What is Normcore Fashion? And Why It's Fall 2023's Biggest Fashion Trend
Quiet luxury is loudly overtaking street style and the fashion scene at large. If you’re looking to embrace chic and elevated clothing without a designer logo, quiet luxury (also considered to be ‘normcore fashion’) might be something that interests you. The term ‘quiet luxury’ has been sprouting up in every media site to describe a trend where women are opting for high-quality polished pieces that favor a low-key, minimalist approach. Quiet luxury is normcore fashion (think jeans, button-downs, and t-shirts) but with luxury brands.
The reason we love normcore fashion is because it’s quiet, but not as luxurious or fancy as quiet luxury. Quiet luxury pieces consist of essential wardrobe staples including blazers, midi skirts, wide-leg jeans, trousers, and button-downs, but the brands are of a higher caliber like The Row, Bottega Veneta, and Khaite. A tier down from these quiet luxury brands are normcore fashion brands like Staud, Agolde, and Monrow. Normcore fashion also includes brands a tier down from the ones listed above, like Gap, New Balance, Everlane, and Gap.
Embraced by legions of stylish youth around the world, normcore fashion (more affordable and every day than quiet luxury pieces) allows women to dress down while still feeling chic as ever. Let’s dig in together why normcore fashion is still so popular and how you can incorporate it into your wardrobe for fall season 2023!
What is Normcore Fashion?
Normcore fashion refers to everyday, low-key wardrobe staples that aren’t extravagant but still very much chic and practical. Some normcore fashion examples include t-shirts, jeans, sweatpants, sneakers, and button-downs. The price range for normcore fashion isn’t an unaffordable luxury. Instead, it refers to everyday brands that are affordable, and simple, but elevated. These brands include Gap, Everlane, Uniqlo, and a tier above like Staud, Agolde, and Monrow.
If you're looking for a fashion trend that screams "low-key," normcore is the way to go. This style is all about blending in, with basic and simple clothing items taking center stage. Think of it as anti-trend in the sense that it embraces the ordinary and understated.
Normcore reflects a desire for comfort and functionality as opposed to flashy and over-the-top. So, if you're someone who's not into bold prints or statement pieces, normcore could be your fashion calling. The beauty of this trend is that it's accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, age, or body type. Ultimately, normcore is about fashion that doesn't take itself too seriously, and who doesn't want to have a little fun with their wardrobe?
Why Is Norcome Fashion Popular?
People have been leaning toward quieter fashion in recent years. The term normcore fashion started to effect in 2013. Over the last ten years, the term has evolved, but the core of normcore remains the same. Especially coming out of the pandemic, when simple at-home clothes were the norm, people realized that you can still feel chic while wearing simple clothes. Plus, they tend to be way more comfortable, more practical, and get more use on a day-to-day basis!
These days, many people want understated ‘effortless’ pieces that are still fashionable and chic. Yes, a t-shirt, jeans, and ballet flats are what’s considered chic in 2023. The fact that ballet flats are one of the most popular trends for fall 2023, goes to show how much women value comfort and practicality in their fashion choices these days. Even luxury brands are adapting to normcore pieces (think: Miu Miu’s ballet flats), but women have the choice to buy their flats now from various affordable normcore retailers like Everlane and Dolce Vita.
How Normcore Fashion Has Evolved
Normcore, the fashion trend that originated in the early 2010s (debatable depending on who you speak to!), may have been initially defined as the art of blending in with the crowd through basic clothing items. However, currently, it has undergone a drastic shift in meaning.
Rather than being perceived as an offshoot of the anti-consumerist philosophy, it has become a form of self-expression, where individuals create their personal style through minimalistic clothing. Exploring how normcore is evolving signifies how fashion trends are ever-changing, and how an idea that might have started as one thing can take on entirely different meanings over time. Today, some people describe normcore fashion as ‘dressing like Jerry Seinfeld’ or "‘Steve Jobs.’ It’s a call-back to the 90s, with basic modern-day silhouettes.
Celebrating the Beauty of Minimalism
Shop cream long sleeve top here
In a world consumed by materialism and excess, there is a growing trend that emphasizes simplicity and minimalism. Normcore is a style that embraces a pared-down aesthetic, with an emphasis on functionality over flair. This stripped-back approach can be seen in everything from fashion to interior design, where basic shapes and muted colors are used to create a harmonious and calming space.
The beauty of minimalism lies in its ability to remove distractions and allow the focus to shift to what truly matters. It's a reminder to pause and appreciate the smaller things in life and celebrate the beauty found in simplicity. Whether it's a clutter-free wardrobe or a minimalist apartment, embracing the essence of normcore can be a transformative experience that reminds us to live with intention and purpose.
The Benefits of Wearing Normcore
Shop short sleeve black tee here
Did you know that Normcore fashion has a lot more to offer than just a unique style? It's also incredibly convenient and comfortable to wear in your day-to-day life. Plus, the best part? It won't break the bank like other high-end fashion brands. Why sacrifice comfort for style when you can have the best of both worlds with normcore fashion? These wardrobe pieces will be part of your everyday outfit rotation. Normcore may be ‘trendy’ but it’s the best trend because the pieces are wearable for years to come. I mean, can you go wrong with a white T-shirt and straight-leg jeans?
Identifying Key Pieces in the Normcore Wardrobe
Shop cream trousers here
Normcore may seem like a simple and unremarkable style, but identifying the key pieces that make up the perfect outfit can be a challenge. To really nail this look, you'll need to invest in some timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched with ease. A good place to start is with a pair of straight-leg jeans in a versatile blue wash. Add a plain white t-shirt and a pair of simple sneakers, and you're well on your way to achieving the effortless, understated style that defines normcore. From there, you might want to consider a crewneck sweater or hoodie in a muted color for cooler days, and a pair of classic denim shorts or chino pants for warmer weather. With these key pieces in your wardrobe, you'll have the foundation for countless normcore looks that are both stylish and practical.
How to Style Normcore
Shop the pocket shirt here
Looking for some fresh inspiration to rock the normcore trend? Look no further! With so many different ways to style normcore, you'll be spoilt for choice. Embrace the easygoing aesthetic with oversized sweatshirts, dad jeans, or leather loafers. Dress it up by layering up with a pair of statement earrings or a bold red lip. Or keep it casual and cool with cropped turtlenecks and white sneakers. The best part? Normcore can be effortlessly adapted to suit any personal style. So go ahead, and get inspired with these stylish outfit ideas!
All in all, Normcore is a trend that has been around for some time but has recently gained more widespread attention. It is an aesthetically appealing and comfortable style of fashion that sets itself apart from high-fashion trends. Its minimalistic outlook allows wearers to express their individual style in a subtle yet attractive way. What's great about this trend is that all the pieces you need can be found at any store, are inexpensive, and require little effort with styling. With its increasing popularity, Normcore fashion has already made its presence known in fall 2023!