So you want to try normcore, but you're not sure which completely nondescript article of clothing to start with? We're here to help. Normcore is an especially tricky style to master because it's so, well, bland. How do you style this nonstyle anyway? It's actually a lot easier than the weird moniker suggests — and no, you don't have to actually wear Patagonia or North Face if you don't want to. But first, a little background on normcore.
Last spring, the buzzy expression dominated fashion discussions, and everyone was asking just what was this trend that embraced dorky windbreakers and plain white dad sneakers? Fashion pundits seemed to relish talking about this "antifashion sentiment," citing people like Jerry Seinfeld and Steve Jobs as influences, names that most people wouldn't ever associate with fashion. But that was the thing — normcore felt like an inside joke among the fashion set, as if they were testing the extent of their powers by deeming Tevas cool and watching the whole world follow suit. For those out there who are liberal with their bangles and have penchants for prints, this was a nightmare. Surely, it'll pass?!
Not even close. When designers showed their Fall collections in March, it was clear that normcore was more than a fleeting fad. From Jil Sander to The Row and Maison Martin Margiela, normcore was a predominant trend on the Fall 2014 runways. Now that Fall is here, perhaps it's time to stop fighting the trend and give it a try. We know, it's hard putting away your bib necklace in favor of . . . nothing, but we promise, it can be an incredibly refreshing change of pace.
So how do you make a style devoid of conventional fashion elements look stylish? It's a slippery slope between looking like the Hermès runway and Danny Tanner. We'll show you the basic principles to follow, and then you can embellish all you want (yes, that means throwing on a statement necklace if you must). The normcore look consists of five principal elements:
Neutral Colors
Relaxed Fits
Dad Denim
Sporty Motifs
White Sneakers
(Bonus points for pieces actually from the '90s.)
You can combine all of these components for a truly Patrick Duffy-chic look, or mix them with your usual arsenal if you don't want to look that normal. But just remember the overall concept: no muss, no fuss. Above all else, it's all about comfort, so if it no longer looks effortless, it's no longer normcore.
Source: Instagram user zanitazanita
