Your Guide to Dressing Normcore This Fall

I’ve always been slightly perturbed with the evolving terminology ascribed to our youth’s behaviors and fashion statements. The very mention of “hipster” or “millennial” provokes immediate eyeball rolling and a hasty subject change. However, when I came across normcore (admittedly way late in the game this past summer) I was surprisingly pleased with its message.

Normcore, coined by trend forecasting company K-Hole, is basically the notion of accepting and embracing our similarities as people. So instead of searching for an outlet to stand out, being comfortable with dressing (and behaving) in sameness is totally acceptable. Of course, there’s no such thing as normal, but we can all identify and agree upon what’s accepted as normal in our respective groups and areas.

See K-Hole’s in-depth definition of normcore.

So why have I become smitten with normcore? The answer is simple: I’m not bored by consistency or normalcy. Sure, I work in fashion, and discovering the latest trends on the streets and runways is an unbridled thrill of mine, but I get just as excited seeing Jane Doe in a t-shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers as I do glimpsing a gorgeous Valentino gown. The difference between the two is I can relate to jeans and sneakers more than a gown, and I bet I’m not the only one.

Scroll down for some of my favorite normcore looks for fall, and be sure to share your ideas about the term in the comments below!

Contrary to what you might think, adopting the normcore look isn’t the same thing as becoming a minimalist. Though your clothes are most likely bound to become simpler, it’s more about the effortlessness.

In the fashion community, everyone’s wondering what the next SpongeBob SquarePants sweater dress is going to be, but normcoreists digress from the aspiration of what’s next. Translation: A Fruit of the Loom t-shirt and Levi’s will do just fine.

Something I kept hearing when I started to learn about normcore was the reference of Seinfeld. It seems the general consensus is that dressing blandly like the characters in this sitcom is the key to normcore. Though I’d never dare call Caroline de Maigret bland, her plaid shirt and blue jeans combination shown above is delightfully basic.

A key proponent of normcore is never pretending to be above belonging. A quick and easy way to do that? A blazer, jeans, and sneakers. Repeat.

Related: How to Master Hipster Style in 5 Easy Steps

Though trying to be effortless seems like a contradictory task, if you’re looking for a tangible way to achieve the unstudied look, go for basic outfit combinations in comfortable fabrics and neutral hues. 

Another reason why normcore intrigues me is because the cartoon Doug’s uniform gets brought up—a lot. I’ve always had the slight (nay, overt) hope I could live out my fantasy of filling a closet with the same simple pieces like Doug, and normcore grants me that wish.

K-Hole discusses the notion that “being adaptable will set you free.” I appreciate this sentiment, because it alleviates the pressure of being stuck to something you’ve ascribed to. If what’s perceived as normal changes, so can you.

Keep scrolling to shop normcore pieces for fall!

Related: Don't Fight It: This Bag Trend Is Happening (Again)