature Collection Top

There's a bit of crossover between heavy metal and grunge, so rep this iconic band in style.

Smiley Hooded sweater7 of 14

Nirvana Smiley Hooded Sweater

Go full grunge and represent one of the bands that helped bring the iconic style to life.

Oversized Shacket In Cream And Black Check8 of 14

Oversized Shacket In Cream And Black Check

Oversized checked flannel shirts are a grunge staple.

Plus 2 In 1 Striped Panel Drop Shoulder Tee9 of 14

Plus 2 In 1 Striped Panel Drop Shoulder Tee

Full-on skater girl/grunge vibes, this would look SO cute with a black flared skirt.

SurmountWay Studded Belt10 of 14

SurmountWay Studded Belt

Large, statement pieces like this chained belt are another grunge aesthetic staple.

Kelsie Black Fishnet Tights11 of 14

Kelsie Black Fishnet Tights

The perfect addition to your flared skirts or baggy ripped jeans.

UO Navy Check Milly Mesh Playsuit12 of 14

UO Navy Check Milly Mesh Playsuit

100 per cent soft grunge vibes. Layer with a baggy flannel shirt and an oversized denim or leather jacket.

Black Sole Stitch Lace Up Chelsea Boots13 of 14

Black Sole Stitch Lace Up Chelsea Boots

Doc Martens (or dupes) are a must when it comes to putting together your grunge outfit.

UO Bella Paisley Burnout Mesh Corset Top14 of 14

UO Bella Paisley Burnout Mesh Corset Top

Cute grunge vibes. It would also look stunning with a baggy shirt - grunge is all about layers, after all.

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