Teen shows usually have specific archetypes that characters follow and their style showcases that aspect but in Sex Education from Netflix each character breaks the boxes we expect them to be in. Sex Education is a show that is nothing like regular teen shows because it tackles uncomfortable subjects about sex, relationships, and situations. Despite talking about such hard subjects what truly makes this show are the characters whom the audience can connect with and root for. One of the main characters, Maeve Wiley is a high school girl who at first glance might think that she is a troubled child because of her grunge style. But she is a smart student with a difficult home life. Maeve and the main character Otis start a sex clinic for teenagers in the school to help those who feel too uncomfortable to get any professional help, this also helps them earn money.

Something that stands out from the overall style of Sex Education is that it doesn’t exist in a specific place or period which allows for many different styles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Maeve’s style is grunge-heavy heavy inspired by the 90s, this serves to show that Maeve is a tough person. At the beginning of the season, we see she is very close off, and she tries to rebel against the expectations people have for women. She usually wears black, boots, ripped tights, and signature accessories. This helps to define a signature look and make her outfits look more grunge-inspired.

Using Grunge Style as a Shield

Maeve has a difficult home life because she has a mother who is an addict which leaves her needing to take care of herself. This influences her style for a more grunge style even with her makeup making her look tough or threatening since she has to take care of herself. Maeve doesn’t have disposable income so unlike many teen shows she repeats her outfits and pieces that make her look more realistic and shows she has a limited income. One of her signature pieces is her leather jacket and combat boots are make her look tougher but could be used as a shield.

An important part of Maeve’s look is her blonde hair with pink tips that make her grunge style come together. Her hair looks like she did it herself which is very realistic to her situation. After Maeve starts to get support from a teacher and a close friend she realizes that she does have a future beyond high school despite her home life. She starts to take her school more seriously. After her mom, tells her that she used to dye her hair like that, Maeve decides to dye her hair to her natural color. Maeve believes she has a future and she wants to be herself, she keeps her grunge style but experiments more as the series goes on.

Read more about the fashion in our favorite shows with Rory Gilmore’s style analysis