plaid

What do you get when you mix Marc Jacobs’ ground-breaking grunge looks of the 1990’s with the iconic and classy style of Chanel? Grunge-chic, naturally. We’ve spotted the look on celebrity fashion icons such as Mary-Kate Olsen, Lindsay Lohan, and Rachel Bilson, who are all donning Kurt Cobain- inspired plaid flannel paired with leggings and sky-high heels. If you still love Nirvana but dream of quilted purses, or if like us, just have style ADD, then this look is perfect for you! The key to achieving this style is to successfully contrast girly pieces with edgy and grungy pieces, and of course Fashion Pulse will show you how to do it!

To begin you’ll need a basic black cami, like this Cassandra Lace Cami from dELiA’s for $19.50, and some black tights (we swear by the UO Supersoft Bamboo Tights, $18 from Urban Outfitters). Next, add a colorful high–waisted tulip skirt. The pop of color will counter all of the black that you’ll be wearing with this outfit, and the tulip shape adds femininity. American Apparel’s Polyester Micro-Fiber Tulip Skirt, for $28, is perfect for this piece.

Now for the main grunge ingredient: over the tank and the skirt, layer a long sleeved plaid flannel shirt, and roll up the sleeves. We prefer the men’s Mountain Pond plaid shirt, $80 at Abercrombie and Fitch (search “mens” then click “shirts”), or you can always just “borrow” one from your dad or boyfriend! The shirt should look over-sized and a little sloppy to juxtapose the chic aspect of the look. Fasten on a black belt, like this Fashion Focus Black Croc-Stamped Patent Wide Belt from Bluefly for $27, over the flannel to accentuate your feminine features under that baggy shirt. If you want to expose the cami, leave the flannel unbuttoned and peel back the front shirttails before putting the belt on.

The Midnight Suede Bowtie Bootie, $88 from Urban Outfitters is the perfect shoe for this outfit because they’ve got an adorable bow, yet still have a pretty hardcore aesthetic. Finally, to top it off, add a Blair Waldorf-like black headband like this one from Forever 21 for $2.80, and voila! You are now equipped to rock out grunge-chic!

—Sarah Ferguson