Hiraeth's Guide To Grunge

We go in and out of fashions very quickly these days and new trends are always being created for the younger generation. However grunge isn't a new thing. Formed in the early nineties, grunge was a fashion or style derived from the rock movement which was characterised by unkempt clothing and aggressive nihilistic songs from artists like Nirvana. Today grunge isn't quite the same as it used to be, however it more or less gives you the same idea. So today I am bringing to you my guide on being "grunge"!

Makeup 

Because makeup isn't a big part of the grunge culture, I'll start off with this and try not to get into too much detail. Usually you'd want to avoid makeup however if you do intend on wearing some, I'd suggest a very pale foundation or powder for the face. For eyes I'd only opt for eyeliner and mascara and maybe some smoky eye shadow if you're feeling a little fancy!

If you want an actual tutorial, go onto YouTube and watch okaysage's video on 'Grunge Inspired Makeup.'

Hair

Typically you want to leave your hair thick and wavy (if your hair is naturally like this, you are so lucky) but there are other ways you can style your hair, if you want to keep it out of your face. Some of the best hairstyles are the simplest. For example you can do French or Dutch braids which are perfect if you have straight hair as once you take them out, will leave natural looking waves.

You can also do space buns, a half up ponytail or buns.

The main goal is to just make it look slightly messy, so if you are going to have your hair up, make sure you have a couple of flyaways!

These are some of the things you may need for grunge looking hairstyles.

1. A curler (if your hair isn't naturally wavy) or straightner if your like me and have to have perfectly straight hair to braid so it's easier.

2. Heat protection so you don't ruin your hair.

3. Hair ties or scrunchies if you're feeling extra ninties!

4. Bobby pins- lots of them. Because I have thick and unmanageable hair, doing any kind of bun is a challenge, so I like to have a load on pins at the ready!

5. A brush or comb, if you want to tease your hair so it looks more messy.

6. Hairspray, to keep it in place.

Again, your hair doesn't have to be perfect, it's meant to look a little messy!

Clothing

Becaue 'grunge' clothing is so different from how it was originally in the nineties, I'm going to divide it into four catagories (tops, which I'm including jackets into as well, bottoms, shoes and accessories) and I'll try write as little as possible and use pictures to describe them better!

Tops

Original grunge nineties is quite rough and scruffy so just a a plain t-shirt will do.

Usually black is the best colour however other colours like red, white, grey, blue, if it's dark, it'll work.

Band tees are also perfect. 

If your feeling a little more modern, button   -up shirts are really nice, tight rib crop tops.

I've also noticed brands like Nike and Adidas are described as 'grunge' too. 

So more modern grunge colours I would go with are mustard yellow, pastel pink, army green, patterns or stripes.

Flannel shirts are also a nice addition which you can tie around your waist or use to layer in the colder months.

Two main types of jackets I would wear are leather jackets or denim jackets. Typically you'd want to get black just because it so so versatile and it goes with everything but you can so many in different colours now and you can personalise them with patches and little pins.

Bottoms

This is something that I would want to keep a little more basic. Just some simple skinny or boyfriend jeans (ripped or not) a short pleat skirt. I feel like just simple colours like black or a light blue would work best but you can try experiment with other colours too!

Shoes

My favourite type of 'grunge' shoe are the classic black Doc Marten! These are also super hard wearing and will last for years. However these are a little on the pricey side but you can get cheaper ones from other stores too. 

Also the plain black or white Converse or Vanswill work too.

Basically any black or white boot or sneaker will go with a grunge outfit.

Another shoe which is a little more modern is the Adidas Superstar, which I love, they are very comfy and stylish.

Accessories

For accessories, in regards to jewellery, it would keep it simple. Studs, maybe a few bracelets. Chokers are very popular too, however it isn't a must.

I like that baseball caps are coming back in and suits most people. You can get them in all kinda of colors and if your wearing all black, this is a good splash (not too much thought) of colour.

So that was my (very) visual guide on grunge! I hope you liked it and got a few ideas from it! Tell me other stuff you think is "grunge" too!

Also from the 27th of January to the 3rd of February, I will be posting everyday as part of my Back To School series! 

Until next time,

Hiraeth