There’s no denying that Gen Z has a way with words. Buzzwords, however, are a totally different ball game. The age of bitesize social content à la TikTok and most recently Threads has hastened trends’ ability to go viral. And no other trend has gripped post-millennial culture quite like the "Core."
The not-so-humble Core is interchangeable with style. Yet the phrase has taken on a whole new sartorial cachet, adopting an almost cult-like following. Take Barbiecore for example. Thanks to Greta Gerwig’s film Barbie starring Margot Robbie, hot pink became inescapable online.
You may also like
Barbiecore gripped the digital sphere in 2023
Robbie’s stream of archival designer outfits worn during various press events, coupled with Valentino’s celeb-revered 2022 collection and the inevitable trickle-down of the hue onto the high street catapulted the Barbiecore movement into the limelight. As of January 2024, #barbiecore has mow amassed over 1.5 Billion views on TikTok – enough said.
Arguably, Barbiecore has captured the digital imagination for the longest period of time, but the "Core" evolution began way before Pierpaolo Piccioli took to the Valentino drawing room. Back in 2013, trend forecasting agency K-HOLE employed ‘Normcore’ into a popular report, it delineated that the phrase was not just a dress code, but how one conducts themselves, which applies to all Cores. In the case of normcore, it refers to an unassuming manner characterised by classic jeans, dad trainers, baseball caps and other unpretentious items of clothing. It was the first ‘Core’ aesthetic to enter public consciousness and in 2016 the word was added to the Associated Press Stylebook.
MORE: 7 items you need to get the 'Quiet Luxury' look
Sharon Stone in the movie Casino channels a 'mob wife' aesthetic
Of course an 'aesthetic' does not have to have the "core" in it to be worthy of such buzz. Take last year's obsession with Quiet Luxury for instance, and this year's revernce of the 'Mob Wife.' So while we sit back and wait for another new Core and Aesthetic to be jettisoned onto our digital agendas, we’ve decided to analyse all the trending terms to add to your vocabulary.
The ones that have come before, and the ones that are buzz worthy now. Fashion will always reflect the zeitgeist, after all...
Grandadcore
TikToks latest 2024 fashion trend is all about channelling your elderly grandfathers effortless and comfortable everyday look. Think loafers or Birkenstock Boston's with chunky knit socks, pinstriped boxer shorts as pants or beige slacks, cable knits slung over your shoulder, crocheted vests and oversized gold-framed glasses.
Emma posted this outfit to her Instagram and it giving big G-dad energy
The grandad core aesthetic is all about dressing intentionally comfy with an almost Scandinavian flare. ‘It’ girl Emma Chamberlain has been donning the style for a while now and the likes of Bella Hadid, Alexa Chung and Kendall Jenner have recently followed suit. Recently, the TikTok world has taken the trend to all-new heights, creating multiple trending sounds with voiceovers on how to achieve the look.
The Brands: Guest In Residence, Birkenstock, Uniqlo
Related stars: Emma Chamberlain, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner
Secretarycore
Secretarycore is another 2024 trend on the radar, loved by the likes of Bella Hadid, Julia Fox and Billie Eilish. Basically, all you need to achieve this snarky corporate look is a pair of prescription or transparent glass opticals, the skinner and more ‘90s inspired the better.
Bella's micro specs are giving big receptionist energy
Bella has seemed to lean into the trend massively over the last few months. Seen on multiple occasions out and about and on her Instagram, the model often sports opticals, button-up shirts with collars and slim-lined trousers.
Billie suited up for the Oscars
It seems that the trend has ventured off-screen and onto the red carpet. Billie Eilish kicked off the trend on the Oscars red carpet late last year, proving that the eclectic trend made it further than just a trending hashtag.
The Brands: Uniqlo, Specsavers, Balenciaga
Related stars: Emma Chamberlain, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner
Mob Wife
"The gals of Gotham are seriously on trend right now and it seems even the celebs can’t help but lean into the world's newest fashion craze," explains Hello! Fashion's Orion Scott, "From Dua Lipa in a lace catsuit and oversized faux fur coat to Kourtney Kardashian- Barker's first post-baby debut on Instagram, mob wives are all about exuding confidence, glamour and undisputed prowess."
Mob wives know how to look chic and keep warm
"According to Depop, searches for leopard print are up by 213% this week, with gold hoop earrings up 70% and faux fur coats up by 18%, proving that this is only the beginning of 2024's hottest new trend," continues Orion. Summarised, the mob wife fashion trend embodies a daring, flamboyant, and seductive appeal, blending sophistication with a hint of rebellion.
