The year was 2023 and the term ‘Core’ has become the new norm, heck, there is even such a thing as norm-core itself, but with all this quibble squabble on labeling aesthetics and opening conversations about core trends dominating our wardrobes and lifestyles from micro trends to grand trends, here are a few key highlights that will be influencing 2023.
Barbiecore
You guessed it, Scarcity of the color Pink? How Dramatic ! Not to promote that life in plastic is fantastic but the tidal wave of Mattel’s Barbie taking over every fashion brand can not and shall not be ignored because this year of “Barbiecore” the term that refers to the particular aesthetic or style inspired by the iconic Barbie doll, the fashion doll created by Mattel since 1959. So why would a 50’s doll be influencing trends in 2023?
Even if we had seen a particularly pink preview, ahead of its time in the SS Moschino Runway show 2015, it is only today that the term Barbiecore comes to life. The Barbiecore term is used to describe a fashion trend or subculture that embraces the aesthetics associated with Barbie, including the doll’s signature pink color, glamorous outfits, feminine styles, and a playful, youthful vibe. The top five Barbiecore characteristics are:
Pink Color Palette: Barbiecore embraces various shades of pink, ranging from pastel hues to vibrant tones. Pink is a dominant color in fashion choices, accessories, and overall visual presentation. Pantone has officially labelled Barbie Pink as 219C.
Glamorous and feminine styles: The style is characterized by feminine and glamorous fashion choices. This can include wearing dresses, skirts, heels, sparkly accessories, and incorporating lace, bows, or ruffles into outfits. If Barbie can be anything, so can you.
Nostalgic and Retro Influences: Barbiecore often draws inspiration from nostalgic and retro aesthetics, reflecting the nostalgia associated with the Barbie doll’s long history. This can include references to 1950s and 1960s fashion, vintage motifs, and retro patterns.
Playful and Youthful Vibes: Barbiecore embraces a sense of playfulness, whimsy, and youthful energy. It often incorporates elements such as cute and quirky accessories, fun prints, and a cheerful overall aesthetic.
Body Positivity and Inclusivity: With an emphasis on body positivity and inclusivity, Barbiecore promotes diversity and representation. This includes celebrating different body types, skin tones, and hair textures.
Mermaidcore
From traditional seashell necklaces to dark scaled sequin siren mermaidcore is far from keeping traditional.
Mermaid core represents the dreamy and mystical aesthetic, capturing the imagination and fascination with the creatures of the sea. It is often embraced by those who appreciate the ethereal aspects of mermaid lore and wish to incorporate those elements into their personal style, beauty routines, and creative expression. The top five Mermaidcore characteristics are:
Oceanic Colors: Mermaidcore is characterized by a color palette inspired by the ocean. It typically includes shades of blues, teals, greens, and iridescent or shimmery hues reminiscent of water, seashells, and underwater scenes.
Shimmer, Glitter, and Sparkle: To capture the ethereal and magical essence of mermaids, mermaidcore often incorporates shimmer, glitter, and sparkle in various forms. This can include sequins, metallic accents, holographic materials, and makeup with iridescent or glittery finishes.
Flowing Fabrics and Silhouettes: Mermaidcore embraces flowing and fluid fabrics that evoke the sense of water and movement. This can include maxi dresses, skirts, or tops with ruffled or draped details, as well as fishtail or mermaid-style silhouettes that mimic the tail of a mermaid.
Beachy and Wavy Hairstyles: Mermaidcore often embraces hairstyles that evoke beachy and wavy textures. Loose waves, braids, or even colorful hair extensions can be used to create a whimsical and oceanic look.
Sea-inspired Accessories: Accessories play a significant role in mermaid core. They often feature sea-inspired elements such as seashells, starfish, pearls, coral motifs, and mermaid scales. These can be incorporated into jewelry, hair accessories, handbags, or even footwear.
Crochetcore
Crochet core showcases the beauty and versatility of crochet as a textile technique, while also evoking a sense of nostalgia and creativity. It appeals to those who appreciate the charm of handmade craftsmanship, vintage-inspired aesthetics, and a bohemian and free-spirited vibe. While this aesthetic can be seen in other genres such as fairycore, cottagecore and more these are the top characteristics of crochetcore:
Layering and Textural Play: Crochetcore embraces layering and textural play. It allows for mixing and matching crochet pieces with other garments or accessories, creating visual interest through different crochet patterns, stitches, and textures. Layering crochet items with contrasting fabrics or pairing them with denim or leather can add depth and a contemporary twist.
Natural Fibers and Earthy Tones: Crochetcore often favors natural fibers like cotton or linen yarn, enhancing the organic and eco-friendly appeal of the aesthetic. Earthy tones such as neutrals, warm browns, earthy greens, and muted colors are commonly incorporated, adding to the rustic and natural feel.
