Some call them trends, and some may even see them as an abomination to fashion, but out of all the movements that exist in the modern world, these two just might be some of the most aggressively normal that have existed. What’s even better for the average person who may have no idea what they are is that a world of knowledge awaits! Normcore and Dadcore are two trends that everyone should have on their radar, at least subconsciously. They are trends that, at their core, are aggressively against the waves of modern fashion trends and proud of it!
So let’s start with Normcore. What does that mean? The phrase normcore is a portmanteau of two words: normal and hardcore. From there, you can kind of get the idea. Taking normal and being hardcore with it. In fashion, this means intentionally dressing in a manner that does not focus on current trends and styles, and picking clothes that are intentionally unpretentious, nondescript, or plain. In short, you are intentionally being as boring as you can. It’s almost a celebration of being regular.
Another big thing about the normcore movement is that it is also largely an androgynous style, and this is intentional as well. The goal of the look is to be plain and blend in. If you’ve ever been a person that fears major changes in fashion but still wants to make a statement, this is the style to check out. Whenever people question you about your look or their perceived lack of a look, you can look them boldly in the face and tell them that your look is Normcore. You also have the added bonus of it showing up in a Google search and being something that is defined in the dictionary.
This is the look that appeals to a person who just wants to wear clothes that cover them, keep them warm, and lasts for a while. If you’re socially anxious in any form and don’t want to overdo it in the fashion arena, choosing normcore gives you the ability to remain comfortable and out of sight. If you’re not the sort that usually dresses in this manner, but would like to, there’s a way in.
If you want to branch out of your trendy looks and go for the normcore look, where do you go? Luckily, this is a look that’s easy to shop. For your base layer, the plainer the better: nondescript t-shirts, button-downs, jeans, and khakis. Plain hoodies. You want to keep your color palette neutral: white, black, brown, navy, and maybe a few primary colors. Beige is always your friend.
If you are attracted to normcore but you want to take things a step farther, Dadcore is right up your alley. Dadcore gets its name from combining Dad and hardcore. This is a style of fashion that is worn by men that developed their sense of fashion around the time they became fathers and then didn’t progress beyond that point, typically when their attention began to focus on people other than themselves. In recent years, however, the Dadcore look has taken on a new sort of humorous reverence.
The major difference between Normcore and Dadcore is that people who choose to dress in the style of Normcore are making a conscious choice to deflect fashion trends and fads. They are not interested in displaying themselves in that way. Dressers of the Dadcore style are a unique breed because they have no idea that they happen to be out of fashion. Traditionally, where dressers of Normcore can be male or female, Dadcore is largely in the realm of men’s fashion, as the usual prerequisite for Dadcore is that you be a dad (usually middle-aged with at least two children). Typically, the look is comfortable and casual.
They simply choose what they like and what is comfortable. Their style is one that brings reactions of “Bless his heart!” or “he is such a dad!” to anyone that sees them. The dressers of Dadcore have a very specific uniform that is easily recognizable, probably almost to the point it would be a great idea for a Halloween costume.
What you will usually see in a dresser of dadcore is a polo, and if the occasion is a nicer one, a pair of khaki shorts or pants (pleated, front creases), or if it is less formal denim shorts or pants. This will be worn with a black or brown belt, a pair of ankle-high white socks and a pair of white New Balance sneakers. The look sometimes includes a vintage windbreaker, typically 90s in design, in the event that light outerwear is needed. Some fathers will try and dress the look up by updating their polos to be of a moisture-wicking or athletic fabric. They will often claim that their look transitions well between casual and a nice night out with minimal effort.
When it comes time to shop the look, Normcore and Dadcore usually can both rely on the same types of stores to find what they need. Chain stores such as Gap, Old Navy, or Target carry the brands that people would choose from. Normcore is less focused on brand than function, but Dadcore relies on very specific brands. Nike or Ralph Lauren polo shirts are preferred, but they need to be striped or in primary colors such as navy blue, red, or forest green. The shoes are what tie the look together, and the typical choice of most fathers is a standard white pair of New Balance sneakers.
The looks are deceptively simple to find and it does take a certain finesse to pull them off, but a little bit of practice and an element of effortlessness is typically what a person needs to pull it off.