Is the ’90s grunge revival on your radar, but you’re unsure where to start? This is your ultimate guide to achieving a stunning grunge aesthetic. We’ll cover everything from your hairstyle to your footwear. Learn how to embrace grunge fashion while maintaining a sophisticated edge. Discover inspiring grunge outfit ideas and simple tips for perfecting the grunge hair and makeup look.
What is Grunge Style?
Grunge fashion exploded in the early 1990s. Indie rock icons like Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam spearheaded the movement. These stars, despite their fame, shunned designer clothes. They embraced the “uniform” of struggling artists. This included thrift store flannel shirts, worn-out Converse sneakers, ripped jeans, and oversized cardigans.
Grunge’s “anti-fashion” stance faced a turning point. In 1992, Marc Jacobs brought grunge to high fashion. He dressed top ’90s supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell in grunge attire for Perry Ellis. Think beanies, boots, and plaid everywhere. This bold move cost him his job. However, he won the CFDA’s Designer of the Year Award. The rest, as they say, is history.
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The ’90s Grunge Look Comeback
Fashion trends are cyclical, and plaid’s resurgence proves it. In recent years, designers, celebrities, and street style icons have embraced plaid wholeheartedly. Today’s grunge aesthetic blends a nonchalant, effortlessly cool attitude with subtle allure. This comfortable style, often featuring a plaid shirt tied around the waist, ensures you stay warm and comfortable while exploring the city.
What are the perks for you? Forget those long hours deciding if that shirt matches that skirt (it doesn’t? Great!). Plus, those runs in your stockings will now seem like a deliberate fashion choice. Need we elaborate further?
’90s Grunge Style Icons
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Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana’s iconic leader, continues to be a major style influence in 2025. His unique “thrift store” look ranged from old-fashioned dresses to a worn green cardigan. That famous cardigan, with its original burn mark, fetched $137,500 at a 2015 auction.
River Phoenix
River Phoenix wasn’t just a supremely talented young actor of the 20th century. He was also a dedicated animal rights activist, earning humanitarian awards. Beyond that, he was a style icon, particularly for the tartan shirt. He offered a refined take on grunge, often pairing his shirts with vintage blazers instead of worn-out cardigans. His style remains influential even in 2025.
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Kate Moss
Fashion icon Kate Phelan pinpointed Kate Moss’s 1993 Vogue cover as grunge’s defining moment. She recalled photographer Corinne Day arriving with a “bin liner” filled with “rags.” The atmosphere was unique, filled with Nirvana, psychedelic music, and Stone Roses. It was “unglamorous, but so interesting.” Kate’s relationship with Johnny Depp in 1994, reminiscent of an Ed Wood film, solidified her status as the ultimate grunge queen of the 90s.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore, the one-time child star from E.T., perfectly captured the ’90s grunge aesthetic during her rebellious phase. She effortlessly rocked everything from baggy double denim outfits to that iconic satin slip dress. Some might say she even outshone Courtney Love in her own signature style. Barrymore consistently delivered unforgettable looks.
Winona Ryder
Winona’s iconic style shifted dramatically. She traded ’80s prom dresses for a signature look. This included mom jeans, band tees, boots, and a biker jacket. This transformation cemented her status as a ’90s grunge fashion icon.
How to Get the Grunge Look?
Eager to achieve a grunge aesthetic while maintaining healthy hair? Discover the secrets without sacrificing your favorite conditioner! Keep reading for the ultimate guide.
Grunge Hair
A major perk of the grunge aesthetic? You can totally embrace “festival” hairstyles whenever you want.
Channel Frances Bean Cobain’s iconic style! Embrace her grunge vibe, inspired by her parents. Recreate her look with a grown-out pink dip dye. Messy pigtails or double buns are optional! Try Bleach London’s temporary Rose or Violet Skies color. It lasts 2-10 washes. For less mess, try their Hair Crayons. Note: Non-blondes might need to pre-lighten their hair.
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Ready for a bold change? The undercut remains a top grunge hairstyle choice for modern women in 2025. Opt for a subtle version, and you can easily style it into a professional center part when needed. It’s a smart and versatile look.
Hair a few days old and no time or desire to wash it? It’s bandana time! Or, if you’re truly committed to that ’90s vibe, grab a scrunchie…
Grunge Makeup
Grunge hairstyles embrace a relaxed, effortless vibe. However, grunge makeup is all about making a bold statement. The key is a striking lip color. Explore shades from chocolate brown and cherry red to deep plum. MAC offers a wide range of options. While tempting, avoid using pure black lipstick.
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Get ready to be thrilled! This is your opportunity to defy beauty norms. Pair a bold lip color with a smoky eye. Stick to classic browns and blacks, or dare to use reds and pinks. Don’t worry about perfect mascara application; a little clumping is fine. Forget flawless eyeliner wings. A good kohl pencil is key. Remember, smudged is the new perfect.
Achieving this bold eye and lip look requires flawless skin that appears natural. Ditch heavy contouring and baking for a light blush. However, don’t skip the foundation for a smooth base.
Grunge Shoes
Not ready for a total grunge makeover? No problem! Begin subtly with some edgy footwear. Grunge shoes generally fall into four key styles. The best part? You can pair them with almost anything to instantly add a grunge vibe to your look.
Worker Boots
Dr. Martens remain a timeless choice. Explore unique patterns and vibrant colors to elevate your style in 2025.
Canvas Trainers
Whether you prefer hi-tops or lo-tops, classic white or bold prints, Converse remains a top choice in 2025. Embrace those scuffs – they add to the story!
Creepers
The flatform creeper, a staple of London’s 1970s punk scene, continues to resonate with each new wave of “anti-fashion” enthusiasts. Discovering a creeper hi-top? Consider it a grunge footwear treasure.
Chunky Sandals
Ready to show off your pedicure? Then grab some sturdy sandals! Chunky, tractor-style soles are trending now. Ditch the peep-toe pumps; they’re outdated.
Modern Grunge Outfits
Want to try the grunge look? Need some outfit inspiration? You’re in the perfect spot!
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Ditch your usual tee and skinnies! Try a crop top with mom jeans instead. Grab an oversized plaid shirt too. Wear it like Kendall Jenner for layers, or tie it around your waist like Willow Smith. Instantly achieve that cool grunge vibe.
Not feeling the classic lumberjack vibe? Opt for a chic, longline sleeveless shirt dress instead.
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Unsure what to wear? Layering is your answer. A plaid shirt is a timeless style essential. Expand your options beyond that. Consider a kimono instead of flannel. Try a lace bralette over a simple t-shirt. Don’t hesitate to mix and match patterns and textures for a unique look.
Embrace the grunge dress trend! Transform any feminine dress into a cool, edgy outfit with strategic layering. Add a choker and your go-to Converse sneakers or Doc Martens for a complete 2025-ready look.
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That old band tee in your closet? Still wearable! Embrace a modern groupie vibe. Skip the jeans. Instead, choose cut-offs, dungarees, or bold striped pants for a unique look. Add statement shoes and a rock star fedora. This updates the classic Converse and beanie style.
