catwoman

A word...or two...on Normcore

This past summer, Norm-core has infiltrated the fashion stratosphere with a bang. Norm-core is defined as a unisex fashion trend characterized by unpretentious, average-looking clothing. The term combines the words "normal" and "hardcore", and was coined by K-Hole, a trend forecasting group. You can find their website here. I always thought this look was decidedly 90's. Not "Grunge" per say, but still within the realm of feeling worn in and rather "been there, done that".  And let me please clarify here and now: Just because it's plaid, does NOT make it Grunge. Got it? Good.

You've heard me mention before how I cannot stand wearing jeans. It's mostly due to the fact that I could never find ones that fit, but also because I feel too plain in them. I kind of like to stand out, and honestly, I feel truly happy about what I'm wearing when I'm all done up in a 50's pin up look.

That's not to say I don't love wearing over-size plaid shirts and leggings and black fringe kimonos. 

I am inspired by everything and find my fashion "tastes" vary. 

When it comes to Norm-core though, I find myself rather tempted.

I say tempted but I've already given in. I rushed to the nearest Goodwill (I always find that when I need a little update or I'm just bored, a quick run to the Goodwill is rad for your closet and finer for your wallet.) I tried on jeans. So many jeans. I learned a quick trick to finding a decent pair of vintage high waist jeans, which should be obvious but alluded me for the first half hour of my search: Long Zipper. If the jeans in question have a long zipper, higher waist, shorter zipper, low waist. This seems simple and stupid but believe me it will save you a trip or two to the dressing room.

I found two decent pairs. I must confess I got rather mixed up in my search: I really wanted a pair "boyfriend" style jeans i.e. baggy around crotch and thighs and tapered at the ankle. 

I found some really great pairs at Nasty Gal and Torrid. I know Asos has a great selection too. 

Review examples below:

Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal

Instead, I brought home two pairs of exactly the opposite: Tight on thighs and baggy at ankles. They are still a straight leg or boot cut, no bell bottoms, but they make styling them harder than expected.




Usually when I'm looking for my Norm-Core inspiration, I turn to Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat