Ripped jeans, sad tunes, reeky cigarettes, and a world full of promises. The decade of iconic grunge style in music and fashion has passed a long time ago, but apparently, we can't get over this historical injustice, trying to refresh the memory of this romantic, slightly gloomy phase. Grunge fashion is not exactly retro yet, but it is definitely something we all missed, even though some of us are too young to remember this massive movement. 

As Robert Hilburn noticed in his Los Angeles Times article: "...grunge stuck around long enough to get into the dictionary, but the excitement and early promise of the 90's rock movement draw distant indeed as the decade comes to a close." Today I'm going to trace the legacy of grunge style in fashion, recalling the most outrageous, edgy, and rebellious collections, its rise, fall, and finally, the victorious rebirth of my favorite grunge fashion.

Winona Ryder, Drew Barrymore & Angelina Jolie
Winona Ryder, Drew Barrymore & Angelina Jolie

  • The Rise


My favorite grunge fashion first appeared in the mid-'80s together with the popularity of that time grunge music and became widely popular in the '90s. Popularized by grunge music bands and singers, this fashion style can be characterized by three words: androgynous, thrifty, and anti-glamorous. Although grunge fashion, just like grunge music and lifestyle, is supposed to be an anti-glamorous movement, that rejects everything posh and expensive, it swiftly became mainstream and made an appearance on the runway shows of that time.

Strangely enough, my thousands of grunge styles weren't understood by high-fashion critics, and the spring Ready-to-Wear collection, carried out by 29-year-old designer Marc Jacobs got him fired from Perry Ellis. But it was a legendary show and revolutionary collection that marked his career! Models wore simple loose dresses, sloppy trenches, and Dr. Martens. These "outfits looked as if it was put together with the eyes closed in a very dark room" and were completed with stretched beanies and silver jewelry.

  • The Fall


In a short period, impure motives of grunge melodies, smoked voices, and budget-friendly outfits are going to be replaced with fluent recitative and weighty golden chains. The golden age of hip-hop music expanded, swallowing alternative rock together with its depressing lyrics. Flannel plaid shirts were slowly changed for cropped denim and faux fur jackets. Everyone forgot about grunge for another ten years, enjoying the brand new sounds by Britney, Destiny's Child, and other pop idols of the late 90's early 2000s.

Kylie Jenner, Rihanna & Lucy Hale
Kylie Jenner, Rihanna & Lucy Hale

  • The Rebirth


The early and mid-2010s experienced the rebirth of grunge fashion and it keeps coming back again and again with every new season up until now. In the new century, grunge fashion looks even edgier and more rebellious. The everlasting ripped jeans and jackets look even more worn out, combat boots are even more massive and lip color is even bolder than ever. Leather jackets and chokers are promised to stay forever in our wardrobes or at least until another grungy trend won't take its place.

collage of three grunge fashion looks

  • Popular Sub-genres of Grunge Style


The comeback of grunge fashion has marked the appearance of sub-genres like soft grunge: a casual and well-planned blend between classic grunge pieces and modern fashionable items. Soft grunge fashion is believed to be born on Tumblr and widely popularized by Tumblr girls. Apart from featuring classic grungy pieces like flannel shirts, combat boots, and denim, soft grunge allows the use of Gothic influences. Singers like Lana Del Rey and bands like Arctic Monkeys and Sky Ferreira are usually associated with this alternative fashion style.


Final Thoughts...


Although all of us have an awesome opportunity to experience the rebirth of one of the most controversial and beautiful fashion styles, there is one thing that has never returned to the world. And, I guess, you know what I'm talking about. Rusty and soiled grunge music with its screechy guitars and husky voice had not returned to our lives. But, we'll be waiting!

girl in all black, total black outfit

You can't go wrong wearing a stunning total black outfit. There is something absolutely mysterious and appealing about black color, it can instantly boost your charisma skill, making you look and feel cool. Of course, most people are afraid of all-black fashion, but oddly, it is one of the easiest colors to style and pull off. 

There are so many beautiful and elegant ways to style black pieces in one gorgeous fashion ensemble. Plus the black color is wonderfully versatile. It is achromatic and has no additional hues or shades, so it fits every skin complexion, hair color, and, most importantly, personality. Today I've decided to share my love for a total black outfit with you and show you a few simple ideas that will help you find your very own look noir.

three total black outfit ideas
Chanel Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear Collection

  • Mixing Textures


I guess everyone agrees that an all-black outfit styled with only leather or cotton pieces won't fascinate the eyes. One of the easiest ways to diffuse the plainness of a total black look is to mix different textures in one outfit. Chiffon ruffles add volume, while thin leather fringe adds a frisky contrast to the look. You can try mixing clashing patterns or decorating your black with bulky eclectic embroidery.

three total black outfit ideas from runway show
Left to right: Ermanno Scervino Spring 2019, Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2019, No. 21 Spring 2019

  • Light-reflecting Outfit


Black is the color that absorbs the light, therefore some people find it hard to style and pull off. But what about shiny and sleek fabrics that can catch and reflect light? Glassy latex, patent leather, and radiant rubber fabrics will loosen the simplicity of black color, attracting enthusiastic looks to your outfit. Nevertheless, try to keep your light-reflecting look well-balanced, because no one wants to end up looking like a black hole sun.

three total black outfit ideas from runway show
Left to right: Christian Dior Spring 2018, Valentino Resort 2019, Philipp Plein Spring/Summer 2019

  • Heavy-set Prints


Black fabric sprinkled with heavy-set colorful print is a great option for those people who aren't ready to entirely dive into look noir. The white polka dot was heavily featured in Christian Dior's spring 2018 collection and it still remains a trendy and rebellious print. Exotic flowers and trendy animal spots look gorgeous on intensely black fabrics, adding a colorful touch to the outfit.

three total black outfit ideas from runway show
Left to right: Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2019, Dolce & Gabbana Winter 2018, Heliot Emil Fall 2019

  • Statement Pieces


Sometimes all you need to complete the look is a small, but very prominent detail. Gothic waist belt, gold or red stiletto heels, or unusual purse – pick a statement to accessorize that will make your total black outfit stand out from the crowd.

three total black outfit ideas from runway show
Left to right: Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2019, Altuzarra Spring 2019, Valentino Catwalk SS2019

  • Unusual Silhouettes & Asymmetric Cuts


Nothing looks more original than irregular cuts and nontrivial silhouettes. If you feel like experimenting with your total black outfit, go for asymmetrical sleeves, as seen in Tom Ford's Spring/Summer 2019 show, or a puffy flower-like silhouette, inspired by the latest Valentino collection. Layering a few black pieces, made of different fabrics is also an excellent way to make your look noir more appealing.

Let's summarize...

Black is a timeless and versatile color that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Whether you're going to a job interview, a cocktail party, or a night out on the town, an all-black outfit is always a chic and sophisticated choice.
Moonsugarbeauty. Theme by STS.