to look indie sleaze you don’t have to put in much effort

It may not have been the most healthy period in the life of model Kate Moss, but the time (2005–2007) she spent with musician Pete Doherty has provided a treasure trove of fashion inspiration. And that inspiration comes in handy now the indie sleazelook is back. Indie sleaze refers to the grungy, slightly raunchy, but always cool clothing style that was at its peak in the second half of the nineties and especially flourished during festivals such as the English Glastonbury. The second half of the 2000s? And it’s back already?! While we’ve just finally shed the skinny jeans yoke?

artfulness

It will have to do with the fact that the festival style has changed rapidly over the past fifteen years. Look, Kate Moss knew she would be photographed at Glastonbury, so her fantastically casual festival looks were no coincidence. But if she was otherwise wearing make-up, she let it sit for three days and her hair was the low-maintenance bed hair style. In addition to being cool, the whole thing looks a bit dowdy and even a bit gross, just like you look like after three days of music in the mud. At least, then. Because these were the last years before the arrival of the smartphone and Instagram. And perhaps also the last period in history that celebrities (influencers didn’t even exist yet) went to a festival without a personal glam team just to create content for social media.

And we long for that relative innocence of fifteen years ago, just as certain circles harbor nostalgia for Nokia flip phones and corded headphones. To look indie sleaze you don’t have to go through a lot of effort, just fish and put on the top three things from the laundry basket, add worn-out shoes (preferably ballerinas à la Amy Winehouse) and you’re good to go. And for anyone who fears a return of the dreaded skinny jeans, it might be a little too early for that. It is better to opt for a very short skirt, cut denim shorts, or for those who are serious about the sleaze: no bottom at all.