In the 90s, "grunge" has taken the world by storm since the breakthrough of punk musicians from Seattle, Washington, USA. While "grunge" describes the sound of music in that era, the term also refers to fashion and lifestyle. You can present yourself as a grunge lover by wearing layered clothes that are full of rips, and follow the individualistic spirit of grunge.
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Part 1 of 2: Grunge Dress
Step 1. Go to a thrift store for practical clothes
Buy clothes that are cheap and comfortable to wear. People who live a grunge lifestyle value the thrift and usefulness of an item, not expensive labels and fashions. Used, torn, or worn clothes would be better for grunge lovers.
Step 2. Wear a large, plaid flannel shirt
These can be found at thrift stores for very low prices. You can also buy a new shirt at a clothing or sports store. You can roll up the sleeves, wear a t-shirt with your favorite band printed on it, or pair it with a worn leather jacket or jeans.
Step 3. Get ripped jeans
Factory-made shredded jeans can be very expensive. Just buy used jeans and make your own rips using a razor or scissors. Choose pants that are a bit large with straight legs.
Step 4. Complete your wardrobe by purchasing a large cardigan sweater, knee-length shorts, and denim overal
For girls, a good option is a maxi skirt paired with vintage patterned tights, such as paisleys or large flowers. Wear layered clothing for a grunge look.
Out-of-fashion clothing is a hallmark of grunge. You can wear used dresses with babydoll models with thick-soled boots. If you like shorts with bright colors, you can combine them with a wool blazer jacket and boots for a grunge-style look
Step 5. Wear thick-soled shoes, such as boots or strappy sneakers
Dr. Company Martens manufactures a wide range of thick-soled boots and sneakers to meet this need. Converse shoes or high heels are a good option if you don't like wearing heavy boots all day.
Step 6. Complete with accessories, such as sunglasses, high socks, berets, and badges
A badge with a photo of your favorite band's album cover will show that you love grunge, so you can attach it to a hat or backpack. Wear antique jewelry, such as necklaces or earrings in the form of chains.
Step 7. Tie your hair into a loose bun or ponytail, or let it loose and tangle naturally
A messy hairstyle is a typical grunge look, but you have to keep it clean by washing it regularly. You can also color a section of your hair with hair extensions, colorful hairspray, or hair dye. Don't worry if you have curly or slightly frizzy hair.
Shoulder-length messy hair, or unkempt facial hair (for men) will look cool. You can also cut your hair short, as long as it's not neatly and excessively styled
Step 8. Put on makeup, but don't spend a lot of money and time doing it
Use bright red lipstick without applying skin and eye makeup, or darken your eyes and leave your lips as they are without lipstick. Both men and women can use the desired makeup. Don't be afraid to try it!
Part 2 of 2: Acting as Grunge
Step 1. Listen to grunge music
Since the grunge movement emerged from the punk culture of the 90s, the best music to listen to in the early days was Nirvana's 3 studio albums (Bleach, Nevermind, and In Utero). After that, start listening to the Badmotorfinger and Superunknown albums from Soundgarden, Ten and Vs. Pearl Jam's, Mudhoney's Superfuzz Bigmuff, and Alice in Chains' Dirt.
Some other grunge bands worth listening to include: Tad, Screaming Trees, Hole, The Afghan Whigs, L7, Babes In Toyland, Stone Temple Pilots, or Mother Love Bone. Also try some Indonesian grunge bands, such as Slum (Bandung), Toilet Sound (Jakarta), Cupumanik (Bandung), or Bavana (Karawang)
Step 2. Be yourself
Those who follow a grunge culture tend to be nonconformists (against prevailing values and norms), and don't care what other people think. This may be difficult to live if you live in the midst of people who think of you as a different person. Find friends you want to spend time with, and don't label you as "uncool" when you're different from everyone else.
It doesn't matter if you change. Don't be afraid to look bad if you want to do something new, raise your self-esteem, or listen to music other than punk. Grunge is doing something you love, and not caring what people think about it
Step 3. Give an interest in social issues
Most grunge cultures challenge the "system" and all its flaws. Try to understand nonconformist attitudes by reading things related to feminism, racism, environmental concerns, and LGBTQ rights. Always keep up to date with the latest information! Also, start watching the news and reading newspapers to stay up-to-date with the latest information that has an impact on your community and the world in general.
Get the opinions of two different parties before you make an opinion. Getting well-informed is not just reading the writings of people who agree with your opinion
Step 4. Take time to enjoy hobbies
If you really like exercising, fiddling with the computer, or dancing ballet in your spare time, don't give up this hobby. Grunge doesn't limit what you can and can't do. Be yourself as you are.
The grunge culture is also very thick with the DIY (do-it-yourself) philosophy. For example, you don't need to read big music magazines like Rolling Stone, but just read magazines made by your community or friends
Step 5. Don't fall into the negative world of grunge culture
Most grunge band song lyrics contain feelings of isolation, sadness, and frustration. It's okay if you get a little carried away with this feeling because everyone experiences it at some point in their life. However, if this sadness is interfering with your life, talk to someone, such as a parent, friend, or counselor. You can be a part of grunge without feeling alone.
