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15 Grunge Aesthetic Outfits That’ll Have You Slaying Everywhere You Go

Dressed to kill has a whole new meaning.

Headshot of Cassie AndersonBy Cassie Anderson
grunge aesthetic
Getty Images

As we all know, trends come and go, and then come back again. We see the cycle happen continuously—we’re looking at you, Y2K). But in this case, we’re talking about the grunge aesthetic. The trend started in Seattle, back in the mid ’80s and thrived well into the early ’90s. Thanks to bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains, we now know grunge to be what it is today.

These days, we’re seeing celebs like Jenna Ortega (as Wednesday and stunting on the red carpet), Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish embracing this trend. And if you want to pull it off yourself, you’ll want band tees, flannels, plaid, and all things baggy and oversized. For accessories, go for styles like chunky combat boots and studded chokers. Basically, this trend is very cool, and very easy to achieve. Keep scrolling for 15 outfits that will help you get the grunge aesthetic in no time.

Our top picks for the best grunge aesthetic looks in 2023:

grunge look

  • Three Wolf Moon Hoodie

    this easy ensemble

    Dolls Kill Three Wolf Moon Hoodie

    $60 at dollskill.com
    Read more
  • Faux Leather Chunky Platform Boot

    this dark moment

    Nasty Gal Faux Leather Chunky Platform Boot

    Read more
  • Void Mesh Ls Top Consumed

    this bold feel

    Ksubi Void Mesh Ls Top Consumed

    Read more
  • Victorian Mesh Cardigan With Safety Pin

    this safety pin vibe

    Sami Miro Vintage Victorian Mesh Cardigan With Safety Pin

    Read more
  • Shredded Seam Shirt

    this shredded look

    R13 Shredded Seam Shirt

    Read more

Yup, the grunge aesthetic is giving “dressed to kill” a whole new meaning with these looks! If ya want more inspo, feel free to shop all the cargo pants, leather blazers, leather pants, and leggings.

this easy ensemble

Dolls Kill Three Wolf Moon Hoodie

Three Wolf Moon Hoodie
this easy ensemble

Dolls Kill Three Wolf Moon Hoodie

Now 20% Off
$60 at dollskill.com
Credit: Dolls Kill

You most likely already own everything it takes to pull off this one. Grab your oversized hoodie and jeans for an easy and effortless grunge look. Bonus points if they’re acid-washed!

this dark moment

Nasty Gal Faux Leather Chunky Platform Boot

Faux Leather Chunky Platform Boot
this dark moment

Nasty Gal Faux Leather Chunky Platform Boot

Now 60% Off
Credit: Nasty Gal

A lace-up platform boot is one of the key pieces when it comes to grunge. Wear these knee-highs with a graphic tee and you’re ready to go.

this bold feel

Ksubi Void Mesh Ls Top Consumed

Void Mesh Ls Top Consumed
this bold feel

Ksubi Void Mesh Ls Top Consumed

Credit: KSUBI

If you’re ready to go full grunge, it’s time to pull out the fishnets. Layer with distressed denim shorts and a knee-high boot to complete the situation.

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this safety pin vibe

Sami Miro Vintage Victorian Mesh Cardigan With Safety Pin

Victorian Mesh Cardigan With Safety Pin
this safety pin vibe

Sami Miro Vintage Victorian Mesh Cardigan With Safety Pin

Credit: Luisaviaroma

The newest and coolest way to button your shirt is with an oversized safety pin. The silver hardware and faded cargo pant will complete this outfit perfectly.

this shredded look

R13 Shredded Seam Shirt

Shredded Seam Shirt
this shredded look

R13 Shredded Seam Shirt

Now 50% Off
Credit: Shopbop

Channel those iconic ’90s band singers with flannel. Pair this one from R13 with a cropped jean and chunky boot.

this modern ‘Wednesday’ dress

Coach Lingerie Dress

Lingerie Dress
this modern ‘Wednesday’ dress

Coach Lingerie Dress

Credit: Coach

If dresses are more your thing, this lace-trimmed one from Coach will get the point across.

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this corset-mini combo

Eugene Taylor Brand Mini Hugger Skirt

Mini Hugger Skirt
this corset-mini combo

Eugene Taylor Brand Mini Hugger Skirt

Credit: Eugene Taylor

A corset plus miniskirt combo is always a good idea. This one is studded and has a D ring chain, giving your outfit that extra edge.

this distressed goodness

Jaded London Esra Laddered Knit Off-the-Shoulder Top

Esra Laddered Knit Off-the-Shoulder Top
this distressed goodness

Jaded London Esra Laddered Knit Off-the-Shoulder Top

Credit: Jaded London

This ultra-distressed, 0ff-the-shoulder sweater is giving all the grunge vibes. Any dark wash denim will look so good with this top.

this tube top look

m-clarksville-a

m-clarksville-a
this tube top look

m-clarksville-a

If you haven’t joined the cargo or loose denim bandwagon yet, you’ll want to. Go for a tonal grunge look with a ribbed tube top and cargo pants. You can add a pop of color with bright bag...or not (heh).

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this powerful duo

Hot Topic Social Collision Black & Red Plaid Spike Dress

Social Collision Black & Red Plaid Spike Dress
this powerful duo

Hot Topic Social Collision Black & Red Plaid Spike Dress

Credit: Hot Topic

Plaid and studs are a power duo when it comes to this trend. Pair this minidress with a loafer or classic boot for a look that you can wear all summer long.

this flannel moment

PacSun John Galt Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt

John Galt Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt
this flannel moment

PacSun John Galt Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt

Credit: PacSun

For another easy summer-friendly look, pair a flannel with jean shorts and sneakers.

this elevated look

Marc Jacobs Heaven Star Girl Bow Tank

Star Girl Bow Tank
this elevated look

Marc Jacobs Heaven Star Girl Bow Tank

Credit: Marc Jacobs

A pair of platform boots are a must, especially when worn with a graphic tank and grommet-embellished miniskirt.

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this fab dress

Miaou Celestial Dress

Celestial Dress
this fab dress

Miaou Celestial Dress

Credit: Miaou

Between the lace-up and grommet details, this Miaou dress will def be the center of attention. Pair it with a choker and knee-high combat boot for a full-on grunge moment.

this hoodie and checkered belt combo

Vans X Sandy Liang Hoodie

Hoodie
this hoodie and checkered belt combo

Vans X Sandy Liang Hoodie

Now 54% Off
Credit: Asos

Add a checkered belt to this graphic hoodie and jean shorts outfit and you’re all set!

this fun 'fit

Chopova Lowena Graphic-Print T-shirt

Graphic-Print T-shirt
this fun 'fit

Chopova Lowena Graphic-Print T-shirt

Now 40% Off

Make your grunge outfit fun with a graphic top and chill joggers. Leather accessories will help step up your game.

Headshot of Cassie Anderson
Cassie Anderson
Fashion Director

Cassie Anderson is the fashion director for Cosmopolitan, where she leads celebrity styling and fashion continuity for the print magazine and the brand’s digital platforms. Cassie joined Cosmopolitan after 10 years of editing and styling at Harper’s BAZAAR. Cassie has also styled for other Hearst titles, including Elle, Town & Country, and Esquire. Follow her fabulous feed - featuring the A-list talent she’s styled - on Instagram and TikTok.

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