Grunge was a cool look with attitude. Think rock chic rolling out of bed and throwing on last night’s jeans with a clean t-shirt, brushing her teeth but not bothering to comb her hair. It was hip to buy clothes at second-hand shops and shirts or jeans with ragged edges were worn as trophies of honour. The key was maximum comfort for a minimal cost.

The grunge look had a careless, unkempt appeal that reflected an entire subculture of alternative rock.  Their concerts didn’t need staged histrionics to entertain an audience, the bands just played their songs.  Whether it was a heavy metal,  punk or indie rock concert, they set the mood with pure music and unfiltered lyrics.

The grunge movement probably has the likes of Kate Moss and Johnny Depp to blame for its demise into the trendy  echelons of fashion. This young, famous crowd was often photographed looking beautiful and content in the bulky black boots, tights and faded jeans of this effortless panache.

It didn’t take long for the grunge look to catch on and go global. Top labels appeared on distressed jeans just as designer shirts with rips and rock slogans hit the catwalks and high street shops. This new grunge stole some of the original movement’s thunder. It’s not easy to stay disenchanted with society when they start dressing like you.

 Grunge eased its way into mainstream fashion and had its heyday before the preppy, tailored styles took over the reins. Now two decades later, grunge has grown up and is making a comeback. There were hints of the look in the spring/summer fashions, but there’s no denying the grungy influence in the fall styles.

Grown up grunge still looks effortless, but the trousers are tighter and the flannels are softer and dare to be more feminine. Combat boots have given way to bulky black wedges and jewellery is as bold as it is beautiful. This grunge was made for young working professionals who demand fashion that is as comfortable as it is expressive.

No doubt grunge has evolved to embrace  this new generation of fashion-conscious consumers, but don’t give up on your Doc Martens just yet. There is a time and a place for everything, especially in fashion.