In the age of social media, now more than ever, people are being influenced by other people, not just in their social circle or in person, but everywhere. This has caused many creative online communities to come up with different fashion aesthetics also known as “cores.” Some examples of this are normcore coined by K-hole (a trend forecasting site) that refers to the deliberate choice to wear unremarkable, casual clothing and cottagecore, a style that emphasizes simple living. These ideas not only apply to fashion but to a specific lifestyle, these cores can be seen all over TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest and allows people to find different, unique ways of dressing themselves. 

Unlike other time periods, the 80s new wave and 90s grunge styles, which had major overarching aesthetics, 2023 is a year of microtrends and smaller communities with drastically different styles. This summer there have been a few trends that have stood out and become a staple to many people’s summer wardrobes. From mermaidcore to catholic core this summer has many exciting and eclectic styles. 

Mermaidcore 

Mermaidcore, one of the fastest growing trends, had searches for “mermaid” and “seashell” rising to 51%, according to fashion engine, Lyst. Possibly due to Disney’s remake of “The Little Mermaid ” or due to a certain beachyness this season brings, this aesthetic has become quite popular. 

Characterized by crochet and accents of seashells with pearls, mermaid core brings a childlike state to summer. It includes soft and flowy fabrics to embody an oceanic feeling. To achieve this style it is important to layer sheer and shimmery materials and to wear starfish accessories. Wearing colors like seafoam green and pastels also allow this whimsical style to shine through. It takes inspiration from Y2K aesthetics by incorporating fashion from films from that time period like “Aquamarine” and “H20.”

Barbiecore

Another style that is really popular this summer is Barbiecore. In anticipation of Greta Gerwig’s upcoming “Barbie” film, many people are dressing like the iconic characters. Barbie core can be achieved through funky prints, hot pink, chunky accessories and glittery accents. 

Margot Robbie, who stars as Barbie in the highly anticipated film, has been personifying this style on her press tour. With outfits from Valentino, Chanel, Bottega and Vegloeger, styled by Andrew Mukamal, she has been recreating many iconic Barbie looks from the original Barbie all the way to Barbie dolls from 2005. These incredible looks just go further to excite people and encourage viewers to dress up for the upcoming film.

Catholic Core

On the complete other end of the spectrum, comes the Catholic core. Inspired by the aesthetics of Roman Catholicism and Mexican Catholicism, which has risen in popularity due to musical artists such as Lana Del Rey and Ethel Cain. The Catholic core is defined with accessories like signature crosses and choker necklaces but can also be seen with unexpected lace detailing. 

Many  videos on TikTok have shown young women reclaiming this style after experiencing religious trauma. With online creators such as Raya Carmona, Orion Carloto and Daniela Garza spearheading this movement from social media they demonstrate the aesthetics of Catholicism without actually practicing the religion. Raya Carmona, an online creator born and raised in Miami, Florida around the catholic faith has a deep appreciation for the jewelry and reworks it to apply to her specific style.

A TikTok influencer who goes by justjezebell said “I love religion. The feeling, the art, the rituals. I also love to appreciate the beauty without believing in the faith.”

Of course, this is a touchy subject but this style is meant to pay homage to the gorgeous traits of Catholicism without practicing. Staple pieces for this style include rosaries, white flowy clothing and christian jewelry pieces. This can also be seen in the Mirror Palais Summer 2023 fashion show. If you’d like to participate, incorporate lots of lace, silks and gold jewelry.

Blokette

Another style that has been blowing up right now is sporty core also known as blokette. This style typically incorporates aspects of soccer tees, zip up tops and baggy sport shorts but paired with common accessories like ribbons, skirts and feminine jewelry. It’s perfect for people who want to be less feminine but also trendy. It’s also very common to intertwine jerseys and masculine silhouettes and feminine accessories like bows in braided hair and shorter skirts. 

It’s a fun and interesting combination of masculine and feminine. It’s a fusion of coquette and bloke core which has easily been embodied by celebrities like Bella Hadidi and Ruby Lyn. Adidas Sambas are crucial. It’s important to have both elements to steer away from the Adam Sandler style (unless that’s what you’re going for of course). 

This summer, remember to experiment with different aesthetics. Fashion is meant to be enjoyable and trends this summer have been nothing but playful. Whether you want to completely embody a specific core or just play around the summer of 2023 is the perfect time to try out new styles and these are only a few of them. 

SHOOT LEAD Katherine Gallaugher / MODELS Katherine Gallaugher, Samantha Harden, Annelise Edvardsen, Natalie Laughman, Casey Harden