The grunge look is based on the grunge music scene - it's comfortable, dirty and heavily based on flannel. It first appeared in Seattle in the late 80's and early 90's when bands like Alice in Chains, Nirvana and Pearl Jam were just getting started (having a major impact in the music world). To get a grunge look, you'll need to go to thrift stores, screw up some jeans, and develop a mindset of the I don't care type.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Get dressed
Step 1. Choose the scruffy look
Grunge is characterized by a chaotic look, of I don't care, which combines the punk style with that of working class clothes. If you want to dress grunge, you will have to abandon any value you place on coordinating clothes or looking too clean.
Search the web for photos of the characters or members of the most famous grunge bands, such as Kurt Cobain (But not only), Courtney Love, Layne Staley (from Alice in Chains) etc
Step 2. Go shopping at a thrift store
The grunge style is all about cheap clothes worn without care. Thrift stores are great places to find comfortable, aged second-hand clothing. Look for clothes that are a little big for you. Avoid those with too bright colors, stay on bland colors and black..
Thrift stores are great for finding jeans that can easily tear (see step 4 for more information on jeans). The ones found in these stores are generally a little more worn and with faded colors - both characteristics of a grunge style
Step 3. Invest in flannel
One of the key pieces in any grunge wardrobe is the flannel shirt. Flannel, generally inexpensive, was incorporated into the grunge style in the 90s and continues to be the queen of this style. Look for it in soft, slightly faded colors. Both boys and girls can wear a large flannel shirt over a t-shirt or a long-sleeved shirt.
A classic grunge girl look consists of a loose flannel shirt worn over a black t-shirt and with a babydoll skirt, along with Doc Martens combat boots
Step 4. Wear ripped jens
Even better, make your own and wear them. Ripped jeans are another staple of the grunge style. Remember that aged or broken store-bought jeans look different than the ones you ripped yourself. For a more authentic look, tear off your jeans yourself. Other grunge qualities to look for in jeans are fading, being baggy, and even acid washed ones
-
In the summer, look for (or make your own) some ripped denim shorts.
Dress Grunge Step 4Bullet1
Step 5. Represent your favorite groups
Grunge was born from the marriage of punk style and working class clothing. Because of this pairing, another staple of the grunge look is the t-shirts of your favorite bands. Think of Nirvana (but not only them) Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Mudhoney, Sound Garden, PAW, Hole and other grunge bands.
One important thing to remember - if you want to represent grunge bands (and dress like them) you have to listen to them for real. Listen to classic grunge bands from the late 80's and early 90's - but also check out the grunge scene in your area. Start following a local group, or create your own
Step 6. Dress in layers
As mentioned above, grunge is all about being comfortable and not caring about what you look like. A good way to get a grunge look is to dress in layers. Wear a loose flannel shirt or sweater over a grunge band t-shirt over a long-sleeved shirt (and so on). Another tip to remember - clothes don't have to match that much.
Part 2 of 3: Shoes and Accessories
Step 1. Leave marks on those amphibians
Grungers usually only use lace-up boots and trainers (best for dancing at a grunge show). In particular, military boots like the Doc Martens (or Docs) are an important part of the grunge look. If you find a couple of Docs at the thrift store, that's a great thing.
Step 2. Purchase ankle-high shoes
Other grunge shoes include worn high shoes (like the Converse) and other types of shoes that resemble the Converse, but are cheaper. Again, go to the thrift store to see what you can find.
Step 3. Consider wearing stockings with holes
They won't keep you warm, but ripped socks are an essential part of any grunge women's wardrobe. Pair them with a black baby doll, some big old boots, devil red lipstick and you will be ready.
Step 4. Put on a wool hat (if you like)
Grungers aren't famous for wearing beanies, but wool hats are sometimes seen adorning their heads, on both boys and girls. Avoid those with bright colors (never, for any reason, choose a neon-pink cap)
-
Don't want a hat? Take out a threadbare bandana and wrap it around your head, neck, hair, whatever.
Dress Grunge Step 10Bullet1
Step 5. Don't use too much jewelry
If you really have to, invest in a cool leather bracelet. If you have pierced ears, use simple earrings that don't shine too much. Wearing grunge doesn't mean dressing to impress. You might also think about piercings.
Part 3 of 3: Hair and Makeup
Step 1. Hair should be messy
Like clothes, hair doesn't have to be extravagant. Most grungers are famous for their long, knotted curls that are or aren't dirty (another part of grunge style is not to worry too much about hygiene). Let your hair do what it wants.
Step 2. Grow your hair
As said before, a lot of grungers let the hair do what they want. It means not cutting them and letting them curl or fall straight, it depends on how natural they are. Go to any grunge concert and you will notice that both boys and girls have long hair.
Step 3. Dye or bleach your hair
Some grunge people prefer this look. Let yourself go and try new colors, or leave your hair bleached that white-blonde. When the natural color starts to return, you don't have to rush to dye the roots again. Believe it or not, regrowth dyed hair is a hallmark of the grunge scene.
Think about dyeing your hair with Kool-Aid for a more grunge look. Doing this will save you money on tint
Step 4. Use a lot of eyeliner
If you decide you want to wear makeup, use black mascara and eyeliner. After putting on your makeup, blend the makeup on your face. You should try to look like I-spent-all-night-at-a-grunge-concert-dancing-like-crazy. This means spoiling the makeup a bit.
Some grunge girls like light red or dark burgundy lipsticks
Advice
- They may compliment you on this trend, but you may also receive negative reviews. Not sure, but better be prepared. It's important that you don't care if someone says negative things. You want to be different - act accordingly.
- If you don't want them to call you an imposter, don't just dress like that, act as a grunge! Study the philosophy of the movement. The music. And don't forget the most important part, be yourself!
- Don't spend a lot of money at the mall to buy packaged ripped jeans or have your hair dyed; it really costs too much. Instead, grab a razor blade and use it on your jeans, then let your fingers do the rest.