Mob wife chic at Paris Couture Week
It's reminiscent of classic New York affluence mixed with an edgy twist, often featuring a bold red lip. Presently, this style is being reimagined as the epitome of modern chic, gaining popularity with statement pieces like large fur coats, thigh-high leather boots, voluminous hairstyles, and a variety of animal patterns, making waves in fashion shows and urban fashion alike.
The Brands: Dolce & Gabbana, Susan Caplan, Alaïa
Related stars: Emma Chamberlain, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner
Quiet Luxury
“Quiet Luxury is a new age minimalism style, and in terms of clothes they are investment pieces and forever staples that will last in your wardrobe,” explains stylist Georgie Gray,, “Think designers such as Loewe, The Row and Loro Piana.” The saying 'Money talks, wealth whispers' perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Quiet Luxury style, which eschews visible designer labels in favour of understatement and elegance.
Sofia Richie proves that she can do not wrong when it comes to elegant dressing
Those who favor this look might opt for something refined, like a subtle The Row coat, over more ostentatious, clearly branded items that are popular with the Y2K trendsetters. This trend's cultural significance was humorously highlighted in Succession when Tom Wambsgans mocked Cousin Greg's date for her overly large bag, demonstrating it as contrary to the understated sophistication of 'Quiet Luxury'.
Sofia Richie is a Quiet Luxury advocate
And for those sporting a bob hairstyle and following Sofia Richie on Instagram (a poster child for the look), you're already a step ahead in mastering this chic aesthetic.
The Brands: Loro Piana, The Row, Celine
Related stars: Sofia Richie, Gwenyth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie
Dark Academia
As of September 2023, the #darkacademia has 5bn views on Tiktok, and #darkacademiaaesthetic has 710m, proving the stratospheric influence of the school uniform-like preppy trend. Think the mysteriousness of Harry Potter's Hogwarts meets the eeriness of Nevermore Academy in the Netflix series, Wednesday. Attire includes tapered trousers, collared shirts under knitted vests and plenty of tweed in hues of brown, grey and black. Thanks to the simplicity of the trend and its earth-toned aesthetic, many affordable brands like H&M and Mango have great pieces at reasonable prices available to get the look, particularly as we autumn approaches.
The grandad core aesthetic is all about dressing intentionally comfy with an almost Scandinavian flare. ‘It’ girl Emma Chamberlain has been donning the style for a while now and the likes of Bella Hadid, Alexa Chung and Kendall Jenner have recently followed suit. Recently, the TikTok world has taken the trend to all-new heights, creating multiple trending sounds with voiceovers on how to achieve the look.
Jenna Ortega's Met Gala 2023 outfit oozed Dark Academia
On screen, the trend is epitomised by Jenna Ortega in Wednesday, Anya Taylor-Joy in The Queen's Gambit and Timothée Chalamet in Call Me By Your Name, whilst Hailey Bieber is perhaps our go-to for dark academia street-style, often wearing her loafers with 'back to school' white socks and a cool-girl approved preppy outfit on top.
Hailey Bieber looks categorically chic in an outfit that epitomises the trend
The Brands: Ralph Lauren, H&M, Miu Miu
Related stars: Jenna Ortega, Anya Taylor-Joy, Emma Corrin, Hailey Bieber
Mermaidcore
Mermaidcore made a resurrgence in 2022 in conjunction with the triumphant return of Y2K style agendas. Mermaid-inspired fashion includes everything from pearl hair accessories to metallic shoes, sheer glittery dresses to icy blue eyeshadow.
Though you may take the trend literally if you wish by wearing shell and starfish shaped accessories, this isn’t a necessity. The aesthetic includes creams, blues and pastels, glistening netted, sheer or metallic materials, adorned with beads, pearls and sequins. Think unicorn-vibes but make it coastal.
Halle Bailey wore custom Off-White at the Australian premiere of The Little Mermaid
Despite it's organic rise in popularity thanks to TikTok's fashion subcultures, the release of the live action verion of The Little Mermaid in summer 2023 undoubetdly boosted interest in the iridescent trend. Halle Bailey, Simone Ashley and Jourdan Dunn oozed mermaidcore at the movie's premiere, whilst Alexa Chung wore a Loewe dress which gave the trend a cool-girl spin over summer, and Dua Lipa wore a captivating mermaid-approved metallic mini.
