If you haven't already heard, the 90's are making a comeback and if you're like me- barely a 90's baby- you're a bit too young to understand exactly what that entails. After surveying the internet and unearthing some of the most iconic style moments of the 90's, I've noticed some definite parallels between such iconic ensembles and what we consider today as "trendy".
Typically, we can attribute one general style to each decade. For the roaring 20's we think of that Gatsby-esque luxe, prohibition period glam. With regard to the 50's we recall images from the movie Grease filled with leather jacket clad men with slicked black hair and girls adorned in pink poodle skirts. The late 60's and 70's remind us of a Woodstock, hippie vibe characterized by tie dye, fringe, and a general lack of hygiene. When we think of the 80's we are instantly reminded of disco and outlandish workout apparel. The nineties, on the other hand, cannot be characterized by one distinct trend. From Courtney Love, to Cher Horowitz, to the Fresh Prince, the 90's were a time of fashionable diversity. This diversity is what's back and what's currently occupying the racks of Urban Outfitters. Now let's take a look at some of these trends and how they've appeared and adjusted in modern style.
What is Grunge?
To understand 90's fashion, one must understand what is meant by the term "grunge". Before it was a label marketed by retailers, grunge was a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged out of Washington (though more specifically Seattle and Aberdeen) in the mid 80's-early 90's. From its roots in underground clubs and sparsely attended venues, grunge ultimately made its way to the mainstream.
Grunge style is directly associated with grunge music. Consequently, in order to more closely grasp the trend, one must come to a basic understanding of the genre. Grunge instrumental style is characterized by a defiant disregard for technical skill and precision. Lyrics typically consist of themes such as social alienation, cynicism toward societal norms and conformity to such norms, apathy, and angst. These themes, though abstract, can be detected in the general apparel associated with the grunge movement.
It was really the grunge musicians who popularized grunge fashion. Grunge clothing worn by these artists typically consisted of thrift store finds and is distinguished by an unkempt, unpolished nature. Due to the prevalence of logging in the towns of Aberdeen and Seattle (the birthplace of grunge), outdoor wear was common, thus bringing flannels into mainstream fashion.
Kind of ironic how the reason you're paying almost $100 for a sweater from Urban is because 20 some years ago Kurt Cobain bought the same one for pocket change at a local thrift store.
Some popular fashion trends of the 90's grunge movement include ripped denim, plaid flannels, concert tees, slip dresses, chokers, combat boots/doc martins, oversized sweaters, biker jackets, and pretty much anything that conveys that "I don't care." attitude. Layering and oversized clothes are also focal points of the grunge look. Celebs and designers have brought these trends into the 21st century, modifying the look yet maintaining key elements. Here's a look at how certain "grunge" pieces compare from the 90's to today.
Velvet:
Slip Dress:
Distressed Denim:
Moto Jackets:
Chokers:
I love the 90's trends and the comeback they've made. I also think comparing the original looks with the 90's icons to the current looks was a great touch! I did not know about where grunge came from, so it was interesting to learn a little about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not the type of person who is normally aware of current fashion trends, but I found this really interesting! I liked how you gave a really solid background about the time that these fashion trends grew out of; I never would've realized how related fashion is to what else is going on in a time period. Also, some of the picture comparisons you showed at the end were uncanny!
ReplyDeleteOmg I love this blog! I think it's so cool how fashion repeats itself. The pictures you included were great and add to the style of your blog.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your blog. I pay attention to current fashion trends every day. I love when you compare fashion in 90's with fashion nowadays and discover their similarities. The pictures were great! I am looking forward to your following blogs!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great blog to read! I really like learning the context of the movement; I didn't know that grunge initially began in the Pacific northwest, but now that I do, a lot of the movement makes sense. Your use of pictures to assist makes a lot of sense and really adds quality to the post. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and your comparisons of the 90's to now! Such a good observation and analysis.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog so much it is so much fun to read. I like fashion but would not consider myself an expert so your blog is really helping. Also I like all of the research and effort you put into your post, relating the music and fashion.
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