Style Guide: How to Put A Modern Spin on Grunge

It seems today's fashion is having some major nostalgia for two of our most iconic decades: the 70's and the 90's. Specific to the 90's, the biggest trend to emerge was the grunge style pioneered by the likes of Kurt Cobain and Kate Moss.

Expressing a love of freedom and a refusal for conformity, grunge was manifested not only through fashionistas of the time, but also through the decade's general attitude towards life. And while I am all for the revival of a free spirited attitude, it's also important that we embrace it without sacrificing our modernity.

DARK SHADES

Grunge styles typically have a monochromatic and nonchalant look to them. Today, try incorporating oversized masculine tops and scarves to your look, complemented by round sunglasses and (some) colorful accents. As always, Elshane looks completely fabulous and modern in her gilded grunge style! 

Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | Elshane's World | Mel Boteri Style Guide

PHOTO CREDIT: ELSHANE'S WORLD
INSTAGRAM: @ELSHANESWORLD

Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | Dark Shades | Mel Boteri Style Guide

1. CREATURES OF THE WIND Dress 2. THEORY Blazer 3. L. ERICKSON Silk Head Wrap 4. GORJANA Hand Chain 5. ANNA BECK Ring 6. ANNA BECK Ring 7. ALAIA Suede Ankle Boots 8. MEL BOTERI Black Croc-Embossed Emmy Convertible Clutch

 

LEATHER INSERTS

If there is one article of clothing that screams grunge to me, it's a classic leather jacket. I am embarrassed to say that I did not own one until just recently, and I don't know how I lived without it! A leather jacket will be your saving grace in any situation where you need something chic to throw on last minute that is a little more casual than a blazer. I love how Jenny has paired her jacket with a pretty, girly dress. 

Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | Margo & Me | Mel Boteri Style Guide

PHOTO CREDIT: MARGO AND ME
INSTAGRAM: @MARGOANDME
Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | Leather Inserts | Mel Boteri Style Guide

1. TOPSHOP Mini Dress 2. MADEWELL Leather Biker Jacket 3. MAISON MICHEL Wide-brim Hat 4. KONSTANTINO Cuff 5. ALEXANDER WANG Ankle Boots 6. BAUBLEBAR Necklace 7. MEL BOTERI Basic Black Croc-Embossed Blake Satchel

 

CHECKERED PATTERNS

A checkered shirt effortlessly tied at the waist over a loose, floral dress was definitely THE look of the 90's. But, if you want to put a modern spin on this style, try wearing your plaid on a skirt! I love Jessie's look for a casual spring day. You can read her advice on how to look "grunge chic" here.

Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | Seams For A Desire | Mel Boteri Style Guide

PHOTO CREDIT: SEAMS FOR A DESIRE
INSTAGRAM: @JESSIECHANES

Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | Checkered Patterns | Mel Boteri Style Guide

1. PROENZA SCHOULER Plaid Maxi Skirt 2. TOM FORD Silk Shirt 3. J.CREW Wool-tweed Blazer 4. CHLOE Round Sunglasses 5. KENDRA SCOTT Ring 6. JUNIOR LEITH Cuff Bracelet 7. GIANVITO ROSSI Suede Pumps 8. MEL BOTERI Marissa Small Tote

 

DENIM LOVE

I can never, could never, will never live without denim! Distressed denim is one of the true takeaways from the grunge era that will luckily never die. Becca Tobin's look is the epitome of modern grunge chic.

Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | June Moss | Mel Boteri Style Guide

PHOTO CREDIT: JUNE MOSS
INSTAGRAM: @BECCATOBIN

Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | Denim Love | Mel Boteri Style Guide

1. STROM Boyfriend Jeans 2. GIAMBA T-Shirt 3. THE ELDER STATESMAN Cashmere Vest 4. KONSTANTINO Stone Cuff 5. KONSTANTINO Stone Ring 6. FRANCESCO RUSSO Pumps 7. MEL BOTERI Grey Saffiano Leather Watson Mini Cross-Body 

 

OVERLAYS

The key to becoming a true champion of 90's styling is knowing how to perfectly layer. Jane Song gives us a fun new way to do this by adding an asymmetric coat over a top and a short skirt - all in varying shades of grey.

Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | Fit Fab Fun Mom | Mel Boteri Style Guide

PHOTO CREDIT: FIT FAB FUN MOM
INSTAGRAM: @JANESONG

Style Guide: How to Put a Modern Spin on Grunge | Overlays | Mel Boteri Style Guide

1. DIOR Sunglasses 2. GINGER & SMART Camisole Top 3. ACNE STUDIOS Oversized Cardigan 4. GORJANA Necklace 5. GIANVITO ROSSI Suede Over-the-knee Boots 6. VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Short Skirt 7. MEL BOTERI Leche Lola Small Shoulder Handbag

Although the word itself tends to elicit images of sloppiness and an unkempt appearance, when styled properly grunge can actually be quite chic! Show me your modern spin on this 90's trend by tagging #MBStyleGuide and #MYMB.

 

Back to editorial

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.