INDIE SLEAZE REVIVAL: A Glance at Some of the Grittiest Looks of the 2010s
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Very few things in this lifetime are definitive, but there’s nothing that holds gaudiness to a higher standard than that of “indie sleaze.” This 2010 electroclash resurgence was a style encompassed by party photography, trashy Hollywood culture, Nylon magazine, and tattered American Apparel v-line t-shirts. In a time when polished looks are at their peak, it's more than exciting to see this gritty style make its next arrival. In celebration of this enduring comeback, let's take a look at the definitive it-girls of the indie sleaze era.
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Synth-pop singer Sky Ferreira has been consistently recognized for her take on the eclectic style, creating a captivating mix of glamour and gaudiness. The singer would often adorn her outfits with distressed tights, mix-matching accessories, and of course, bold sultry makeup. Once Ferreria released her debut album Night Time My Time, her lightly rebellious essence became clear to critics. With this, her stylistic choices (both musically and fashionably) embodied one another to create one of the most authentic artists of the 2010’s.
Ferreria would often gravitate towards a darker color palate, with black being a dominant hue in many of her outfits. Although a rather boring choice, this would often give Ferreria the freedom to adorn herself with sequins and other glamourous elements to create a contrast with her infamous bleach-blonde hair. This would also prove to be the perfect base for the distressed denim and leather jackets she wore at the time; all choices that have become ever so prevalent in many of our current wardrobes. Although the Tumblr icon played it rather safe, her style paved the way for grunge fashion elements to be palatable to critics and fans alike.
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At its peak, indie sleaze was the essence of the mid-2000s party scene. With this description alone, it’s certainly not a shocker that Kesha was also a main inspiration for the ever-growing style with her chunky jewelry, smudged glitter eye makeup, and clip-in extensions. Vastly different compared to Ferreria's clean-cut, silently rebellious style, Keshachanneled the effortless cool girl look during this time.
Although Kesha was fond of a darker color palate with her clothing choices, this was done with a far less feminine edge, highlighting a variety of intentionally mismatched textures and patterns. With fashion risks like these, we began to see the line between clean-cut choices and lived-in authenticity quickly fade away.
At the root of this DIY style, authenticity and continuous risk is not only what made indie sleaze the inspiration that it is, but also explains why it’s a style that will be embodied for years to come. Self-expression is necessary, especially for young adults, so it's comforting to see a style with such a lack of restrictions make its much-needed return. With clean and pristine looks playing a huge role in the current trend cycle, something as gritty as indie sleaze is oddly refreshing. Seeing something so profoundly lived-in is rare, and often serves as a point of passage for many. Excitement is truly an understatement for this comeback, especially at a time when conformity is so desirable.
Strike Out,
Writer: Emma Stanfield
Editor: Cristina Angee
Tallahassee