In the Rhythm of Grunge Part 1: What is the grunge style and how to create a rebellious look?

Seattle, the '90s, and the Birth of a Subculture

When the mid-'80s were dominated by wild hairstyles, makeup, and the glitz of glam metal, in the Northwest Coast of the United States, in rainy Seattle, something completely different was being born. It was a raw, dirty, apathetic, and angry sound that quickly became known as grunge. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, and Alice in Chains, which emerged from the local scene, created music that combined the energy of punk with the heaviness of heavy metal and melancholic introspection. This music was the cry of a generation that felt marginalized, deprived of prospects, and disillusioned. world.

A natural extension of this music was the grunge style.It wasn't a style carefully designed by fashion houses. It was rather an anti-style that grew out of poverty, a lack of ambition, and a sense of rebellion. Young people, often from the working class, wore clothes that They were practical, cheap, and comfortable, and at the same time, they reflected their state of mind. The rebellion in grunge wasn't as aggressive as in punk; it was more passive, cynical, and resigned. It was a rebellion against fashion itself, against consumerism and the ideal of the perfect image. Today's lesson from the "In the Rhythm of Grunge" series will allow us to explore this fascinating aesthetic, learn its principles, and learn how to create a rebellious grunge look. What is Grunge Style? Philosophy and Main Assumptions

Grunge style is a manifestation of ease, nonchalance, and a total disregard for appearance. It is a style that celebrates imperfection and authenticity, rejecting everything that is artificial, expensive, and exaggerated. The main assumptions of the grunge style are:

1. Anti-fashion: Grunge is a reaction to the excessive glitz of the 80s, with its great Hairstyles, bright colors, and designer clothes. The goal was to look bad enough to be good, or better yet, not to pay attention to appearance at all.

2. Layering: Key principle. Clothes are worn in layers, often in a way that appears haphazard and disorganized. A T-shirt under a shirt, a sweatshirt or jacket over it, and a flannel shirt tied at the waist. All of this was intended to create the impression that the clothes were pulled from the closet in a hurry.

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4. Authenticity and Imperfection: Clothes were meant to look worn, faded, torn, and damaged. This symbolized apathy, a lack of interest in the world, and a rejection of perfection. p> li>

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   Anatomy of Grunge Style: Key Elements Wardrobe

   Building a rebellious grunge look relies on a few key, easy-to-find elements.

   1. Plaid Flannel Shirt:

      • Grunge Icon: This is an element that is immediately associated with the grunge style. A thick, plaid flannel shirt, usually in shades of red, black, green, navy, or brown.

      • Ways to wear: Worn in many ways – unbuttoned over a grunge t-shirt, tied at the waist (which is probably the most iconic way), or as a layer under a jacket. The way it is worn is to look casual and effortless.

      • Authenticity: The perfect grunge flannel shirt looks old, washed out, slightly pilled, and worn.

   2. Grunge T-shirt:

      • Basic Style: The grunge T-shirt is the base, on which subsequent layers are applied.

      • Prints: Most often, these are prints of grunge or rock bands (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, L7, Melvins, Sonic Youth). The graphics are often aged, appearing washed out or cracked. In addition, they can also be prints with grunge motifs and non-conformist slogans.

      • Design and material: Loose, cotton, often washed out and torn. Holes, abrasions, and frayed edges are most desirable.

      • Colors: Dominant colors are black, white, faded gray or aged, dark colors.

   3. Grunge Style Skirt (and Red Skirt) Riot):

      • References to punk: Short tartan skirts, often worn with thick, torn tights or black leggings. This is a direct reference to punk fashion, which grunge partially absorbed.

      • Red Riot Skirt: This is a specific item that has become an icon grunge thanks to the band L7 and their Riot Grrrl feminism. It's a short red plaid skirt that symbolizes rebellion and female power in the subculture. Wearing it is a manifestation of rebellion and independence.

      • Other styles: Denim skirts, faded and frayed, also fit perfectly into the grunge style.

   4. Washed, Ripped Jeans:

      • Fit: Loose, straight or skinny jeans. We avoid fitted styles that are too "trendy."

      • Condition: They must look worn. Holes at the knees, abrasions on the thighs, frayed hems are absolutely crucial. We don't buy ready-made, ripped jeans - it's best to have them look naturally worn, from being worn.

      • Colors: Classic washed jeans, dark navy blue or black.

   5. Grunge Style Blouse:

      • Cut: Loose, often oversized, with long sleeves. It can be a classic grunge style blouse with stripes, in faded colors, with an uneven hem, torn or with patches.

      • Material: Thin cotton or knit.

      • Layering: Perfect for wearing over a grunge t-shirt or under a flannel shirt. Can also be worn on its own.

   6. Sweater:

      • Oversized and damaged: Large, too large, damaged sweater, often pilled or with holes. Ideally, it looks like it came straight from your grandfather's closet.

      • Colors: Subdued colors, grays, browns, blacks, washed-out beige.

