Goodbye to overly edgy fashionistas, goodbye to geeks and hipsters: now it's time for the "normal attitude" brought about by the Normcore wave. The idea? Turn your back on fads and embrace an ordinary, even deliberately old-fashioned, style. There's only one rule: celebrate non-style!
Tired of hipsters' immaculate mustaches and plaid shirts? Are geeks' big glasses annoying you? And the idea of looking like a fashionista who's always dressed to the nines doesn't appeal to you? Then the Normcore movement is for you. Its credo: since fashion always goes out of style, we might as well turn our backs on dictates and embrace an ordinary style... taken to the extreme. But beware, behind this apparent simplicity, there are very specific codes to respect.
What exactly is Normcore?
This recent term, adopted by the younger generation, merges "normal" and "hardcore." Two words that are complete opposites, but which together advocate an unashamed return to non-style, almost to the point of caricature. More than ordinary, Normcore proudly asserts its cozy, even downright old-fashioned side!
In short, where fashionistas spend hours putting together the most fashionable outfit possible, Normcore enthusiasts dedicate that time to creating the most mundane and all-purpose ensemble imaginable.
What is the perfect look for a Normcore?
Imagine a leap back to the 90s: raw jeans with a simple, no-nonsense cut, a plain white T-shirt, white sneakers with no logo—because, for them, “Nikes are for running”—and, to brave the cold, a big, baggy cardigan or cozy fleece. If you picture your outfit in your primary school class photo… you already have a pretty good idea of the Normcore spirit.
Adopting the Normcore style also means drawing a line under accessories: no more jewelry, makeup, or nail polish. The Chanel bag is replaced by an anonymous and discreet satchel. As for technology, forget Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: in the Normcore universe, the iPhone is non-existent. This is the perfect opportunity to dust off your indestructible Nokia 3310… which, bet taken, still works!
And to take the experience even further, why not also adopt the Normcore mindset? If your evenings were spent in nightclubs, get ready to discover pétanque tournaments and spend your Saturday nights with Patrick Sébastien on television. Recognizing the tastes of a Normcore person is child's play: loyal to the group, they like what the majority appreciate. The art of blending into the crowd, quite simply.
Normcore Phenomenon: Who Are the Role Models?
Like any clothing trend, Normcore has its icons and prominent figures. Among the most representative faces are Mark Zuckerberg, the undisputed master of non-style, and the late Steve Jobs and his eternal black turtleneck. To avoid any faux pas, the easiest thing to do is ask your parents... or even your grandparents. After all, they were the first true Normcores, and no one else.