A Breakdown Of The -Core Aesthetics

If there's one way to make yourself feel on the older side of things, it's to realize your generation is starting to become old news. While Millennials might be having that revelation right about now, Gen Z is there to pick up where things left off - and they might be one of the most fashion-focused generations of all time.

It feels as though every week brings a new set of fashion trends, with people fully embracing their style in ways that haven't been seen for generations. Each appears to be a new -core, but how are we meant to keep up with them all? A breakdown of the -core aesthetics could be just the thing to ensure we don't get left behind.

Barbiecore has grown even bigger with the upcoming movie

Of course, the arrival of the fantasy 'Barbie' movie has plenty of us on the edge of our seats, and some want to bring the Mattel doll back to life in entirely new ways. Believe it or not, but the style isn't wholly anything new, with the likes of form-fitting, eerily perfect, and plastic pink clothes first taking over the fashion world in the late-'90s and early '00s. All things pink are the main goal when creating a Barbiecore look, with getting an outfit that's as glamorous as can be just an added bonus.

Cottagecore has been slowly growing for the last decade

Instagram took the idea of cottagecore and ran at the end of the 2010s with people wearing everything shabby-chic and comfortable they could find. Cardigans, earthy colors, and prairie dresses are everywhere you look in this -core aesthetic - think barn weddings if you still need some help picturing what it's all about. While the aesthetic was initially highly criticized for romanticizing the agricultural lifestyle, cottagecore has since taken a positive turn. Now, things are a lot more inclusive and diverse, with plenty taking their fashion choices and turning them into an entire lifestyle.

Golbincore takes floaty materials and flips them on their head

While fairycore is there to create all things floaty and adorable, golbincore is there to do the exact opposite. Now, it's all about the "ugly" side of mythology and nature. Clothes and accessories tend to be a little tattered, with plenty opting for clashing patterns and colors to really show the world they don't care. However, there are still some themes along the way, with goblincore sticking to earthy colors, like dark greens and browns.

Gothcore is one of the latest takes on the grunge scene

Long gone are the days of emo, scene, and even e-boy and e-girl fashion. Now, it's time for gothcore to take center stage. Grunge clothing is nothing new, with the '90s really bringing the look to life. However, gothcore sees things take a new direction once again, with a lot of emphasis being put on the goth scene. Think vinyl clothing, dark makeup, band t-shirts, and chains on everything you can. Oh, and how could we forget those goth boots to complete the look?

Royalcore has risen in popularity thanks to shows like Bridgerton

European royalty might have had its heyday, but that hasn't stopped people from taking inspiration from the time all these years later. Royalcore really got a boost with the historical shows 'Bridgerton' and 'The Crown' came along, with people suddenly wanting to wear opulent colors and materials that create frilly silhouettes and nipped-in waists. Of course, there are still plenty of branches of this -core alone with princesscore and queencore taking a softer approach on it all, and knightcore seeing things like armor shapes and chainmail form the basis of the look.

Vacationcore is all about looking like you're permanently abroad

Want to dress as though you're spending every day traveling through Europe in the summer? Vacationcore could be just the thing you need. The look is all about looking like you have the best social media page, as people opt for soft headscarves, cropped t-shirts, and comfortable pants or shorts that are perfect for traipsing through ancient cities. Most vacationcore also sticks to colors like terracotta, browns, or beige - the kind that really shines against the sunset.

Taking a look at the breakdown of the -core aesthetics really is just the tip of the iceberg. While each week seems to bring a new fashion to life, there are plenty to choose from when it comes to finding a style that finally lets our inner fashionista come to life.