Normcore – The revolutionary new age subculture or just playing too safe?

Dec 10, 2020

If you think you don’t really follow any specific trend, ironically chances are that you actually are. The anti-trend ideology of the 21st century conforms to the Normcore sense of style. It is still controversial whether it should be categorised as a subculture or not, but there is no denying that the shift from craftsmanship to mass production has a lot to do with the changes that led to our ‘modern-day’ clothing.

Typical Normcore Look explained

To visualise and understand what normcore looks like, imagine what is considered as a normal outfit, or what generally people wear. For example, basic denim jeans with a staple t-shirt and sneakers would fall under normcore. Sometimes it might have a little unexpected factor or a contemporary twist like a blazer thrown in with the classic look, which gives a sense of familiarity and yet it is fresh. The normcore look can be stereotyped easily but still has a certain individuality attached to it.

Focus is generally on the comfort factor. Mix-and-match of staples or classic pieces is common, driven by a desire to blend in or put less effort to follow trends yet make it look in-style. It is often compared to hipster fashion.

Steve Jobs and Jerry Seinfeld are good examples of big names that have conformed to this subculture.

Same yet Different.

Normcore style does create an identity but not a very unique one. Like Fiona Duncan says, normcore is for those who openly acknowledge that they are simply one of seven billion. It is contemporary yet timeless. It reflects not trying too hard to dress up, leading to an effortless sense of style.

One of the reasons normcore came into existence was due to the saturation because of branding in the fashion world. Brands pushing their logos and advertisements depicting their ideal trendy look led to an anti-fashion ideology which has now managed to resonate with many, and survive throughout the decades.

The Accidental Subculture

Although there is a very definite image attached to this style, the term itself is surrounded by controversy. Few argue that it cannot be categorised as a subculture since it is just playing too safe and does not have the required individuality attached with this kind of looks which a subculture usually has. In other words, it is too generic to be termed as a subculture. It can be seen as blanding in fashion.

Subculture or not, there is no denying that is a style adopted by millions now. It is eventually shaping many wardrobes, and more & more people are resonating with the century’s normcore fashion. To sum it up, the industrial age, anti-branding, effortless dressing or/and a need to fit-in has a role in bringing about this movement. Eventually, these factors are responsible for influencing the clothing choices of many now, and will certainly continue to do so in the coming years.

Now, you can schedule a session to know more about the normcore style and how it might help you discover your personal sense of style or help your brand evolve to cater to this customer segment and have a better understanding of the market.

(Featured Photo by Lu00ea Minh on Pexels.com)