More than just trends, ‘core’ fashion movements are encouraging women to rally against societal norms.
Online social media platforms and the young users who dominate them have recently popularized the suffix ‘core’ in place of the popularly used ‘chic’ of the past. This change in dialogue amongst young fashion enthusiasts has created a new form of consumer behavior patterns, one that dominates your lifestyle as well as personal style. With the development of niche online communities overlapping with Generation Z’s interest in fashion, ‘core’ has been added to almost every new popular style. Many “core” aesthetics even fight against constricting constructs of femininity.
The first documented usage, #normcore, debuted in 2014 as a unisex fashion trend characterized by unpretentious, average-looking clothing. Unlike the past trends, which were notorious for their expense, short shelf lives, and purely aesthetic value, this trend incentivized a change in one’s consumer behavior along with an update to their wardrobe. People were encouraged to rebel against the flashy and designer-obsessed fashion culture that had dominated the 2010s. Women dressed in this manner were empowered to abandon a societally expected interest in fashion and spend their time on other, perhaps more fruitful, hobbies. By keeping their style understated and their shopping to a minimum, a participant in the aesthetic didn’t just dress normcore; they were normcore.
Examples of ‘core’ aesthetics include #cottagecore and this summer’s most popular trend, #Barbiecore. #Cottagecore embodies a love for nature and the romanticization of a simple life. Clothing staples include twee floral dresses, milkmaid tops, and printed bandanas. Those experimenting with the trend may take up (or at least document themselves) reading, baking, or spending more time in nature. However, by popularizing minimal makeup looks and praising natural beauty, the #cottagecore aesthetic has provided a more powerful service to women of color. Many women of color have spoken out about having been historically excluded from softer, more feminine styles, primarily represented by white women in the media. Social media’s inclusion of POCs within the #cottagecore trend has allowed them to participate.
#Barbiecore — inspired by leaked photos from Greta Gerwig’s upcoming live-action Barbie remake — embraces the Y2K girly-girl mode of dressing. The aesthetic has been seen on the red carpet and the Instagram pages of fashion’s most influential celebrities, including Lizzo, Kacey Musgraves, Megan Fox, and Kim Kardashian. The most notable part of the look is Barbie’s signature bubblegum pink color, often accompanied by eye-catching accessories and tight-fitting silhouettes. However, the aesthetic has also been worn by many as a statement on diversity and feminism. Before #Barbiecore, more feminine fashion lovers could expect harsh criticism or ridicule (for instance, in the workplace) for their love for a more stereotypically ‘girly’ style, but #barbiecore reclaims it. Reminiscent of Elle Woods and her signature power color in Legally Blonde, #Barbiecore gives feminine professionals the confidence to be taken seriously in hyperfeminine style.
More than just trends, ‘core’ fashion movements have allowed women of all backgrounds to conjugate with other social media users to sartorially rally against societal norms.
