So you want to dress like the fairy that is always getting into trouble, running off into he night and going on enviable adventures and while really appreciating the beauty of nature? I got you! Let’s master the Fairy Grunge Aesthetic.
Fairy grunge, often confused with Fairycore (and recently cyber fairy grunge/y2k grunge), is a separate subculture. Although it has roots in Fairycore, grunge aesthetics are highly prevalent in the fairy grunge aesthetic. Let’s clear some confusion and quickly discuss the differences between Fairycore and fairy grunge: Fairycore is fairy dust, pastels, glittery and a very soft fairytale princess. On the other hand, Fairy grunge is all about the dirtier aspects of nature and is made up of dark, earthy colours; the aesthetic is fond of worn-out shoes and torn-up clothes; it is more of a messy, hands-in-the-dirt type of rebellious grunge fairy if you will. So what actually is the Fairy grunge aesthetic? Let’s get into it but as always, for a visual idea, check out my Pinterest video pin (to the right) and remember to save it to one of your Pinterest boards for future reference.
What is ‘Fairy Grunge’ Aesthetic?
Fairy grunge relies heavily on layering multiple clothes and textures to achieve the desired aesthetic. The fairy grunge aesthetic’s messiness is synonymous with the aesthetics favoured by the grunge subculture. The aesthetic lies within the group of alternative styles and showcases an edgier aesthetic but in an earthier way than you may be used to. For this aesthetic picture, woodlands, abandoned houses, fairies, adventures in the woods, rocks, stones, mud and dirt. It is an untidy, unkempt aesthetic thanks to the grunge influences on the style, but it also has some mythical, whimsical qualities taken from folklore influences. In the way that classic grunge culture turned its nose up to snobbery and went for a casual style, this aesthetic turns its nose up to the picture-perfect princess that traditional folklore aesthetics tend to exude.
Fairy Grunge Aesthetic Colour Palette
The significant difference between Fairycore and the grunge influences within the fairy grunge aesthetic lay in the colour palettes, unlike the bright, soft pastels and glitters of Fairycore, fairy grunge is all about dark earthy tones, and the colour palette takes inspiration from nature. The colour tones include; blacks, browns, greens, greys, beiges, purples, neutrals and ivory. Although black is used in the aesthetic, it is essential to not overdress in black as it may cause your aesthetic to lean more towards fairy goth, a different genre of the fae subculture. The key is to think of how you would dress if you wanted to blend in with the deep dark woods, like an earth fairy that has to stay hidden within nature to avoid being discovered.
Fairy Grunge Outfit Essentials & Basics
Fairy grunge is synonymous with worn, thrifted and upcycled clothing due to the desire to achieve a grunge aesthetic, so it is recommended to shop at thrift stores or reuse clothing you already own. It is best to ensure that you have a good variety of the essential components that form a typical outfit of this aesthetic to make outfits easily. You probably have these items already, so you won’t have to shell out or break the bank to achieve this aesthetic and remember to thrift where you can. This is my must-have list for the fairy grunge aesthetic (with links to clothing sites):
- Maxi Skirts
- Mini Skirts
- Nightgowns
- Oversized Cargo Pants
- Skater Dresses
- Midi Skirts
- Black Baggy Jeans
- Neutral Coloured Baggy Jeans
- Tulle skirts
- Distressed Jeans
- Ruffle Skirts
- Denim Skirts
- Oversized T-shirts
- Oversized Hoodies
- Corsets
- Grandpa Cardigans
- Lace Cardigans
- Crop Tops
- Lace-trimmed tank tops
- Short-sleeve Button-downs
- Lace-up Tie Backless Tops
Fairy Grunge Accessories:
- Patterned Mesh Tights
- Fishnets
- Lace Tights
- Knee High Socks
- Leg Warmers
- Fairy Wings
- Elf ears
- Mittens
- Fingerless Gloves
- Dark nail polish
- Ripped Tights
- Handmade Jewelery
- Lace Arm Sleeves
- Sheer Scarves
- Chunky Jewellery
- Fringed Scarf
- Worn Out sneakers
- Chunky Boots
- Worn Converse
- Platform Boots
- Platform Sneakers
- Mary Janes
- Rubber Soles
Fairy Grunge Hairstyles:
- Plaits
- Bangs
- Wavy
- Layered Bob
- Headscarves
- Braids
- Natural Messy Hair
- Hair Chalk
- Temporary Dye
- Space Buns
- Pixie Cut
- Mullet
Fairy Grunge Makeup:
- Smudged Mascara
- Smoky Eyes
- Bold Lips
- Dark Lips
- Eyelash Extensions
- Heavy Blush
- Faux Freckles
Layering is key to this aesthetic; layer corsets on top of oversized shirts with lace arm sleeves underneath. Although materials are up to you, specific materials for certain garments will help to achieve the mythical qualities of this aesthetic for example, knitted fingerless gloves over leather have more of a fae feel. As always, please feel free to edit this list to your tastes, this is not an all-inclusive list, and there are plenty more items you can include to achieve this aesthetic.
That’s all from me,
Until next time,
Unique.
