How To Dress Grunge | By @sadcherrysoda

Today's blog post is written by fellow Shoplooker and blogger, @sadcherrysoda. Check out her Shoplook account here and I'll have a link to her Instagram at the end.

How To Dress Grunge

Before we get into the different key clothing items and accessories that define grunge, let's talk about “what is grunge”?

Grunge was a movement in fashion that emerged during the early 1990s. Icons like Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Jerry Cantrell, Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell and many other musicians from the state of Washington were trailblazers for this fashion movement. Grunge comes hand in hand with the music that those icons made, and the rebellious attitude of that decade. So if you really want to truly understand the origins of grunge, listen to music by Nirvana and Alice In Chains, to get in that “I don’t give a crap” mindset.

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It's safe to say band t-shirts, plaid flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and Doc Martens are some of the staples of this style. However, don't shy away from a distressed sweater or cardigan or jeans with patches. Ultimately, your local thrift store is going to be your friend (when shopping for authentic grunge clothing and accessories). Worn and torn vintage clothes offer an edgy but careless vibe, the perfect embodiment of grunge. As far as accessories are concerned, less is more. Simple black choker necklaces and dark makeup will complete the look. Here are a few examples of authentic grunge outfits (all made by @sadcherrysoda)

________________________________________________________ All the examples I’ve given so far are more on the masculine side of grunge (which encapsulates most of the style). However, as grunge has evolved, there are more feminine (yet equally rebellious) facets and interpretations of this style. Iconic musicians like Kat Bjelland originated this feminine take during the 90s feminist “riot girl” movement. If this version of grunge (commonly referred to as “soft grunge” or “kinderwhore style") is more appealing to you, here are the key elements of that style.

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First off, you’ll need some babydoll dresses. You can look for these in thrift stores, but a more sure bet is shopping at Hot Topic. Fabrics like velvet are ideal, and dark florals also fit the aesthetic. Pair these dresses with chunky boots (or Mary-Janes) fishnet tights and red lipstick and you are set! Here are a few examples of “kinderwhore” or “soft grunge” style.

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Thanks so much, Sadcherrysoda for writing this awesome blog post.

Be sure to check out her Instagram here.

Thanks for reading!