Alexa Chung schooled us on wearing mermaidcore for a garden party this summer
The Brands: JW Anderson, Blumarine, Anya Hindmarch, Valdrin Sahiti
Related stars: Halle Bailey, Simone Ashley, Alexa Chung, Dua Lipa
Barbiecore
Barbiecore was coined in 2022 when the world decided to collectively think pink. Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli can be credited as starting the trend with his AW22 collection with Anne Hathaway adding fuel to the fire and stopping the fashion world in its tracks by attending the show in a perfect pink mini dress and the brand’s iconic platform heels. Florence Pugh also caused a stir in the shade, sporting a sheer pink look to take her VIP place on Valentino’s FROW.
Margot Robbie has become the poster girl for Barbiecore following her role in Greta Gerwig's latest film
Gerwig’s action Barbie movie was announced way back in 2019, yet the pink sartorial craze gained serious momentum in June 2022 when Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were spotted on set filming in LA. As of today, it hasn’t ceased. With a helping hand from her stylist Andrew Mukamal, who has been busy sifting through designer archives, Robbie has debuted a host of iconic outfits during the press tour, with names such as Pucci, Versace and Chanel ensuring the plastic-fantastic looks go viral on social platforms.
Barbirecore dominated the luxury market as demonstrated here by Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece during the Schiaparelli show in 2019
The Brands: Valentino, Versace and Chanel (of course)
Related stars: Margot Robbie, Anne Hathaway, Florence Pugh, Princess Olympia of Greece, Simone Ashley
Cottagecore
One of the OG Cores, cottagecore embodies all things countryside chic. The term first gained momentum in 2017, which doubled in 2020 when The New York Times dissected the philosophy enwrapped within the phrase. Writer Isabel Slone concluded that cottagecore embodied a “desire to live in a world outside the one currently inhabited,” in an attempt to distil the movement’s ideology.
Sarah Lysander is one of many It-girls who love a touch of cottagecore
Visually, cottagecore is defined by white prairie dresses, frills, furbelows, ditsy florals, uber-romantic silhouettes and petticoats that look like they have been plucked from the pages of a Jane Austen novel. Picture woodland vistas, idyllic forests, bread baking in the oven and roaring fires culminating in total domestic bliss with dreamy outfits to match.
Cottagecore is a more modest version of coquettecore and is beloved by Kendall Jenner
The Brands: Doen, LoveShackFancy, Reformation, Brock Collection and Cinta The Label
Related stars: Kendall Jenner, Sarah Lysander, Kaia Gerber, Griff, Taylor Swift
Coquettecore
Coming in hot on the heels of cottagecore is coquettecore. Take the latter, deconstruct it and hey presto you have coquettecore. Favouring cheeky lace over modest, voluminous silhouettes, the newest Core around town is akin to the naughty sister who sneaks out to party when the parents are in bed.
A very bow heavy look from Simone Rocha's SS24 show
This fabulously flirty Core orbits around revealing lace pieces, silky textures, girlish colour palettes and sexy sheer. With racy lacy maxi skirts, 90s slips, bow-clad chokers and dollette satin camis dominating Depop, the trend’s marketability is wildly recognisable.
Elsa Hosk is a coquettecore veteran, often donning lace looks or silky ensembles
The Brands: Nensi Dojaka, KWLS and Nodaleto
Related stars: Elsa Hosk, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Emily Ratajkwoski, Wet Leg, Rina Sawayama, Lily-Rose Depp
Fairycore
FKA Twigs making a case of fairycore at the Simone Rocha show during London Fashion Week February 2022
The whimsical cousin of cottagecore, fairycore is just as fantastical as you’d imagine. Think handkerchief skirts, daisy crowns, tightly laced corsets and puff sleeve blouses which all exude an elfin-esque charm. Perfect for forest frolicking and berry picking in the summer. This ethereal style is ideal for bohemians and girlie girls alike, uniting all the above under one dreamy sartorial fantasy.
Dua Lipa is an avid champion of fairycorecore, often donning girlish looks with sensual detailing
The Brands: Simone Rocha, Yuhan Wang, Selkie and Acne Studios
Related stars: Dua Lipa, FKA Twigs, Paris Jackson, Olivia Rodrigo
Regencycore
We have Bridgerton to thank for this one. The Netflix show brought regencywear to the masses, and it caused quite the sartorial stir. Hallmarks of the theme include empire waist dresses, jewel-embellishments, opera gloves, golden metallic hues, unparalleled craftsmanship and bustiers galore. These designs were brought to life at the 2022 Met Gala, which was titled ‘Gilded Glamour.’
