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College Fashion Trend: ’90s Grunge Style Revival

Last Updated on February 28, 2019 by Megan - West Virginia University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
1990s grunge style

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4

Many of us may not have been a part of this trend the first time around (I know my ’90s elementary self wore only rainbow leggings and jelly shoes), but the iconic grunge style of the 1990s is back with a vengeance! Whether you are a fan of this look or not, trendsetters everywhere have been rocking everything from Doc Martens to acid wash denim to bowler hats recently.

If you want to add a little 90s rock ‘n’ roll edge to your spring wardrobe, look no further than the outfits below!

1. The Little Grunge Dress

vintage grunge dresses

Photo Credits: 1, 2

The easiest way to add a touch of grunge to your look is with an essential LGD. Not just a term from your econ textbook (snore), in this case it stands for a little grunge dress. Many retailers have been bringing the style back this season, characterized by its babydoll-style fitted top and flared skirt. Try one in a floral print or even a romper style (which is also making a big comeback).

Of course, one of the best places to find a perfect (and authentic) LGD is a vintage or thrift store. Both of the dresses above are vintage, and many others I’ve found have the cutest details like button fronts, corset backs, and and lace fabric. If you don’t live near any vintage shops, however, don’t fret! Places like Etsy and eBay always have quality vintage items for sale. Try pairing your LGD with some Doc Martens, a bowler hat, and ripped tights for a truly retro look. Or keep it charming like the first look and just wear the socks.

How to wear 90s distressed florals

Product Information: Dress- Miss Selfridge, Over-the-knee socks- Modcloth, Hat- Village Hats, Earrings- Forever 21, Bracelet- Forever 21, Boots- Zappos, Socks- Miss Selfridge.

2. Faded Denim Pieces

faded denim

Both photos from Lookbook.nu

Denim and chambray are everywhere this spring, so this is one of the easier ’90s trends to find. Look for pieces in light or acid washes, like cropped vests, high-waisted cuffed shorts, and the ever-versatile jeans jacket. Wearing shorts over tights can be tricky to execute, however, so stick to tights in a neutral color like black for maximum impact. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and try to pick shoes in a neutral color as well to look effortlessly cool instead of a trend disaster.

A cropped vest looks great thrown over a romper with floral-printed sunglasses and gladiator sandals. The modern pieces enliven the outfit and keep it from looking costume-y.

How to wear faded denim

Product Information: Vest- Shopbop, Sandals- Urban Outfitters, Romper- Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses- Modcloth, Purse- Modcloth.

3. The Plaid Shirt

plaid shirts

Both photos from Lookbook.nu

What grunge look would be complete without a plaid shirt, popularized by Mr. Kurt Cobain himself? Look for one in classic red tones with a relaxed or slouchy fit. Then throw it on over a tee, dress, or under a jacket as shown above. However you choose to wear it, let your inner punk shine through with devil-may-care accessories and twists on classics like these sequined houndstooth sneakers.

How to wear plaid

Product Information: T-Shirt- Target, Shorts- Forever 21, Sneakers- Zappos, Plaid Shirt- Buckle, Tights- Hue, Both Necklaces- Rachel Roy.

What do you think?

Are you loving the grunge flashback trend, or do you think it should stay in the ’90s? Do you think shorts can be worn with tights? Would you ever wear a bowler hat on campus? Let us know your opinions!

Tags : 1990s, Floral Prints, grunge, Plaid, rocker chic

12 Comments
Originally published on April 18, 2010
Previous Spring Fashion Trend: V-Neck Tees
Next Street Style Roundup: May 2010 (Coachella Edition)

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Comments

  1. Charlene says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:52 am

    I love how you used two of Meggstatus’ outfits in this post, she really does bring back the 90s style in the modern sense! She’s an awesome blogger and I like how you’re bringing my childhood era back. 😀

    Reply
  2. Jill says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:52 am

    I love the 90s grunge look! I really am so glad it’s back. The girl wearing the flannel buttoned in the middle with a nude dress (or slip) underneath it is so cute!

    An idea for another post…can you show us how to do socks with oxfords, flats, and heels? I love it but am terrified to try it!

    Reply
  3. CLC says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:52 am

    Yay I love this!! I’ve been trying to sneak 90’s pieces into my outfits lately, but living in Oklahoma makes it a little tough to be adventurous and not get crazy looks lol!

    Reply
  4. Shay Monet says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:52 am

    as usual great post! i love Jill’s idea above for a post about wearing socks! I’m sorta curious as to what u guys will come up with 🙂

    Reply
  5. Gaby says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:52 am

    I love grunge. Thank god there is something better than nautical out there. Long live ripped jeans, messy hair, and dirty converse!

    Reply
  6. Karlee says

    May 27, 2019 at 6:43 pm

    So cute! I love the tights with the shorts. And the houndstooth sneakers and the chambray were awesome 😉 .

    Reply
  7. badu says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:23 am

    Muito massa..eu adorooo os anos 90 e seus modelitos!!

    Reply
  8. Patricia says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    I love this article! I was hoping to find the name of those sandals that I loved back then….mid to late 90s, black leather, chunky sole with a buckle. I want to say that they were by MIA but I just cant remember. They were sooo comfy and I wore them with everything!!! Glad I kept my docs!!!!

    Reply
  9. Maxine says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:47 am

    OMG I love the grunge trend especially the floral dress!!! I need a plaid shirt ASAP!

    Reply
  10. sentrabaju says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    i like this fashion
    is good!

    Reply
  11. Lexie says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:10 am

    Having worn all this stuff in college, then taken it to the city streets in a half-baked office look that always involved the floral dresses, big blazers and clunky Fluevogs, I find this revival so funny! I got rid of the dozen or so rayon floral dresses ages ago, but I do still have the ‘vogs. Maybe I’ll try to dust a pair off for causal Friday. Don’t forget to visit the army surplus store for anything baggy w/pockets, and peg your pale blue jeans!

    Reply
  12. Tabitha says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:23 am

    I was in high school at the height of grunge and I didn’t have a lot of money back then. Doc Martins were not in my budget so I ended up getting black combat boots for cheap at thrift stores along with my flannel shirts, old jeans, worn in t-shirts, and 70’s vintage crochet vests. I borrowed some jewelry from my mom that she had kept from the 70s and everyone always complimented my style! The whole appeal of grunge was that it was eclectic, fun, funky and affordable!

    Reply

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