The Unofficial Guide to Mastering the Grunge Look

Do you want to master the grunge look without giving up the conditioner? Here’s how…

Grunge Hair

One of the best things about the grunge look is the opportunity to flaunt that mop of festival hair whenever you choose. School, home, parties? Let that style fly.

For a great sample to emulate, just consider Frances Bean Cobain who has followed closely in her Dad’s and Moms, muddy converse footsteps. Grown out hair with pink tips and often worn in pigtails or double buns. Achieving this style is simple, just try using Bleach London’s temporary colors. Rose and violet skies are some of the best options and last up to 10 washes. They also have a fabulous line of Hair Crayons to try out, but those non-blondes out there will have to pre lighten.

If you are feeling extra adventurous, the undercut is one of the grunge-iest hairstyles found in the 21st century. If you keep it subtle, this versatile hairstyle can suddenly be transformed into a center-parted sensible style for those occasions where a sharp presentation is needed.

Have you not addressed your hair in days and have no plans to in the near future? This is a good time to grab a bandana. Or if you are truly embracing the 90’s style, grab a scrunchie.

Grunge Makeup

Grunge styles are typically about less hassle and laid-back look, but when it comes to your make up selection, more is always more. You will need to emphasize the lips. Look for the deep rich chocolate browns, deepest plums and cherry reds. The MAC counter is also a great option, but black is best to avoid.

Next, it is time to get a bit more exciting. It is time to break with convention and cunningly pair a smokey eye with your lip color. You can stay on the safe side by using the blacks and browns, or go wild with reds and pinks. Mascara can be as lumpy as you like and when using eyeliner, remember that those perfected feline flicks are out. Get yourself a decent Kohl pencil and be sure to emphasize the smudgy effect.

To pull off this daring eye-lip combo, you will need to make sure your skin is clean and clear without looking overdone. With this in mind, kick your contouring/strobing/baking to the curb with a steel-toed boot and substitute for a light dusting of blush, but be sure to apply foundation as necessary.

Grunge Shoes

If you have not decided that you want to go full-grunge yet, you can begin in small steps in some sassy footwear. Grunge shoes can be divided into 4 main categories. And did you know that any of these styles can be worn with any outfit, the greater the contrast the more perfect the grunge look.

Worker Boots

A good pair of Dr. Marten’s is an unbeatable look — but it can be better. Keep an eye out for crazy print styles and outrageous colors to spice things up.

Canvas Trainers

Hi-tops and lo-tops, crazy prints and conservative grey, Converse will be your best friend. And don’t be sad when they begin to look their age, it’s all part of the character.

Creepers

A favorite from the 70s punk crew out of London, those with a taste for anti-fashion adore the creepers defiant statement. And if you can score a hi-top, you have found the proverbial Holy Grunge Grail!

Chunky Sandals

Toes out is a splendid option, but only if you have a solid sandal. Look for tractor-soles and steer clear of peep-toes.

Modern Grunge Outfits

All right you are almost set for your full-blown grunge look, but somethings missing. For inspiration take a look at this great brand – Ninja Cosmico. They a great selection of suitable clothing.

Begin by hanging up your typical T-shirt, for a special crop top and mom jeans. Don’t forget the oversized tartan shirt. This can be tied about the waist or layered up and either way will score you some hefty grunge points.

If you aren’t happy about the lumberjack look, you can also sport a sleeveless dress.

If you aren’t sure what you are doing, go for the layered look. A plaid skirt will be your ultimate ally, but it should not be the final stop. Swap out the flannel shirt for a kimono or wear a lace bralet over your T-shirt— and never be afraid of a bit of clash.

Finally, don’t forget the impactful power of a grunge dress. Even the most feminine frock can be downplayed with some smart layering. Next add a choker and wear your coolest converse and you will have accomplished the look perfectly.

Dressing in Grunge Style: The Essential Cheat Sheet

If you are still not sure where to begin, here is the ultimate cheat sheet that will allow you to hone in on the style choices you need to make to attain the look you have always wanted.

A checked shirt – the essential tartan shirt is needed to wear over everything from floaty dresses to messy stained t-shirts.

A crop top – this is needed for a good match with mom jeans, denim cut-offs and can be layered with bracelets and dresses as well.

Ripped mom jeans – high on the waist and very relaxed on the legs.

Cut-off denim shorts or dungarees – layer over laddered tights when the sun refuses to play ball.

A Nirvana/Pearl Jam T-shirt – but be sure to pick up a few albums and learn the names of the band members…

A denim jacket – and make it a big one.

Berry or coffee lipstick and don’t forget that classic black kohl eyeliner and or rusty eyeshadow.

Assorted pastel hair chalks and avoid that root touch

Featured Image source Alexie.com

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.