Soft grunge
It is characterized by its merger of cute and aggressive fashion hallmarks like chokers, tennis skirts, leather jackets and boots, flower crowns, distressed denim and pastel colors.
[4][5] A 2022 article published by i-D specifically cited Hope Sandoval's incorporation of baby tees, slip dresses and mesh as influential upon the development of soft grunge.
[1] Ferreira's style was a direct outgrowth of indie sleaze, making use of chunky boots, babydoll dresses, leopard print, leather, tennis skirts, smudged makeup and grown out dark roots on bleached blonde hair.
[12] In the following years, musician Lana Del Rey, models Kate Moss and Kylie Jenner and actress Kaya Scodelario's portrayal of the fiction character Effy Stonem, all became points of inspiration for the emerging fashion style.
[2] Following the release of her 2013 debut album True Romance, Charli XCX emerged as an influence on the style, appearing at the NME Awards in a soft grunge that included tartan mini skirt, fishnets, crop top and smudged makeup.
The same year, luxury fashion house Ports 1961 launched their fall/winter 2022 campagne which featured models Vittoria Ceretti and Bella Hadid in soft grunge inspired outfits taken on polaroid cameras.
[24] Soft grunge was based upon the dominant fashion silhouette of the 2010s: high-waisted, tight-fitting trousers or pleated mini skirts with crop tops or t-shirts; while also making use of items common in the 1990s.
[26] Soft grunge outfits often include: the usage of studs and spikes, Vans skate shoes,[26] band shirts, Dr. Martens shoes and boots, tennis skirts, chokers, flannel shirts,[11] leather jackets, enamel pins, high waisted shorts, red lipstick,[27] flower crowns, galaxy print, matte lipstick,[28] winged eyeliner,[29] fishnets, knee socks, Chuck Taylor All-Stars, tote bags, denim jackets and cuffed, ripped jeans.
[16] Photos were often of BLK brand water, cigarettes, tennis skirts, black boots, fishnets,[16] and marshmallows,[35] while also evoking melancholic moods and narratives of illness, pain,[35] depression, unrequited love and wanting to move to somewhere else.
[42] Soft grunge has been criticized by publications including Jezebel, the Ringer and Vice Media as romanticizing and glorifying self-harm, eating disorders, suicidal ideation and mental illness.
