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Dressing like you're an A-list star every day is impossible. It's even harder to keep up with every micro-trend and harmonize it with your existing closet. From time to time, society gets over-saturated with fashion innovations and just wants to wear "something". This is how a trend emerged that denies any pronounced manifestation of fashion trends - normcore. This is a new breath for any basic thing, but not a strict classic with more rules than one can imagine. The aesthetic that emerged in the 2010s is still just about the most popular today, especially when creating a basic closet - after all, what could be better than getting up in the morning, going to do the most trivial things, and being sure that you look normal without making a fundamental effort?

Style or lack thereof?

In general, we can safely say that the definition of "normcore" is paradoxical. On the one hand, the concept implies the refusal to inherit any particular style in clothing. That is, one could simply take clothes of absolutely any kind without looking in the closet and dress without following any rules, for example, the combination of colors, fabrics and textures. This approach to dressing is more like the term "tastelessness". But following normcore cannot be called bad taste. Rather, it is a conscious choice not to stand out from the crowd thanks to complexly composed outfits that would be an indicator of one or another clearly defined style. Thus normcore is still a certain full-fledged fashion style with its own trends.

Prerequisites of formation

Sometimes normcore style is called "the style of tired people", and this is partially true. The first ideas of refusal from super-fashionable, eye-catching outfits began to arise around the beginning of the noughties - the 20th century was very rich in the formation of very expressive fashion trends, and its last decade has become a kind of crazy quilt, which frankly bordered on tastelessness. When a person becomes saturated with multifarious accents, perception automatically looks for a way to "rest" from it - this was the prerequisite for the formation of normcore.

On the other hand, normcore was used by people "automatically", without the purpose of protecting themselves from being categorized as a fashionable caste. The central argument here is the lack of desire to attach great importance to one's appearance. Often such people are more concerned with demonstrating their inner content. 

The normcore style is not only a rejection of fashion as such, but a general philosophy of life, in which there is no place for kitsch and excessive demonstration of individuality through clothing. Such norms of behavior originated much earlier than the hybrid concept of "normality" and "hardcore" itself was formed. In the Victorian era, when strict moderation and even conservatism was observed in everything, the idea of maximum modest outfits was very developed. However, as we know, fashion is cyclical, and therefore these fashionable aspects did not return to us until a century later.

The normcore tradition simultaneously pursues the idea of being oneself without paying attention to what is "fashionable". It is the acceptance of everyday life and the right of everyone to be themselves without the need to prove their uniqueness through their appearance. For normcore followers it is important to accept the existence of the crowd and perceive themselves as an integral part of it. At the same time, it is not about being unkempt or not caring about oneself, but about simplifying life to the extent that it is really comfortable. That's why normcore clothing is simplicity, durability and functionality, a return to the origins of the meaning of clothing for a reasonable man - to cover the naked body, to protect it from cold or excessive heat. 

In appearance, this is expressed primarily through clothing that can be called "standard", "basic", "everyday". We all have T-shirts, jeans, sneakers, jackets and hats in our closet. This is the foundation of the normcore capsule of clothing. Standard or classic cut, basic neutrals that do not exclude classic colors, such as blue or red, and absolute comfort - these are the 3 criteria by which this style is formed. 

There is no room for almost any decor, and accessories are considered an overkill. Representatives of this trend, of course, include bags or sunglasses in their closet, but these items fulfill their direct function - to carry and protect, and nothing more.

In any case, normcore is a mix of such expressive features of its brethren as minimalism, grunge, classic and a little preppy styles. The main nuance is that each of these trends has absolutely basic unremarkable things that make up that "gluing" part of the images, which itself is something quite "invisible". 

Paradox

At first it seemed that such a direction is just a protest, no matter how much normcore fans prove the opposite. But gradually the idea of a small minority began to be picked up by the larger masses, and the wave eventually reached the designers. The opposite effect happened - normcore fans, not wanting to follow the laws of fashion, became fashion themselves. Whether this is good or bad is up to each of us to decide, but it seems that the very idea of denying something swellish will exist as long as any of the styles.

Let's take a look at what to buy to look simple and well-groomed.

First of all, it is worth noting that normcore has no place for rampageous microtrends - rather there is more nostalgia than innovation here. This explains the reincarnation of old clothes and shoes models of various brands, which have stopped producing, and now they took their place on the shelves of stores again. In normcore fashion there is a clear 90s influence, preppy elements and basic classic silhouettes. All of this could be called a normal, everyday image, from which it is impossible to count where a person is going at this second, and what he/she is doing in general - such a diversion.

Button-down shirts

The cotton shirts for women will not speak of you as an office worker, this closet item has long been a favorite among representatives of all spheres. A variety of materials and prints for oversized button down shirt gives you the opportunity to avoid conservative clichés, even if you tuck the shirt into pants or a skirt, although this can also visualize normcore. 

Flat sandals

Low-top shoes are just what you need for active lifestyles and occasions when you don't need to "show your best self". Plus, it's the kind of shoe that ensures you choose something that emphasizes your personality to some degree. The assortment of soles, buckles, and materials used allows you not to stop at one pair, but to make flat sandals your main footwear for every day.

Jeans

Everyone needs jeans, especially straight leg jeans. And those who don't want to bother with every detail of their closet need them in double quantity. With two pairs of jeans you can make dozens of looks, casual and flashy. Pay attention to fit and comfort of ladies jeans- these clothes are made for days full of bustle, not just for posing in Instagram.

Dad's sneakers

These are the kind of greetings from the past we love. Massive sneakers in retro design will add a few degrees of coziness and light nostalgia to any version of clothing and look as organic as possible, following normcore style. And especially cool such sneakers look just with pants and jacket a couple of sizes larger. 

Pants

Pants made of more volatile fabrics, or warm options for winter - this is definitely a guarantee of comfort, as an example - linen pants women. The most versatile would be a straight fit, so that you don't get tangled up in the pants or tight without being able to take a wide stride. Pants do not require any styling - just take in addition to them any nearby thing in your closet - and you are already normally dressed. 

Oversize T-shirts

Is there any closet you can do without t-shirts? No. That's why it should be the base of your normal clothes. Today, a loose fit of t shirts for women that promotes maximum relaxation is most appropriate. V-neck, collar - it's up to your taste.

Snapback

Headwear is a normal part of your everyday closet too - and a women snapback will serve you perfectly when you want to hide a not-so-best hairstyle, a tired look in your face or protect yourself from the scorching sun or cold rain. 

Belts

Simple but reliable waist belt that epitomizes functionality above all else. It's best to go for genuine leather and a standard width of 3 cm (1.18 inches) with a simple metal buckle without logos (save this one for accents). Timeless black, or brown colors will support any of your pants.

Bomber 

A greeting from the university years, the bomber jacket is firmly planted in almost every person's closet. This piece is characterized by variation in performance, as it can serve as a warm outerwear, as well as a second layer for a cool summer evening over a t-shirt.