Blake Lively exuded regencycore in Atelier Versace at the 2022 Met Gala
While the Gilded Era took form in 1870s New York, regencywear dominated the 19th century. From Blake Lively in Atelier Versace to Jessica Chastain in Gucci, Hollywood’s crème de la crème didn’t hesitate to tap into regencycore for the annual bash.
Netflix's Bridgerton catapulted regencycore onto the style scene
The Brands: The Vampire’s Wife, Batsheva and Bode
Related stars: Phoebe Dynevor, Blake Lively, Lady Amelia Windsor
Gorpcore
Gorpcore was coined in May 2017 by Jason Chen The Cut. The term embodies all things outdoorsy and takes inspiration for being at one with nature, camping, climbing, hiking, rock climbing - you name it, the list goes on. Gorpcore was named after the colloquial term for trail mix, 'Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts' and revolves around the utilitarian. Championing gear and equipment as opposed to a mere aesthetic outfit, gorpcore spans hiking boots to cargo pants, rainproof jackets to utility vests, zip-up fleeces to base layers and more. If it has an abundance of bulky pockets, it's gorpcore.
Bella Hadid's street style gorpcore themes and colour schemes
Colour is intrinsic to the gorpcore style. Vibrant, fluorescence colours help one to be seen while muted earthy tones offer an element of camouflage. Tech accessories are a bonus, and layering is key to achieving true gorpcore status. Toggles, nylon and sporty logos also help - just take Bella Hadid's gorpcore prowess for example.
Gorpcore is beloved by TikTok's Gen Z influencers like Mia Regan and Romeo Beckham
The Brands: Patagonia, Salomon, Arc'teryx and The North Face
Related stars: Bella Hadid, Mia Regan, ASAP Rocky, Dua Lipa
Balletcore
Leotards, white tights, tutus and top buns are synonymous with ballet, so it was only time that balletcore pirouetted onto the scene. Athleisure has never been so streamlined with this popular style, which emerged in 2022. Off-duty dancewear was welcomed into celeb street style, with the likes of Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber embracing balletcore’s tulle cool for school ethos and sporting stretchy, comfort-first fashion.
Leotards, bodysuits and tutus are a core staple of balletcore
We can’t forget the impact balletcore had on shoes. Ballet flats were suddenly ubiquitous within the fashion market, no doubt a result of Miu Miu’s Autumn/Winter 2022 collection which sent the elegant slip-ons down the runway in their masses.
ABT ballerina Skylar Brandt demonstrating 'true balletcore'
Ballerinas including ABT dancers Skylar Brandt and Isabella Boylston retaliated against the trend with ‘actual balletcore,’ showcasing mismatched rehearsal outfits, ripped tights, sweat-drench bodysuits and hand-crafted multicoloured knitted leg warmers via social media. Regardless, they always remained en pointe.
The Brands: Miu Miu, MM6 Maison Margiela, MaxMara and Molly Goddard
Related stars: Hailey Bieber, Alexis Ren, Skylar Brandt, Kendall Jenner
Normcore
In Crazy Stupid Love, there’s a scene where Ryan Gosling attempts to strip Steve Carrell of his normcore aesthetic, instead championing a more suave, sophisticated look. “Be better than The Gap,” were Gosling’s exact lines.
Hailey Bieber
Yet, this may have not been necessary, as normcore has now warranted respect in its own right. The introverted sibling of the Cores, normcore champions all things, you guessed it, normal.
Elsa Hosk
Dad dressing is the goal, with white sneakers, plain hoodies, baseball caps, checked shirts and sandals making up the DNA of the style. Silicon Valley tech bros who have no interest in shopping and suburban middle-aged men, this is your time to shine.
The Brands: Gap, Uniqlo, Nike, Birkenstock
Related stars: Ben Affleck, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Carrell, Leonardo Dicaprio
Goblincore
Chaos, dirt and mud has never been so in vogue. Muted earth tones, grunge sentiments and off-beat designs are epitomised in Goblincore, which centres nature, folklore and moodiness. Creative stimuli for the Core include mushrooms, moss, painted rocks, salvaged jewellery, rusted silver wear, semiprecious stones and burnout prints.
Rita championed lilac from head to toe
Naturally, thrifty style and adventurous dresses spring to mind, such as Ella Emhoff, Dua Lipa (on occasion) and Iris Law, who have all toyed with the mystical craze. The queen of Goblincore? Julia Fox of course.
Julia Fox
The Brands: Collina Strada, Eckhaus Latta, Chopova Lowena, Crocs
Related stars: Julia Fox, Iris Law, Ella Emhoff