Although the term “indie” is often used loosely these days, the aesthetic has a long history dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s in the UK. It is a subgenre and anti-establishment music genre that is heavily associated with the new wave, punk, and rock scenes in Manchester and Birmingham. The Jesus and Mary Chain, Buzzcocks, and The Smiths are some of the original bands that influenced this style. The scene grew from there and produced the beloved grunge/alt-rock scene in Seattle. This led to the rise of bands such as Nirvana and, more recently, The Strokes, and The White Stripes. The style, which is heavily inspired by the scene, features a laidback, effortless look with dark colors, leather, and flannel. Read below to get some trendy ideas.

Band T-shirts

The rock roots of a band antisocialsocialclub t-shirt make it a timeless favorite for indie fashion. Don’t worry if you don’t know the name of every Blur album or have never heard one Metallica song. These shirts can be worn every season and are great for adding an edge to any outfit. For a grunge-inspired look, pair it with your favorite wide-leg jeans or combat boots. You can also swap blue denim for acid-wash or bleached black trousers. For a modern look, you can tie the fabric to your pants or tuck it into your pants. You can mix and match depending on the weather with an oversized coat or denim jacket or even a fur vest.

Jeans

The indie-rock style was influenced by the grunge scene of the 80s and the 90s, but the influence of the London punk scene in the 70s is a major one. These are high-waisted jeans with flare or bell bottoms. It elongates your frame and makes it a great combination for a button-front shirt, or band tee. This is the classic side of the aesthetic. Make sure you choose a pair that’s not too tight or too form-fitting. They look great with flannel, jewelry, and Converse, combat boots, or high-top skate shoes.

Leather Jackets

A leather jacket is a must-have for any 90s-inspired look. The versatility of this staple item is what makes it a must-have in every wardrobe. This outerwear will elevate any outfit and give it a cool look. A chrome hearts hoodie with buttons will give you a grunge look. You can pair it with your favorite shirt, singlet, or band tee. A leather bomber is a great option if you’re looking for a modern take on this look. It’s large with puffy sleeves, a slim collar, and a sleek collar. This jacket is perfect for everyday wear. There are many great vintage jackets that can be found at thrift shops and markets. However, there are also excellent vegan options available to give you a more authentic look.

Flannel

Flannel is a must-have for any indie wardrobe. This fabric is synonymous with the skater scene and can be worn casually in any outfit. Indie music in its original form was about dressing up as if you were at a concert or a band member. Flannel and check fabrics are warm, versatile, and look great when layered. You can pair it with leather jackets, mom jeans, and chunky combat boots, or you can wear it by itself if it gets too warm. Plaid pants are a fashion-forward option. You can pair it with a burnt orange sweater or jacket made of leather, or a denim or leather jacket and grunge-worthy chains.

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