Plus Size Grunge Fashion Aesthetics
Grunge is one of the fashion aesthetics that I find myself drawn to, but only in small portions. Harper’s Bazaar defines grunge as “being all about de-emphasizing the silhouette of the body and looking “untidy” in an attempt to mirror the cool look of popular musicians in both punk and heavy metal rock bands.” I don’t completely agree with the definition, but I find it’s the most succinct way to explain it. The style type draws from the 80s and 90s music move movement. This was a movement about rebellion and being a freethinker. Therefore, it feels strange that in 2022, you can find style guides on how to look like a girl from the grunge movement. Anyway, that’s not what you’re here for.
Like I said early, I don’t go full grunge. I feel this is one of those style types that can spice up an outfit when done lightly. Plus, when I do full grunge, I feel like I’m cos playing a girl that I know but don’t really remember her name. Given that I feel many of you are around my age, I’m sure you know what I mean. So we’re going to talk about a few things that you can put together to give you more of a grunge/edgy look without tumbling face first back into ‘92.
Things You’ll need
*this is just a small sampling of things that I feel you should have. It’s not a comprehensive list. The key fashion pieces I feel you need in your closet for a grunge aesthetic:
Leather Jacket
Jean Jacket
Black jeans
Oversized Denim jeans
Plaid pants
Silk slip dress
Maxi dress (preferably Floral)
White T-shirt
Stripped T-shirt
Graphic t-shirt or Band T-shirt
Flannel
Converse Sneakers
Combat boots
Black tights or fishnets
The Formula:
When I go for a grunge look, the first thing I decide is how much of a look do I want. Do you want a very obvious look or just a hint? This is important because this determines what the base of your outfit will look like.
Obvious Influences:
Outfit 1:
For this outfit, I went with more obvious grunge influenced look. I went with a short floral dress that gives me very much 90s vibe. I paired that with an oversized denim jacket in a light wash. The wash and the cut of the jacket also give a very retro feel to the outfit. I went with a black tight, but if I could redo it, I would have gone a little darker in shade. A heeled combat boot finishes the outfit, giving it the feel 90s with grunge elements. It’s a delightful mix of modern and retro.
Outfit 2:
This outfit is another that has a very obvious grunge/edgy influence. These clothing items aren’t categorically defined as grunge, but work together to express the style type. I like this look because it’s not slap you over the head grunge. It’s easy to put together and can be worn to so many places.
Just a Hint:
Getting just a hint of grunge is easy and really helps elevate an outfit. It can be simple as adding a leather jacket to a more feminine piece like a dress. You can do the same thing with adding combat boots to dresses as well.
Outfit 3:
Another way to add grunge aesthetic is to go all black. Here I went all black and added a more retro vibe jacket with this corduroy jacket. I also feel that the platform heels add a nice touch to the all black look.
You can also go with a band t-shirt.
There is always the flannel look. You could go with a flannel, fitted t-shirt, and oversized jeans. I don’t do this often because it’s not a good silhouette on my body type, but it’s a nice look on others. I really don’t wear flannel too often for this same reason, but if I were, it would be over a fitted base.
For grunge style aesthetic, I really think less is more. I like to use it in a way that it sends a subtle call back rather than looking like a bad flashback. I love playing with the style type because the clothes—much like the music—is fun and creative. Adding a few elements of this style to a basic outfit can really liven up your look.