This season, the style symbol of the 1990s has reappeared on the fashion stages – plaid frocks in a grunge spirit. They once more emerged as the central elements of the ensembles: they were spotted not just on street style mavens at the close of Fashion Weeks, but also on the runways of Louis Vuitton, Bally, and Ralph Lauren. This autumn, the tartan pattern should be the focal point. While previously, these dresses were styled with Dr. Martens on a chunky sole, hefty sandals, or delicate ballet slippers, the grunge aesthetic is now rounded off with refined footwear – tall boots, Mary Jane shoes, and stilettos. Following are 7 of the most stylish looks from the shows, where the revamped grunge appears exceptionally well.
Condé Nast Archive/Gorunway
Checkered midi dress with halter collar and silver ankle boots
Louis Vuitton is rekindling the 1990s grunge vibe with a relaxed, red-plaid halter dress. When teamed with silver shoes and metal-accented bracelets, the look comes across as youthful and daring—ideal for a relaxed outing by Olivia Rodrigo, Jenna Ortega, or Tate McRae.
Louis Vuitton fall-winter 2025/2026. Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway
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Asymmetrical checkered dress and high boots
The grunge trend embraces a more moderate feel in Ralph Lauren's offering. A charcoal gray midi dress boasting an uneven hem, a high-cut neckline, and fringe detailing brings to mind an autumnal scarf, showcasing a simultaneously composed yet defiant vibe. Pair it with biker boots for daytime wear, or towering brown boots for an evening affair.
Ralph Lauren fall-winter 2025/2026. Photo: Ralph Lauren / Gorunway
Grunge blue midi dress and Mary Jane pumps
Bally presents grunge through a minimalist perspective: a cobalt midi dress detailed with a raised collar, form-fitting sleeves, and a focus on the hips. It’s an ideal option for creating imaginative looks that stretch beyond your typical preferences. Wear it together with high heels, tall boots, or Mary Jane pumps.
Bally autumn-winter 2025/2026. Photo: Umberto Fratini / Gorunway
Semi-sheer one-shoulder maxi dress with a washed-out check effect
Indeed, grunge can be refined – Dries Van Noten showcases this. A maxi dress crafted from diaphanous material displaying a faded checkered design brings a subtle charm, filled with character. For standout occasions, pair it with a gleaming, wide belt and square-toe heeled shoes. As Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs advise – “non-traditional” footwear perfectly accentuates the strength of unconventional looks.
Dries Van Noten fall-winter 2025/2026. Photo: Umberto Fratini / Gorunway
Checkered midi dress made of shaggy wool and high fur boots to match
Diesel displayed grunge in a gothic, experimental manner. A midi dress fashioned from furry wool featuring a striking check is complemented by tall, fuzzy boots in the identical shade.
Diesel autumn-winter 2025/2026. Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway
Red checkered mini shirt dress and two-tone shoes
Isabel Marant melds boho and grunge for a tempting, sharp-edged interpretation. Select a red plaid shirtdress or shape your own variation using a checkered suit. Round out the look using net stockings and two-tone slingback pumps.
Isabel Marant fall-winter 2025/2026. Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway
Blue checkered voluminous mini dress and patent Mary Jane pumps
Kent & Curwen contributes an intellectual element to grunge featuring a concise blue dress styled with billowy pleats and a checkered pattern. Wear it over a structured button-down shirt, finishing with snug knee-highs or hosiery and polished Mary Janes. Unconventional, yet utterly flawless.
Based on materials from vogue.in
