Grown-Up Grunge

[tiktokoclock]

I dress like a 90s teen boy in art college. Ripped jeans, check shirts, docs, endless band tees.

I've seen some recent pics of myself, and I'm not doing myself many favours. I think in my head I looked far more youthful than I do. 😂and whilst I think people can (and should) wear what they want at any age... I'm nearly 40, size 10 peri-meno body with big boobs, I would like to flatter what I've got whilst I've still got it. I work from home so no dress code.

Can anyone give me tips on dressing like a grown up, but in a grungy, alternative way?

As soon as you said grown up grunge
my mind went to the shop All Saints. Maybe take a browse in the shop for how they style things and then try and maybe recreate it or buy if the budget allows for some pieces. Maybe look at Pinterest.

I think your look sounds great.

If you want to smarten up a bit, I'd buy a couple of good blazers and some smartish trainers and wear them with your jeans and Tshirts.

Yep you need to up your game a bit in terms of tailoring - I'd try and make the silhouette as lean as possible with as a pp said, skinny blazers, leather jackets, skinny or straight jeans, converse or biker style boots. That way you can still wear band tees but the whole look will be less studenty.

I'd personally ditch the checked shirts, but that's just my preference.

I'm nearly 40 too, however been told I look younger lol I love wearing checked shirts with jeans and docs, especially in autumn and winter months. But that's me. I will wear dresses and skirts as well with boots, sandles in the summer or white trainers. If you're comfortable and happy, don't change 🙂

I think your look sounds great OP, I'm a similar age to you and agree with PP that All Saints have some really nice 'grown up' grungy pieces, at a size 10 you can actually fit in them, I'm an 18 and they only go up to 16 :(

Personally I found that a really good haircut has done more for me than any changes in clothes (I dress smarter for work), but I have started wearing a jacket with my jeans and tshirt instead of a hoody, hoodies really seem to make me look round but I am a lot bigger than you!

Do you ever browse the

Ann Demeulemeester site?

It’s the very most grown up ‘traditional’ grunge. If you’re looking for something less literal

Camiel Fortgens is aesthetically very pleasing. And the clothes are wondrously well made in lovely fabrics.

Or, if you have money to burn and want to be at the cutting edge,

Bode is just about to start selling women’s clothes.

All of these present different versions of grunge to my eye. Not saying anyone has to spend this much money - but they provide endless inspiration.

I'm your age and also dress like you. I've ditched the band t shirts and swapped some all saints basic t shirts in instead. I keep an eye on hush for some of their less toddler like clothes, the less frilly end of ted baker, all saints etc.

I always have a nice coat, bag and keep my hair done. That smartens me up a fair bit

90@ Grunge is making a come back this year OP. You will be super fashionable!

I’m similar. I think.

I try and have clothes that are in good condition, interesting trainers or boots. I love the right weather for a cord or velvet blazer.

I do wear checked shirts, but over a coordinated T-shirt so it’s more of a deliberate look.

I also find that a band T that is a bit different to the basic crew neck straight cut type is more flattering. I look good in a V neck or square neck so try and get t shirts in this cut. EMP is great for this, so many more interesting style of band shirt.

These are great ideas, thank you all so much!
I like EMP anyway, so will look for different shapes of T shirt.
I never look at All Saints because it's all quite expensive and dry-cleaningy, BUT I hadn't considered using it for inspo. Same with the Ann Demeulemeester site.
@Soccermumamir don't worry, I won't be changing, just tweaking it! Would like some dresses etc for the summer but I just don't have any.

Oh I want photos! Sounds great.

Also loving the idea of check blazer rather than check shirt for slightly smarter days. This all sounds very doable!

You sound cool already OP
And because of fashions coming around again your look is very current
Those websites are beautiful Country Cousin
I haven’t looked but feted designers back in the day were also Helmut Lang, early Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu for 60s influence and if you like the Courtney Love Babes in Toyland vibe, Anna Sui.

And on your summer dresses I noticed that there are usually loads of grungey checked summer dresses on ASOS. I think you can probably search the site by ‘grunge’

*I meant to say, I haven’t looked at what those designers are doing now..

OP. I don't suppose you saw Helena Bonham Carter on Graham Norton last night? She looked fab and definitely what I would describe as grown up grunge (although maybe other's won't). Maybe get some inspiration there although no idea where her clothes are from.

Today outfit plan:
Denim wide leg jeans - cropped to show off my docs.
Band t shirt. I've got an older one and cut the neck band off and the scoop is more flattering... will have a shuffle round EMP post-pay day.
Check blazer rather than shirt.
I hope the woman in the post office appreciates my efforts 😂

I feel like every time I comment on one of these posts l recommend checking out the Wears My Money blog. Honestly, it’s nothing to do with me!

www.wearsmymoney.com

I think she has a great grown-up take on band tees, baggy jeans, docs, etc, and shows pics of how to style it together item by item.

Personally I find that approach more helpful than the pics from brand websites, as I can see if I have anything in my wardrobe that works.

Also, your outfit today sounds great! Bet the post office lady enjoys it

@ShangPie I do like Wearsmymoney - she has realistic casual outfits, but a bit colourful for me... I read it thinking 'like this, but in black'! 😂

@tiktokoclock In terms of All Saints I have a nice boyfriend t from them, expensive but good quality. I’ve also picked up AS in charity shops too so worth looking at.

I should have added the t is a nice washed out black colour so fits with your look.