Bedhead, smudged eyeliner, glitter, and legs, legs, legs. Twee meets grunge meets 1970s-80s vintage.

It’s maximalist, it’s chaotic, it’s pure sex. And it’s BACK.

WTF is Indie Sleaze Fashion?

Your mom’s mini skirt from the 70s paired with tall leather boots and a cropped white tee with something outrageous written on it. Fishnet stockings and an oversized leather biker jacket. Anything American Apparel—preferably in velvet or metallic.

The vibe is messy but free, sexy but laid-back. Effy from Skins, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung were the icons of the moment.

Wait, What Even is Indie Sleaze?

To get technical, it’s a hipster subculture trend born out of indie sleaze music, which mixes electronic with rock and punk. Artists like The Strokes, MGMT, Crystal Castles, and Peaches were the touchstones of this sound and aesthetic.

Let’s set the scene: it’s 2009, you’re bumping Helena Beat by Foster The People, and heading to an underground rock show in Brooklyn, NY, wearing last night’s makeup and the world’s shortest shorts.

The style matched the music: free-spirited, boho-meets-grunge kids who love to party.

The Indie Sleaze Revival: Why Now?

Most trends return eventually, and now because of the internet, faster than ever. Clothes from your teen years are showing up on Depop as #vintage. This is the price we pay for aging.

Vogue writers Christian Allaire and Hannah Jackson make an excellent point: the perfectionist celebrity culture of today, where celebs get styled “off duty” for errands in case they’re photographed, is practically begging for counterculture.

Celebrities like Charli XCX, who is working with producer The Dare (he’s indie sleaze royalty), is already embodying that indie sleaze look. It’s easily contrasted by the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Kim Kardashian, and Taylor Swift, who are constantly put together—the antithesis of indie sleaze.

TikTok is helping to rebirth indie sleaze by popularizing the fashion trend.

The people have spoken, and they’re ready to revolt. They’re ready for the fun, sexy mess that is indie sleaze.

Where Can I Buy Indie Sleaze Clothes?

Some clothing brands are bringing back indie sleaze fashion in new collections. The best way, though, is to tap into the archives of your elders.

Secondhand Stores

Check out Etsy, Depop, eBay and Etsy for indie sleaze pieces from back in the day. They’re authentic, cheap, and likely to have been pre-loved by an Indie Rokker herself.

Revolve

If you have some extra cash to spend, Revolve is doing an indie sleaze collection in honor of the TikTok trend.

Amazon

Shop skinny jeans, leather boots, tight t-shirts, and short shorts and oversized striped sweaters. Get a pair of tights or fishnets and rip them. The first metallic mini dress you find will do.

How to Complete the Indie Sleaze Look

It’s all about messy eye makeup. Line your eyes with smudged black liner. Sharp wings didn’t exist in 2008. It should look slept in and like you just DGAF. Finish it with glitter—you can never wear too much.

Accessorize with a black leather bag, oversized or studded belt, colored tights, tall boots or ballet flats. Pile on the bling rings, fake gold jewelry, and stacked necklaces.