To put it bluntly, marketers are categorically obsessed with Gen-Z – And rightly so!
If there’s one demographic leading the way when it comes to social media, fashion and music trends, it’s got to be Gen-Z! Their unique perspective on life in general is simultaneously fascinating, confusing and inspirational, all at the same time. Many brands are now taking advantage of this unique perspective for their marketing activities as it enables them to resonate with the younger generation, build relationships and drive growth for their business.
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Gen-z’s dedication to actively labelling themselves is also a marketers dream. This inherent need to label absolutely everything and reduce complex movements, ideas and concepts down to a singular word or phrase has manifested itself into fashion and lifestyle trends that are dubbed ‘core’ aesthetics. This is where the exciting part comes in! For the marketing managers and content creators out there, you can quickly turn your brand into a Gen-Z worthy ‘aesthetic’ by labelling it as ‘_core’ and jumping on the trending core aesthetics.
Perfect for ecommerce brands who sell fashion and beauty products, the trends extend to embracing the lifestyles of the ‘core’ aesthetics and therefore can be utilised by homeware and lifestyle brands too. Without further ado, let’s dive in to some key ‘core’ trends! Be sure to use your imagination and think about how you can incorporate them into your marketing and content creation strategy to drive growth for your brand.
Barbiecore
Barbiecore is a nostalgic and playful aesthetic trend inspired by the iconic Barbie doll. It embraces exaggerated femininity, pastel colours, and kitschy elements to create a whimsical and dreamy atmosphere. Barbiecore incorporates Barbie’s signature pink palette, sparkles, and shiny materials, while showcasing hyper-feminine fashion choices like fluffy skirts, frilly dresses, and girly accessories. This aesthetic extends beyond fashion to home decor and beauty trends, promoting self-expression, body positivity, and inclusivity. Overall, Barbiecore celebrates individuality and encourages people to embrace their own unique interpretation of this fun and vibrant aesthetic.
Cottagecore
Cottagecore is an aesthetic trend that romanticises rural life and celebrates a return to simplicity. It evokes a sense of cozy tranquility, emphasizing nature, pastoral landscapes and vintage elements. Cottagecore fashion is all about flowing dresses, floral prints and straw hats whilst home decor takes inspiration from vintage furniture, dried flowers and natural elements. The cottagecore trend embraces a slower-paced lifestyle focused on baking, gardening and crafting, activities that generally promote mindfulness and sustainability. Cottagecore invites individuals to embrace the charm of rural living, fostering a longing for a simpler and more harmonious existence connected to nature.
Cowboycore
Cowboycore is a trend that embraces the spirit of the American cowboy and the Wild West. It’s all about ruggedness, adventure and independence, drawing inspiration from cowboy hats, boots, denim, fringe, and Western-style accessories. Cowboycore fashion showcases classic Western attire like cowboy boots, denim jeans and flannel shirts, while home decor features rustic elements and vintage Western memorabilia. It honours values such as bravery, loyalty, and self-reliance, emphasising a connection with nature, wide horizons, and outdoor activities. Cowboycore embodies a longing for a simpler, more adventurous lifestyle rooted in the iconic imagery and mythology of the cowboy culture.
Gorpcore
Gorpcore is a staple aesthetic trend that celebrates outdoor adventure and a deep connection with nature. It combines practical, functional clothing inspired by outdoor gear with a sustainable mindset. Gorpcore fashion embraces durable items like hiking boots, performance jackets and cargo pants, reflecting earth tones and muted colours. The aesthetic extends beyond clothing to encompass a love for outdoor activities, conservation, and minimalism. Gorpcore encourages exploration, self-sufficiency and responsible practices, emphasising a deep respect for the environment and a desire to reconnect with nature’s beauty and serenity.
Fairycore
Fairycore is an enchanting aesthetic trend that captures the whimsical and magical essence of fairies and fantasy. It embraces ethereal and nature-inspired elements, drawing inspiration from folklore, vintage aesthetics and the beauty of the natural world. Fairycore fashion features flowing dresses, pastel colours, floral patterns, and delicate accessories like flower crowns and fairy-inspired jewellery. Home decor creates enchanting spaces with natural elements, twinkling lights, and vintage touches. Fairycore celebrates a deep connection with nature, engaging in outdoor activities and cherishing the beauty of flowers, forests, and gentle creatures. It invites individuals to embrace their imagination, find solace in nature’s magic, and create a dreamy and ethereal experience in their everyday lives.
Mermaidcore
Mermaidcore is inspired by the mythical creatures of the sea. It encompasses a dreamy, ethereal vibe, drawing from the magic and beauty of mermaids. Mermaidcore fashion showcases flowing silhouettes, iridescent fabrics, and oceanic hues, reminiscent of underwater enchantment, whilst home decor incorporates seashells, coral accents and ethereal lighting to create an underwater ambiance. Mermaidcore celebrates a deep connection with the sea, promoting environmental awareness and incorporating eco-friendly practices. It invites individuals to embrace their inner mermaid, fostering creativity, wonder, and a sense of oceanic allure.
Now you’ve got a deeper understanding of these core aesthetics and trends, it’s time to utilise them to your advantage! Next time it comes to marketing a product or service, categorise your offering into a core aesthetic and ensure your photography, design elements, copy and social media strategy are all focused on that particular core trend. This will enable you to piggyback on trending styles and grow your reach thanks to the ingenuity of Gen-Z and their labelling craze!
