Normcore: Yes or No?

volkskrant.nl

Normcore: Hot or Not? What is this new trend that is shaking up the fashion world actually all about?



Normcore style was first described by science-fiction writer William Gibson for one of his main characters who he introduced to his readers as wearing "A small boy's boy's black Fruit of the Loom T-shirt, a thin grey V-neck pullover purchased by the half-dozen from a supplier to the New England prep schools, and a new and oversized pair of black 501's, every trademark carefully removed." I've also heard people describe it as "Obama style" and " The way people from Seinfield dressed".

New York trend agency K-Hole coined the term in October last year and describes it as: "Normcore doesn't want the freedom to become someone. Normcore moves away from a coolness that relies on difference to a post-authenticity that opt into sameness." In other words: Norma Normcore wants to fit in rather than stand out. K-hole goes on to say: "There's an exhaustion with trying to seem different. People are genuinely tired by the fact that to achieve status you need to be different from everyone else around you." 

Vogue UK claim they can see K-Hole's point: "Fast fashion and the retailer's ever-growing ability to track trends from street to runway and back again means subcultures can barely exist beyond the brands. Punk, indie, hipster - are all sold off-the-peg from Primark to Saint Laurent. Not only is youth culture big business (LVMH profits are on a par with Google), it's everywhere." They call the Normcore trend a "palate cleanser".

vogue.co.uk

vogue.co.uk

I like Vogue's ideas about the palate cleansing effect of practical, nondescript clothes, but I don't believe in this trend yet. Richard Nicoll, who was recently named creative director of the casualwear outfitter Jack Wills claims Normcore says: "I have soul and intelligence. I'm unique and I don't need to shout about it". To me right now it's still to much like "cheap hipster". People are still trying too hard to stand out, by not standing out. However, I do believe this trend will last and if it worked in Seinfeld's days why not now? 

Luckymag.com

Myself, I don't think I will completely succumb to Normcore, but as youth culture is indeed, as Vogue UK says, everywhere and I'm becoming a true grown-up, I'm starting to feel the need to create a new wardrobe consisting of trusty pieces that last but have something unique and personal about them. So, this trend might be right up my alley...

What about you guys? Are you ready to blend in?