The pop culture phenomenon that was dubbed indie style is making a comeback. Popular in the late aughts to early 2010s, and worn by everyone including style icons Alexa Chung, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and the Olsen Twins. It was a look that effortlessly blended grunge chic with retro edginess, creating a style that was as rebelliously cool as it was intentionally laid-back.
Indie style was first popular during an era when wild nights out were caught on point-and-shoot cameras, and where photographs were either shared on personal blogs or kept as private memories. It was a time when everyone dressed for themselves rather than the social media algorithms, encouraging a wild and free relationship with personal style.
Why is indie sleaze coming back?
Indie sleaze is making a comeback fueled by the desire to see more creativity and individuality within fashion. It's a way of dressing that offers an antidote to mass-produced trends and unoriginal fashion norms.
Indie style offers a refreshing break from cookie-cutter fashion, where everybody dresses the same and personal style isn't a priority; encouraging individuality and non-conformity through the use of fashion.
What is indie sleaze fashion style?
Indie sleaze style is characterized by its nonchalant dismissal of conventional fashion norms.
Distinguished by its effortlessly messy and laidback appearance, this bold style embraces creativity and celebrates individuality through an array of eclectic and rebellious fashion choices.
The signature indie sleaze outfit often includes a harmonious blend of vintage styles with a contemporary twist; combining graphic tees, distressed denim, indie band logos, and striking statement prints, paired with vintage accessories with retro charm.
An Indie Sleaze Capsule Wardrobe
- Blazer
- Statement Cardigan
- Monochrome Cardigan
- Graphic T-Shirt
- Plaid Shirt
- Collared Shirt
- Wrap Dress
- Mini Dress
- High-Waisted Jeans
- Loafers
- Ankle Boots
- Tote Bag
- Fishnet Tights
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Stacking Rings
- Crystal Necklace
- Hoop Earrings
Whenever a style comes back into fashion, it's never quite the same as it was the first time around. While indie sleaze has kept its eclectic flair, the outdated styles of the original trend have been reinvented using more modern choices.
Skinny jeans have been replaced with relaxed denim, the twee accents have been toned down, and any geeky hipster motifs have been removed. Indie style's nonchalant attitude towards conventional fashion norms remains, fused with grungy prints, vintage finds, and a sleazy coolness that has wide appeal.
I've created this example of an indie sleaze capsule wardrobe in my own style using the clothes I already own. It's likely you have many of the key pieces you need to make indie sleaze inspired outfits in a style that's true to you.
Indie Sleaze Outfit Inspiration
How to Create an Indie Sleaze Capsule Wardrobe
An easy way to recreate the indie sleaze style is to keep to a very dark colour palette. Stick to black, red, and metallic shades with unique pieces featuring bold prints or graphic designs. The style is messy and carefree, mixing vintage style with modern trends that highlight the wearer's personal style.
Clashing prints and mismatched patterns aren't something indie sleaze is afraid of either as this mix-and-match approach reinforces the rebellious and carefree spirit of the style. If you want to recreate an indie sleaze outfit, these are the main elements you should focus on incorporating.
Retro Elements
The incorporation of vintage and retro elements is popular within indie sleaze fashion. Whether it's band merchandise, retro-inspired sunglasses, or thrifted finds, these items contribute to the fun and eclectic nature of the style.
Graphic tees featuring indie band logos and quirky designs are a quintessential part of the indie sleaze look. Make sure to incorporate a variety of colours and fits to achieve the laid-back, rebellious aesthetic.
Denim Staples
From distressed denim jackets to waist-high skinny jeans, denim is the go-to fabric for indie sleaze style. These pieces are the staples that add a touch of sleazy grunge to an outfit.
The modern twist on the indie aesthetic replaces skin-tight trousers with loose-fitting mom jeans, updating the look with a more appropriate style. Stick with classic blue denim or an edgier black or grey option to stay true to the style.
Statement Outerwear
Whether it's an oversized blazer, vintage bomber jacket, or faux fur coat; statement outerwear adds a layer of retro glam to outfits that pulls together an indie sleaze look.
Look for unique patterns, bold colours, and vintage leather—ideally thrifted as it will elevate your look and add that much needed sleazy element the indie aesthetic is known for.
Unconventional Accessories
Accessories play a huge role in indie sleaze style so layer on as many as you can! The key to accessorising is to embrace the mix-and-match approach to the style with vintage finds and personalised charms.
Incorporate a variety of chunky gemstone necklaces, statement belts, quirky enamel charms, and playful headwear. The more unconventional the better as these will be finishing touches that enhance the overall indie sleaze vibe.
Prints and Patterns
Indie sleaze embraces a mix-and-match approach to bold prints and clashing patterns to achieve an eclectic aesthetic. Floral prints, plaid patterns, faux fur, and leather are worn alongside each other to create visually interesting and playful combinations.
Experiment to find your own version of dopamine dressing using the unique pieces in your wardrobe to recreate the indie sleaze fashion in a way that suits your personal style.
Bold Footwear
Distinctive footwear is a must when it comes to putting together an indie sleaze outfit. The ideal choice of shoe defies conformity by deliberately not matching with the rest of the outfit, adding a rebellious touch to a look.
Opt for chunky soles, bold colours, and detailed leather. Lace-up boots, worn-in trainers, platform sandals, ballet flats, and classic brogues all complement the indie sleaze aesthetic by balancing functionality and style with a vintage flair.