Smells like teen spirit. Grunge fashion is back!
Posted by zazza marketing team
The '90s seem never to go away, and just like many trends from that decade, now it's the turn of grunge.
History
By definition, "grunge" refers to something dirty or offensive. The first usage in the music area of this word dates back to the '60s.
Grunge was developed by Generation X, reflecting their frustration with the side effects of the '80s economic upswing. This is why it was mainly fashionable in first-world countries.
Seeing the effects of capitalism and disliking them, young people refused to support societal classes and were annoyed by the idea of human value being defined by money and property. They didn't want to "serve the machine." For them, life was being sacrificed too much for "something pointless like a 9 to 5 job."
Nirvana, grunge's signature band.
And media (TV, movies, music, and fashion) reflected this disagreement and their disdain to collaborate to the status quo.
Keys of grunge fashion
As the word itself says it, grunge is all about seeming unkempt. Messy hair, careless makeup, flannel shirts, vintage items, oversized band shirts or slogans, torn jeans, converse, denim jackets, beanies, bandanas, baggy sweaters, Birkenstocks, and other leather sandals. Riot Grrrls paired floral dresses with combat boots.
Nonetheless, grunge was all about individuality. They wanted to be known for their words and work instead of trying to fit the mold. This way, clothes expressed their philosophy, avoiding chasing commercial trends in an attempt to remove themselves from capitalism.
In the early '90s, grunge fashion leaned towards punk, embracing a rebel persona. Contrasting with the colorful and shiny style of the '80s, grunge had a darker aesthetic: black clothing, mohawks, face and body piercings, tattoos, chains, cut-off sleeves, studded belts, and leather jackets.
Grunge today
Today's grunge fashion isn't too away from its beginnings. Nonetheless, like any trend that comes back, the revival is an imitation while still celebrating its roots.
'90s grunge was about anti-consumerism. Wardrobes were full of shirts bought at rock concerts or second-hand. Grunge was anti-fashion, and this new version echoes this with curated and nostalgic pieces sold by retailers.
But why is it back today? For this, we've to thank Tumblr. Yes, we know it might sound crazy, but the reason behind this makes more sense than you think.
Grunge saw a reincarnation in mid-2010s Tumblr. It was a lighter and even more delicate version, called soft grunge—music, characters, and photos reminded of this movement and fashion. During this time, Tumblr was having its peak of popularity, therefore influencing mid-2010s fashion. The grunge movement was all over this social media.
This year, on January 2, Maria Santa Poggi says it out loud on the Vogue website: "The 2014 Tumblr Girl Is Back". Ripped black thighs, winged eyeliner, Dr. Martens, dark clothes, and a moody and rebellious personality (all symbols of the social media era) are slowly making a comeback.
In the words of Hailie Barber, style influencer: "A lot of key pieces of that style have become a closet staple for millennials and Gen Z. We all still have our denim jackets, Docs, oversized flannels, and fishnets in our closet. This speaks to the trend's longevity and how it plays off different eras in fashion like '90s grunge."
The style is gaining a spotlight thanks to content creators and fashionistas reviving their adolescent aesthetics. Characters like Maeve Wiley from Sex Education and singer Olivia Rodrigo also take inspiration from young, grungy women from almost a decade ago, but with a '2020s twist.
Maeve Wiley from Sex Education.
Wiley is synonymous with fishnets, black opaque tights, dark fringed cowboy leather jackets, dip-dyed pink, or dark chocolate hair, all combined in an alternative look. Meanwhile, Olivia wears chunky platform combat boots or sneakers, punk miniskirts, and experimental updo hairstyles. This creates a more reformed Tumblr girl, not fearing experimenting with colors and early ‘2000s trends.
Olivia Rodrigo.
As previously mentioned, ‘2020s grunge is slightly different from the Tumblr girl and its '90s origin. Berry lipstick shades are swapped for peachy tones, fewer grid patterns, and more checkerboard, straight-leg and boyfriend jeans take the place of ripped skinny jeans, and tennis skirts replace circle/skater skirts.
Like many online shops, Lyst reports that searches for "plaid shirts" grew 200% month-on-month from last month, and demand for chunky knitwear jumped 69% in December.
The movement's original sensation of discontent, detachment and non-conformity is alive more than ever in 2022. The new generation is the leading voice of fights against the power of social networks, climate change, discrimination, gender inequality, and economic crisis.
How to wear it
As an emerging trend, this style is rebaptized as Haute grunge, meaning that checkered shirts and knitted hats are mixed with clothing from luxury brands. These are some key elements for 2022's grunge.
▪ The bowler shirt
Baggy denim, distressed details, and bowler shirts are meant to be combined. The shirt is a little more polished, even being of silk in this new version.
▪ Sparkly all-black
A monochromatic outfit can be finished with statement jewelry and shiny clothes.
▪ Baggy denim
The go-to clothing to embrace this trend. Wear it with oversized shirts and chunky shoes to get the full look.
Zazza Baggy Washed Denim Jeans
▪ Oversized utility wear
Baggy cargo jackets or khaki coveralls. The more layers the better. More is more!
▪ Chain hardware
Not ready to fully embrace the trend? Use bulky hardware such as chain-link jewelry for an edgy outfit.
Zazza Taylor Multi Layered Necklace
Zazza Asa Gothic Punk Plaid Red Skirt
▪ Graphics
If you're tired of the all-black clothing, try colorful graphic tees. You can also tuck them into miniskirts or cargos to get a change from the usual jeans. Don't forget! It must be oversize.
Zazza Emmaline Grunge Brown Graphic Blouse
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