The year is 2009, and I’m lounging in my Barbiecore-themed bedroom while watching an episode of Gossip Girl. On the screen, the fictional character Jenny Humphrey wears a studded leather jacket, a baggy white T-shirt, a black mini skirt, and sheer tights. Her grungy getup is embellished with a skinny tie and a set of layered necklaces, perfectly capturing the essence of Y2K’s indie sleaze fashion trend.
Partially influenced by the gritty punk rock aesthetics of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the indie sleaze style of the early 2000s embraced a slightly disheveled appeal. Unpolished pieces like chaotic graphic tees and thigh-skimming plaid skirts were mismatched with grommet belts, moto boots, and other rugged accessories. Rooted in rebellion, this controversial trend existed at the intersection of self-expression and imperfection.
At the time, It girls like Alexa Chung and the Olsen twins were fervent advocates of indie sleaze, often giving the messy look a boho-chic twist with earth-toned cardigans and free-spirited dresses.
From left to right: Alexa Chung at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Fall 2010 show and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen attending the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
In 2025, a new cohort of celebrities seems to be reviving the alternative trend with a modern twist. Several months ago, Zoë Kravitz wore a ruffled off-the-shoulder Saint Laurent dress paired with a massive belt and gauzy hosiery. Bella Hadid recently slipped into a funky logo T-shirt matched with rugged cowboy boots and a distressed Balenciaga bag. While performing during her Brat Tour, Charli XCX flaunted a fringed Paolina Russo co-ord with biker boots.
Indie sleaze fashion has made its way onto the Fall 2025 runways, extending beyond celebrity circles. Designer brands like Isabel Marant, Chloé, and Alexander McQueen showcased leather pants, tartan skirts, and lace-trimmed slip dresses, with lingerie worn as outerwear being another distinctive feature of the 2000s-inspired style.
With an imminent indie sleaze resurgence approaching, it might be the perfect time to channel your inner Jenny Humphrey. Ahead, a curated selection of pieces to help you create a grunge-meets-glam wardrobe.
Punk Rock Mini Skirts
Go for a moody look with a black mini skirt and a matching bomber.
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Swap your modest maxi skirts for shorter options made from textured leather, plaid fabric, and dark wash denim. Pair your chosen skirt with sheer stockings to add extra style points.
& Other Stories
Leather Mini Skirt
Majorelle
Shane Mini Skirt
Aritzia
Alba Micro Denim Skirt
Graphic T-Shirts
There’s something about a black-and-white graphic tee that screams “Y2K.”
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In the indie sleaze era, graphic T-shirts were all the rage. If you’re ready to make a statement, consider one of the designs below. Let your top take center stage by completing your look with pared-down bottoms.
Anine Bing
Collegiate Leopard Avi Tee
Banana Republic
Vintage Cotton Crew-Neck T-Shirt
AllSaints
Helis Carlie Tee
Slouchy Hobo Bags
You know you’ve found the perfect indie sleaze bag when it boasts a lived-in appearance.
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Indie sleaze fashion is all about manifesting a nonchalant attitude. You can do just that with a slouchy hobo bag that radiates a laid-back vibe. Keep it simple with a no-frills design, or elevate your style with tassels and metal hardware.
Rebecca Minkoff
M.A.B. Hobo
Mansur Gavriel
Candy Hobo Bag
Tory Burch
Mini Fleming Quilted Leather Hobo Bag
Grunge Shoes
It’s time to pull on your stompers! Pair them with a racer jacket to tap into a biker-girl look.
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When you think of indie sleaze shoes, buckled motos and Western-style Chelsea boots might come to mind. But don’t overlook Converse Chuck Taylors, which are also a hallmark of the bold aesthetic.
Reformation
Francesca Moto Boot
Converse
All Star ’70s High Top Unisex Sneakers
Ganni
Western Chelsea Boots
Edgy Dresses
No matter if you’re a fan of the indie sleaze trend or not, a black lace dress is an indisputable closet mainstay.
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Indie sleaze dresses have a slightly distressed edge. Whether you opt for a frilly lace frock or a ruffled gingham dress, the aim is to avoid anything too sophisticated.
I.AM.GIA
Irisia Lace Mini Dress
Free People
Via Gingham Cotton Seersucker Sundress
Mango
Combined Lyocell Knitted Dress
Eye-Catching Accessories
When it comes to necklaces, the more layers, the better.
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There’s nothing subtle about indie sleaze accessories. Maximalist pieces like chunky chain necklaces, studded belts, and oversized sunglasses instantly draw attention.
Jenny Bird
X Revolve Puffy Heart Chain Necklace
Madewell
Studded Western Belt
Loewe
41mm Square Sunglasses
Translucent Tights
Pull your look together with tights that prioritize fashion rather than function.
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Nothing embodies Tumblr-coded fashion quite like sheer tights. Opt for a pair of mesh stockings to achieve a more under-the-radar look, or try a fishnet option if you aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Norma Kamali
Footie Legging
Stems
Sheer Tights With Stretch Control