   7. Jackets and Coats:

      • Denim Jacket: Washed-out, worn-out, oversized. Often with band patches.

      • Leather Jacket: A simple, black, worn biker jacket, without excessive embellishments.

      • "Work Coat": A simple, long, dark coat, that looks worn and practical.

   Footwear: With Feet Firmly on the Ground

   Grunge-style footwear is simple, practical, and above all, heavy.

   • Combat Boots (Dr. Martens): These are iconic shoes that perfectly fit the grunge aesthetic. Heavy, leather combat boots, often worn, that look like they've been through a lot.

   • Sneakers (Converse): Classic, black or white sneakers, necessarily worn out, dirty, unglued. This is another symbol of nonchalance and ease.

   • Simple, leather, lace-up boots that look practical and durable.

   Hair and Makeup: Raw Authenticity

   Unlike punk, which was characterized by provocative hairstyles and makeup, the grunge style emphasizes naturalness and carefreeness.

   • Hair: Loose, straight or slightly wavy, looking A bit greasy, unkempt. There's no room for complicated hairstyles here. The perfect grunge hairstyle looks like you just got out of bed. ... Rebellion

     Accessories in the grunge style are simple and functional.

     • Belts:Leather belts with studs or a simple, metal buckle.

     • Necklaces: In the "dog tag" style (plates with numbers), simple, leather cords with pendants, or minimalist, silver chains.

     • Bracelets: Leather bracelets with studs or simple, canvas headbands.

     • Backpack: Regular, canvas, with team patches.

     • Hat: Woolen, slightly worn hat, often worn with the visor pulled up.

     How to Build a Grunge Look? Practical Tips

     1. Start with the basics: Your base is a grunge t-shirt and faded jeans. Choose a t-shirt with the logo of your favorite band, e.g. Nirvana.

     2. Add a layer: Over the grunge t-shirt, wear a flannel shirt, which you can wear unbuttoned. Remember to make the material look worn.

     3. Personalize: No Don't be afraid to add your own details to your clothes. Necklaces, safety pins, holes – all of this makes your clothes unique. ... A must-have.

     4. Don't worry about the details: Leave your hair messy, the makeup doesn't have to be perfect. The point is for the entire look to look spontaneous and effortless.

     Grunge vs. Other Styles: Comparisons and Influences

     • Grunge vs. Punk: Both styles are rebellious, but punk is more aggressive, political, and deliberately provocative. Grunge is more apathetic, melancholic, and focuses on inner disappointment. Punk is energy, grunge is resignation. Gothic: Gothic is theatrical, elegant, and romantic. Grunge is raw, dirty, and anti-fashion. However, they share a love of black and dark themes. p> li>

       Influence on Fashion: Although grunge was anti-fashion, its aesthetic was quickly adopted by the fashion world. Designers like Marc Jacobs (his 1993 collection for Perry Ellis was the first high-fashion tribute to grunge) brought flannel, faded jeans, and heavy boots to the runways. which ultimately commercialized this style.

     Grunge style is an attitude that translates into clothing. It's a manifestation of disagreement with perfectionism, consumerism, and all artificial norms. It's a style for those who value authenticity, comfort, and nonchalance. It's a celebration of being yourself, regardless of what others think. Layering, distressed materials, washed-out colors, and musical inspirations are key elements that allow you to create a unique and rebellious look.

     

     After our in-depth exploration of grunge in part one, I hope that I have managed to show that it is an aesthetic that goes beyond clothing. It is a philosophy that was born The grunge style is a manifestation of imperfection, apathy, and a refusal to follow fashion trends. It's an attitude that still resonates with those who value ease, comfort, and uncompromising self-expression. Key elements, such as a plaid flannel shirt, a faded grunge T-shirt, ripped jeans, or heavy combat boots, are not just clothes—they are symbols. Symbols of rebellion that don't It screams, but it whispers in a way that is equally powerful. The Red Riot skirt, borrowed from the punk tradition, has become an icon of female rebellion within this subculture, proving that grunge is a style with many faces. What distinguishes the grunge style is its nonchalance. There is no room for carefully tailored clothes, perfectly selected accessories, or flawless makeup. The whole thing should give the impression that you don't care about it, but at the same time, you're fully aware of it. Layering and mixing different materials and styles is the key to creating an authentic and unique look. It's worth remembering that although the grunge style was born in a specific place and time, its message is universal. It's a call to be yourself, to reject social pressure and to find beauty in imperfection. That's why it continues to inspire designers, artists, and young people around the world to this day. In the next installments of "In the Rhythm of Grunge," we'll delve into the history of key bands that shaped this style. movement, and how grunge has influenced contemporary fashion. We'll discover how to create more specific styles, such as soft grunge and pastel grunge, which are an evolution of this classic style. Get ready for more raw authenticity and ease. What element of grunge style inspires you the most? Do you already have a flannel shirt or a Red Riot skirt in your wardrobe?