Classic Grunge-style outfits comprise baggy jeans, thrifty shirts, chunky boots, plaid skirts, and flannels in dark colors and with chain accessories.
Over time and under the influence of several subcultures, the Grunge style embraced aesthetics from Punk, Emo, and, more recently, Fairycore.
From dark Grunge to Fairy Grunge, in this article, I have curated some of the most popular Grunge aesthetic outfits you can wear right now.
1. 90sGrunge
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The classic Grunge style remains the ultimate look in the overall stylistic genre, be it in a soft or dark Grunge aesthetic.
Worn by musicians such as Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl, the classic Grunge outfit of the 90s fashion opened the door to future messy chic styles.
When styling classic 90s grunge outfits, opt for oversized dark shirts, grunge-style plaid skirts, ripped jeans, accessories, and army boots.
Moreover, considering that grunge is a word that translates as ‘dirty,’ the more used and faded the clothes, the better.
2. 80s Grunge
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While grunge became a cultural phenomenon in the ’90s, the 80s fashion had its fair share of grunge looks.
A bit more tailored than the following oversized grunge, the ’80s grunge aesthetic is also a great entry point for those new to the style.
To dress like an ’80s grunge, blend in the eclectic glamour of the decade with grunge shirts in dark colors and used fabrics.
3. Grunge Y2K
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The Y2K fashion style has been taking over the runways for the last two seasons, driving a surge in popularity for the Grunge Y2K aesthetic.
To create a compelling Grunge Y2K aesthetic outfit, mix in used clothes in bright pastels with glittering details and trademark accessories of the Y2K aesthetic.
Often sported by Lana Del Rey, Miley Cyrus, and Billie Eilish, the Grunge Y2K trend draws inspiration from the music scene of the 2000s.
4. Grunge Prep
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The post-grunge outfit idea is similar to the ’80s Grunge but with a dash of Preppy style like pleated skirts.
Compared to the darker Grunge outfits described above, the Grunge and Preppy aesthetic has a more colorful look while retaining the Grunge core.
5. Grunge Rock
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Grunge Rock outfits are for those Grunge fans who love the dress like Rock stars.
The aesthetic is similar to the classic 90s Grunge look but with a deeper touch of the trash rock style.
That is ripped jeans, rock band shirts, army-style boots, and accessories, all well-used and fading out.
6. Grunge Indie
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The perfect option for spring and summer, the Grunge Indie outfit is ideal for creating fashion looks that will get you many compliments.
The Grunge Indie aesthetic mixes the edgy look of Grunge with floral patterns of the Indie fashion style and accessories with intricate details.
7. Grunge Goth
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While the Victorian dressing style inspires the classic Goth style with laces, velvet, and corsets, the Grunge Goth aesthetic is slightly more modern.
The Grunge Goth outfit showcases a blend of tailored clothes, tights with dresses, skirts, and lots of rock band accessories.
8. Grunge Punk
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Similar to Grunge Rock, the Grunge Punk aimsto create an eye-catching aesthetic outfit.
The Grunge Punk outfit borrows aesthetic elements such as chains, studs, and plaid or animal print patterns from the British Punk style.
9. Grunge Emo
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The Grunge Emo outfit is a sprout of the Grunge style, which retains its dark roots but mixes with the Emo style‘s brighter colors such as pink, blue, and purple.
Silver hearts, locks, and traditional Grunge accessories in silver are an ideal match for the Grunge Emo aesthetic.
10. Vintage Grunge
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The Vintage Grunge outfit is a modern reinterpretation of the late 60s and early 70s fashion styles.
Marked by eclectics and plenty of details, the Grunge part of this look comes into play thanks to the messiness and looseness of the overall style.
To create a Vintage Grunge outfit, wearing Vintage style garments is OK, as long as they are well-worn and distressed.
11. Grunge Skeleton
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If Goth styles are linked to vampires, Grunge outfits will forever be tied with skeletons.
Putting the look together is easy; mix classic Grunge aesthetic clothes with oversized skeleton shirts or accessories.
12. Grunge Heart
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Filled with small heart details, this isn’t your traditional Valentine’s Day look.
Representative of the Broken Heart club, the Grunge Heart aesthetic is ideal for dramatic lovers.
13. Witchy Grunge
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If Halloween is your favorite holiday, you might as well take it with you year-round.
Creating an almost witchy take on Grunge, this off-shoot of the Grunge style is ideal for adding spookiness to your day.
And if you don’t know where to start, channel your inner Wednesday Adams.
14. Skater Grunge
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With oversized and intentionally unfitted clothing, the skater Grunge outfit is dapper right now.
The aim is to create stylistic chaos while retaining a sense of cohesion.
15. Grunge Anime
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The Grunge Anime outfit is a more recent and unique variation of the classic Grunge cut.
The style is an excellent way to showcase your favorite anime without saying a word.
Many anime lovers wearing Grunge outfits have quotes from favorite shows hidden in jewelry and grunge accessories.
16. Cute Grunge
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With an overall preppier take, cute Grunge outfits combine the classics of plaid with the WASP-y look of crew necks and straight-leg pants with Patterns and colors of Kawaii outfits.
While Kurt Cobain might be rolling over in his grave at the idea of calling this aesthetic Grunge, the cute Grunge clothes remind us of the generation raised on Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars.
17. Dark Grunge
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With sweet influences of nothing aesthetic, the dark Grunge aesthetic is far more sensual and feminine than the new variations of purple and pink grunge aesthetics.
Part of dark aesthetics such as Dark Academia, both dark and black Grunge aesthetics look fantastic with black lace detail tops, velvet touches, and extra bows.
While you can choose from several variations and twists of the dark grunge aesthetic, the most popular style is all-black, worn-out clothes.
18. Soft Grunge
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Worn by Millenials and Gen Z alike, soft girl Grunge is one of the most popular grunge aesthetics right now.
The soft Grunge aesthetic has taken over OOTDs on TikTok and Instagram.
The most popular soft Grunge aesthetics are built from women’s casual clothing in pastel colors and feminine pieces in traditional details.
19. Pink Grunge
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Pink and black are the best color combinations for a sexy outfit.
While Grunge outfits often veer toward dark neutrals, the pink Grunge outfit brings freshness with bright pops of pink.
The pink Grunge outfit stands out thanks to its unexpected softness and cuteness.
Moreover, given that Barbiecore is a trend taking over the internet and the hearts of IRL fashion lovers right now, diving into pink Grunge clothes is a good bet on your fashion sense.
20. Purple Grunge
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Hailed as a color of luxury and royalty in the past – because the dye was hard to obtain – purple is slowly making its way into grunge aesthetic styles.
Moreover, the purple grunge aesthetic goes beyond clothes and translates into dyed purple hair, patterns, details, and accessories.
The purple grunge aesthetic is the best way to add color to your personality for an extra ‘wowing’ effect.
21. Green Grunge
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Earthy, humble, and very underrated, the green Grunge outfit is highly suitable for a perfect mix of cyber fashion silhouettes and modern fabrics.
Add a dash of gold jewelry to your green Grunge look, and you’ve got a killer outfit.
22. Black Grunge
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Like the classic 90s Grunge aesthetic, the black Grunge style focuses on dark colors, oversized tops, army boots, and gothic-style jewelry.
Going hand-in-hand with any Grunge aesthetic outfits, this look is a great jumping-off point for those new to the Grunge style.
23. Blue Grunge
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Blue hair has been a part of the Grunge subculture since the late ’90s.
The color has seeped into Grunge-style clothing in recent years.
The quickest way to add a bit of blue Grunge-ness to your style is via blue hair dye or accessories to the overall look.
24. White Grunge
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White Grunge outfits are trendy now on the opposite stylistic spectrum of the dark and black Grunge aesthetics.
White is a clean, neutral color that can be blended into any look quite well.
However, you want to make sure you don’t go all white and that the clothes you’re going to wear are a bit worn out.
25. Red Grunge
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Blending red and black creates a fiery look that stands out from a mile away.
Since red symbolizes passion, adding this color to your Grunge outfits will draw attention.
26. Yellow Grunge
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Adding yellow to the Grunge aesthetic makes it ten times edgier.
To pull the yellow Grunge look, start with a yellow and black plaid skirt or flannel shirt and pair them with black color accessories and shoes.
27. Neon Grunge
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In recent years, I’ve seen lots of unique Grunge styles emerging.
Neon Grunge is one of them, a look that pairs well with skeleton patterns since many companies create neon skeletons.
compared to rave outfits, the Grunge neon outfit is built on darker basics to confer a stylish pop-rock Grunge overall vibe.
28. Grey Grunge
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A layer up (chromatically) from black and dark Grunge aesthetics, grey Grunge outfits are suitable for those into minimalist styles such as Acubi.
Clean and simplistic, recreating the grey Grunge outfits are easy, requiring contrasting jewelry and mix-matching clothes in grey shades.
29. Pastel Grunge
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If darker colors aren’t your thing, but a grunge aesthetic is something you want to try, leaning towards pastel looks is the way forward.
Playing with the same basics that make up the root of the grunge aesthetic, just in pastel shades, can be a bit more flirty and fun.
30. Fairy Grunge
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What I love about the Fairy Grunge aesthetic (AKA Grunge Fairycore) is the romance and fantasy twist added to the classic style.
Similar to fairy-core or goblin-core, the Fairy Grunge outfit centers around the beauty of the wild, with a blend of comfortable and earthen twists to what you wear.
The overall aesthetic is dark at the core, and the unique corseting and antique-style jewelry highlight the fairy look.
About Grunge Fashion Style
The Grunge fashion style is defined by worn-out, dark, brown, or grey flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and thrift clothing worn in a loose, androgynous manner that de-emphasizes one’s silhouette.
At peak popularity in the 1990s, the Grunge style was the heart of the counterculture movement against mainstream fashion.
What Does Grunge Fashion Symbolize?
In a world where mainstream fashion is limiting and uninspiring, wearing a style based on the Grunge aesthetic is a unique and exciting alternative.
Grunge style offers a refreshing departure from the norm, allowing you to express yourself authentically and without reservation.
Through Grunge aesthetic outfits, you’re making powerful statements showcasing your love for creativity, individuality, and a passion for the unconventional.
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Katherine Saxon
A University of Oxford graduate in Design History, Katherine Saxon is researching arising TikTok cultures from a consumer psychology perspective while covering emerging aesthetics in fashion and beauty for TheVOU, Forbes, Business Insider, and more.
