2014 And The Soft Grunge Obsession

I am loving the internet’s current universal commitment to making 2026 the new 2016. But if you’re as nostalgic as I am, you’ll remember that 2014 also had an essence of its own—a different kind of magic that we don’t talk about enough. Let me set the scene. It’s 2014, and Lorde and The 1975 aren’t just artists to you—they’re the soundtrack to your entire year. Their music is moody, romantic, and quietly rebellious. And honestly? It perfectly mirrors the Tumblr-era aesthetic I still find myself chasing today. So, for those of you who want to take a walk down memory lane, let’s rewind to 2014 and look at what all the cool girls were wearing.

The 2014 wardrobe staples:

It was all about dressing up your basics—but never in a boring, vanilla way. Instead, everything felt messy, chaotic, and slightly undone. And, obviously, very grunge.

Oversized Denim Jacket

Leaving the house without a denim jacket that was five times your size? Practically illegal.

Plaid Shirts

Plaid. Lots of plaid. The best part? You could throw it on over anything. Bonus points if it was layered over an oversized rock band tee and some scruffy black biker shorts—or even wrapped around your waist for maximum “I just threw this on” energy.

Lace-Trim Mini Skirts

The ultimate Lana-coded touch. Pair one with a dark ribbed or sheer top, a slouchy cardigan, and a flower crown, and suddenly your outfit feels soft and moody all at once.

Ripped Jeans

The more rips in your denim in 2014, the better. The more holes your jeans had, the cooler you looked (you just had to be there).

The Details That Made It Soft Grunge:

The aesthetic lived and died in the finishing touches.

Smudged Eyeliner

Never perfect. Always looking like it survived last night’s party—moody, yet totally intentional.

Choker Necklace

The cherry on top. Nothing says Tumblr vibes like a simple black choker finishing off your outfit.

Shoes That Felt Lived In

2014 was all about chunky Doc Martens, black high-top Converse, and black-and-white Vans. Honestly? We were onto something—those shoes still feel pretty timeless to me.

Messy Hair

Not a slicked-back bun in sight. Hair was natural, slightly messy, and infinitely cooler if dyed jet black or pastel pink.

All in all, the lesson I still carry from 2014 fashion and aesthetics? Dress like the music you love, skip the polish, and have fun experimenting with your wardrobe. Chaos can be fun.

Shop my Fizzypicks to step into the life of the soft-grunge, Tumblr-obsessed queen we all wanted to be in 2014!