If you have spent some time on TikTok, you have probably been subjected to the myriad of videos talking about a bunch of fashion “-core”. Barbie-core. Clown-core. Cottage-core. Norm-core.
It has come to the point that it is almost inescapable. It does not matter if you are a self-proclaimed fashion head or not, you have probably swiped through a video of a person putting on clothes to resemble a certain aesthetic.
If you think about it, all of these “-core” are just reworked versions of trends you have read in magazines or seen on blogs.
It is Nothing New
For decades, trends have tried to shape people’s style. The 70’s had the Hippies in their psychedelic prints and bell bottom pants. The 80’s had the Power Woman wearing their shoulder padded blazers. The 90’s had Grunge, epitomized by ripped jeans and flannel shirts.
Also, popular fashion aesthetics are cyclical, often characterized by the 20-year trend cycle, where it states that similar trends come back after 20 years. For example, the 90’s were inspired by aesthetics from the 70’s, the 2010’s did the 90’s, and more recently, Y2K has fully come back in style.
However, the internet and the rise of social media platforms like TikTok have made the trend cycle so much faster, with the newest trending aesthetic popping out every other week. That’s probably the reason behind the different clothing styles that go over your feed.
As somebody who is or is beginning to be interested in fashion and style, all of these can get too overwhelming.
In Offence of the Fashion “-core”
Many are skeptical of the rise of many online aesthetics and with good reason.
Fashion trends promote the idea that you have to have a specific piece or item of clothing to be considered fashionable or on trend. Modern aesthetics take it up a notch, by visualizing that it takes a full look consisting of several pieces to adhere to that style.
The need for these “staple” pieces often leads to consumerism of clothing, where people buy a lot of trendy pieces and quickly dispose of them once the said trend passes. It was not long when shop floors were flooded with pink clothing because of the Barbie-core trend and then went back to their usual offerings right after.
Asides from unhealthy consumption of clothing, modern fashion aesthetics often lack a sense of authenticity. It is common to see a fashion influencer dress from one style to the next.
In the past, clothing was a way to show people that you are part of a subculture. Punks in the 70’s would wear studded leather jackets, ripped jeans, and mohawks on the streets. Beatniks of the 60’s sported turtlenecks and loafers to reflect their. In the 2010s, Scene Kids wore skinny heads and high tops in everyday life.
In a bigger picture, these aesthetics were part of a bigger social movement that rejected the norm. It’s a lifestyle that bled into other things like art, music, film, and their way of life. They were part of a movement, not just a fashion moment.
In Defense of the “Basic”
“Basic” has become an antidote to the multiple trendy aesthetics that have popped up. But the word can be interpreted in several ways.
“Basic” can refer to someone who follows anything that is popular. It is not a bad thing that people make it up to be.
When it comes to finding your aesthetic, people may be in different stages. Some might just be starting in their own style, so following the latest trends and trying out various “-core” can be a way for them to figure out what they like and what works for them.
Think of it like listening to music. No one listens to just one artist; they dabble into different artists and genres until they curate the playlist that suits their taste. It’s the same with clothing; you can try out different aesthetics until you create a wardrobe that truly speaks to your sense of style.
@_missryleejade_ I’m 31 years old & I have finally given myself permission to spend more on my core basics.. & I haven’t regretted it so far! #aritzia #basics (wearing size 4 leggings & small tops) Follow my shop @missryleejade on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! #liketkit #LTKVideo #LTKStyleTip #LTKSeasonal @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/4TGaq @LTK @Aritzia ♬ original sound - ;༊
“Basic” may also refer to someone who does not follow the latest style trends, which again is not a bad thing.
People who may have a “basic” style tend to see clothes as a part of how they live. Their closet may not be filled with clothes that they don’t wear, rather, they have things that they genuinely like and see as necessary to their everyday life.
“Basic” can also mean someone who prefers a more clean sense of style, unlike most “-core” aesthetics that tend to rely on specific colors and decorations.
Whatever it may be, it is not bad to be basic.
Building a Wardrobe
When buying clothing, think about creating a wardrobe rather than individual pieces. Instead of filling your closet with trendy pieces, opt for high-quality classic pieces. You can never go wrong with a good fitting pair of jeans, well-fitted jacket, and a crisp button up. Many previous trendy aesthetics utilize a clean and classic wardrobe, like Old Money and Coastal Grandma, and those sure would not be the last.
Having a good base wardrobe also allows you to build on it over time. Instead of doing big clothing hauls every time a new aesthetic comes out, look at what you already have in your closet that fits the style. You can buy one or two key pieces if you really are committed to the look.
When buying something trendy, think about how it works with the rest of your wardrobe; make sure it is something that you will wear regardless if everybody is wearing them or nobody no longer wears it.
How to Find Your “-core”?
The way to answer which fashion “-core” best suits you boils down to one thing: PERSONAL STYLE.
Besides the items in your closet, they key to finding the style that is unique to you is you need to live a life in your clothes. Whatever fashion aesthetic you choose to adapt, should be something that is true and genuine to who you are.
Think of it as creating a uniform for yourself.
@elliot_duprey Maybe it is that serious? At the end of the day we exist in the context of all in which we live and what came before us… @rian #fashiontok #fashiontiktok #personalfashion #art #culture #highfashion #runwayfashion #sustainablefashion #personalstyle #style #history #vintagefashion ♬ Rêverie - Debussy , Soft Piano(1078620) - Noi m knot
Some of the most stylish people are not in the fashion industry. They might be artists, corporate professionals, athletes, etc. They form their style, not monitoring the latest trends, but it’s a result of years of curating their wants and interests. What they wear reflects how they live.
So, to form your genuine style, learn everything besides fashion. Learn about art. Watch films. Read history books; and make sure to live a life in your clothes. Go clubbing. Ride a bus to work. Go grocery shopping. Go on dates. Travel.
The best fashion “-core” for you can be found in the core of who you are.
Last Updated: August 26, 2025