Handmade and Artisanal Appeal: The emphasis on crochet in this aesthetic celebrates the craftsmanship and artistry of handmade items. It is almost the anti-digital fashion statement. Crochetcore enthusiasts often appreciate the uniqueness, attention to detail, and personal touch that come with crochet creations.
Crochet Full Garments: Crochetcore places a strong emphasis on full crochet garments, such as dresses, tops, cardigans, or skirts. These pieces feature intricate crochet patterns, stitches, and textures, adding a handmade and artisanal touch to the overall look opposed to complimentary crochet add-ons.
Bohemian and Vintage Vibes: Crochet core often embodies bohemian and vintage influences. It can incorporate elements like flowy silhouettes, retro-inspired patterns, and a relaxed and free-spirited aesthetic reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s.
Boudoircore
The corsets, Lily- Depp as “Jocelyn” in “ The Idol ”, the lace and Bridgerton we are all here for the three letter word S-E-X in subtle or full frontal. Boudoircore is the aesthetic style that draws inspiration from the concept of boudoir, a private and intimate space traditionally associated with a woman’s bedroom or dressing room. It embraces elements of sensuality, femininity, and luxury, often incorporating lingerie-inspired fashion, soft textures, and romantic aesthetics. It can be interpreted and expressed in various ways, from incorporating lingerie-inspired elements into everyday fashion to creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere.
Attention to Detail: The boudoircore aesthetic emphasizes attention to detail, focusing on intricate lacework, delicate embroidery, and thoughtful embellishments. This attention to detail extends to hairstyles, makeup, and accessories, which often feature soft curls, natural-looking makeup, and delicate jewelry.
Vintage and Romantic Details: Boudoircore often incorporates vintage-inspired details that evoke a sense of romance and nostalgia. This can include ruffles, bows, floral patterns, delicate embroidery, heirloom-inspired jewelry, or vintage lingerie silhouettes such as corsets.
Luxurious Fabrics and Textures: Boudoircore embraces luxurious fabrics and textures that evoke a sense of comfort and elegance. This can include silk, satin, velvet, lace, chiffon, or other soft and tactile materials that feel sensual against the skin.
Lingerie-Inspired Fashion: Boudoir core often incorporates elements of lingerie into everyday fashion choices. This can include lace detailing, satin or silk fabrics, corset-inspired tops or dresses, slip dresses, and delicate undergarment-like accents in outfits.
Soft and Delicate Color Palette: The color palette in boudoir core tends to be soft and delicate. Pastel shades like blush pink, ivory, lavender, or muted neutrals are commonly used, creating an overall romantic and dreamy atmosphere. This is however non exhaustive as the more bold and daring will opt for tones in Crimson Red or Obsidian Black.
Statementcore
Bring out the Statementcore! From the all so provocative Hailey Bieber “Nepo Baby” top, to the infamous Y2K celeb statement tanks because, “Stop being poor” right Paris? To our Queen Legend of Political fashion: Lady Vivienne Westwood, our generation is more vocal than ever. When we have a thought we don’t just make it a statement, we don’t just make it into fashion, we make it into a militant fashion movement, because fashion collectives and core trends can translate to being the new synonym for social collectives.
Statementcore is not limited to a specific fashion trend or subculture but rather revolves around making a powerful fashion statement and embracing a fearless and unapologetic approach to personal style. It appeals to those who want to use fashion as a means of self-expression and draw attention through their unique and bold choices.
Confidence and Individuality: Statementcore is all about expressing confidence and individuality through fashion choices. It encourages embracing personal style, experimenting with unconventional combinations, and fearlessly standing out from the crowd.
No Fear of getting political: The statement is often bold, controversial, oversized, and attention-grabbing, serving as focal points of an outfit. This can include statement words, or colors and sometimes even accessories but surely a distinctive cause that complements the overall aesthetic of the outfit is very present even if minimalistic.
Unique Textures and Materials: Statementcore embraces unique textures and materials that stand out. This can involve incorporating metallic accents, sequins, feathers, fringe, faux fur, or unconventional fabric combinations to create a visually striking effect.
Dramatic Silhouettes: The aesthetic often incorporates dramatic and unconventional silhouettes that challenge traditional norms. This can include oversized or exaggerated proportions, asymmetrical cuts, structured shapes, or avant-garde designs that push boundaries.
Bold Colors and Prints: Statementcore embraces vibrant, bold, and often contrasting colors, as well as striking and unique prints. It may involve color-blocking, neon hues, graphic patterns, or abstract designs that demand attention.
Stay tuned for more Core-to-come and don’t be dirty, we aren’t talking about softcore or hardcore ; )
Author Tanny Onsalo
As creative director, fashion forecaster and style consultant, Tanny has worked for the magazine Vogue as Global Editorial Expert and led multiple global tentpole editorials. She directed the fashion forecasting of trends for Vestiaire Collective, spearheading the Fashion Journal, Newsroom and annual fashion data reports. Fluent in the language of ideas, the fundamentals of her narrative are creativity, storytelling and global cool hunting.