How to Get ‘90s Grunge Fashion Right

With ‘90s nostalgia at every turn, it’s hard to miss the collective rewind we’re doing to a simpler era. Grunge fashion, helmed by ‘Teen Spirit’ and its rejection of overdone everything, is leading the shift to a more low-key vibe, one combat boot at a time. From flannels to ripped jeans, this is how to land the look, as inspired by our fave ‘90s grunge gals.

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Winona Ryder

With her black cropped hair and distinctively 90's style — it’s no surprise this headline-making throwback queen was an icon of the era.

Biker leather jacket + Tom Waits graphic T + wide leather belt + wide leg jeans + combat boots = perfect formula for 90's grunge.

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Urban Outfitters

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Get Winona’s look

Recreate the outfit with by focusing on the fit (casual and relaxed) and a few key staple pieces.

Levi’s Leather Moto jacket, $398

Urban Outfitters Nirvana Smiley Face T, $49

501 Original Fit Jeans, $108.

Dr. Martens Jadon Hi Max DK, $280

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Courtney Love

One half of one of the most famous celebrity couples in history, Courtney is basically grunge-glam royalty. Her classic looks mixed sweet with sinful and this means sheer fabrics, baby doll or slip dresses, and staple fishnet stockings (bed hair, optional). A faux leopard print coat ties the little black dress, fishnets and knee-high boots in a I-will-dare-and-don’t-really-care way.

H&M

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Get Courtney’s look

This leopard on black on black on black look takes what could be stuffy-chic pieces but breaks them down by throwing them together.

H&M Faux Fur jacket, $129

Motel Kaline Butterfly Tie-Shoulder Mini Dress, $80

Yacht & Smith Fishnets, $15

ARTICA Trance Boots, $280

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Alanis Morissette

Arguably more alt-rock than grunge, her Jagged Little Pill album reminded us what we ought to know already...Her flowing, low-maintenance locks and her casual jeans and Ts put the focus on Alanis’ raw vocals and brain-piercing lyrics (our personal fave: ‘I don't want to be a bandage if the wound is not mine’.)

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American Eagle

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Get Alanis’s look

We're head over heels for this simple, and need-not-be-pricey look. Easy to recreate, this really comes down to the basics you likely already have stashed in your closet. Think: the more worn in the better.

H&M Skinny Regular Jeans, $30

American Eagle Plush V-Neck Tank Top, $15

Converse Chuck 70 High Top, $90

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Shirley Manson

Another grunge staple, Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson was on-trend for 2020 some 25 years ago. Yes to zip minis and baby tanks, stalkings and vintage boots.

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American Eagle

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Get Shirley’s look

Only happy when it rains, Shirley gives us inspo on how to style Doc Martens in another way (you can tie a plaid shirt around the waist too to mix it up).

Ardene Cotton Zip Front Skirt, $18

American Eagle Long Sleeve Baby T-Shirt, $21

Dr. Martens 1B60 Max DK, $300

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Drew Berrymore

An A-lister from the beginning, Drew went from child star to leading the way on dropping the term anti-aging. With so much under her belt already, we can add this look to her list of wins. Dark lipstick, choker and large hoop earrings add a playful touch to the oversized plain T, baggy jeans, and key ring.

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Urban Outfitters

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Get Drew’s look

Another back-to-basics stape, Drew was rocking the non-binary style before we understood to call it that. White T, meet dad jeans. Our pro tip: buy a men's T in larger size than you’d normally wear.

Dr. Martens 1B60 Max DK, $300

BDG Lake Wash Dad Jean, $80

Callista Velvet Choker Necklace, $24

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