2024 Types Of ‘Core’ Aesthetic You Need To Know

Social media is a go-to for fashion inspiration right now, and we’ve seen an influx of core aesthetics that modernise vintage style staples. Be it the clean girl, quiet luxury, preppy, eclectic grandpa, or even the office siren style, there are so many ways you can invest in classic pieces with a modern aesthetic twist to suit your desired look. Ideal for ensuring you’re making buying decisions that stand the test of time, explore our curated core aesthetics below to create capsule wardrobe that packs a punch.

Cowgirl Aesthetic

What is the viral cowgirl trend?

Pop culture moments from Barbie to groundbreaking country albums have brought western style to our stores, including runways, and now we’re seeing cowboy boots, hats, and fringing having their moment. Whether you’re styling it traditionally (think denim jeans and leather accessories) or adding boho or grunge elements, there are plenty of ways to find your inner cowgirl!

What does a cowgirl wear?

Cowboy boots, cowgirl dresses and statement cowboy hats as well as other accessories like western belts and fringe leather jackets. The flare silhouette for bottoms, denim, leather, or suede vests, and a western-style shirt can also create the vibe, so don’t hesitate to add your own modern spin to the look.

Cowgirl styling tips

• Opt for leather, suede, and washed denim textures for a timeless feel.

• Accessorise with fringe, buckles, and chunky jewellery.

• Create a boho feel by styling your cowboy boots with sundresses.

• Flared jeans and a tank top are a minimalist way to start building your look.

• Band and graphic tees can add an edge to the look.

• Layer up with fringe jackets or denim shirts.

Grunge Aesthetic

What is the grunge aesthetic?

Born from the music scene in the ‘80s and ‘90s, grunge aesthetics are characterised by oversized cuts, layering, ripped and distressed styles, washed denim, bold makeup, band tees, and casual footwear such as lace-up boots.

How can a girl look grunge?

A naturally androgynous style, grunge can be worn by anyone, but, taking influence from the likes of some iconic women in rock, slip minidresses, fishnet tights, and combat boots are a great place to start. You can play with baggy distressed jeans, oversized denim jackets, band tees, flannel shirts, and oversized knits too.

Grunge styling tips

• Say something about your taste with band tees.

• Layer with oversized cardigans, flannel shirts, and denim or leather jackets.

• Create texture with fishnet or ripped tights.

• Create a relaxed silhouette with baggy jeans, cargos, or a loose tapered trouser.

• Style it for the summer with mini skater skirts and denim shorts.

• Accessorise with beanies, chunky jewellery, and chokers.

• Opt for canvas trainers and combat boots as staples.

Brat Girl Summer Aesthetic

What is the brat girl summer trend?

Sparked by the release of ‘Brat’, this trend is all about edgy, party-girl aesthetics and a bold, carefree attitude. Brat is described as a bit messy, honest, blunt, and a little volatile, and loving to party. Think Y2K influences, bold pieces that lend themselves well to nightlife, and especially the album’s iconic green colour.

How to dress for brat girl summer

This anti-clean girl aesthetic is all about it-girl energy — think micro hems, lived-in makeup, leather pieces, platforms, and stand-out hardware. Distressed separates and baby tees help to create a rave feel while chunky accessories up the drama. White tank tops are a key staple alongside sporty sunglasses, chunky boots, longline denim shorts, asymmetric mini dresses, and corset details.

Brat styling tips

Invest in staple tanks.

• Be bold with leather pieces and accessories.

• Go chunky with your boots, trainers, or platform heels.

• Add sunglasses to every look.

• Accessorise with bold headphones.

• Add pops of neon green to your look.

• Play with proportion by incorporating baggy silhouettes alongside streamlined pieces.

• Be playful with less refined hair and makeup looks.

Minimalist ‘90s Aesthetic

What is the minimalist ‘90s aesthetic?

Influenced by legendary singers of the time, this trend aims to recreate their iconic ‘90s style with its sophisticated feel and clean beauty look. It’s a ‘90s look with a minimalist edge so think understated pieces, simple silhouettes, cool glamour, and timeless cuts.

How to dress in a minimalist ‘90s style

Looking at artists’ iconic styles of the time, there are signatures you can’t ignore from denim and white shirts to elements such as shoulder pads and high-waisted trousers. Red lips, large hoop earrings, and slicked back ponytails are also iconic to the trend, so experiment with incorporating these into your look.

Minimalist ‘90s outfits styling tips

• Stick to white, brown, black, and red colours.

• Make a statement with chunky gold hoop earrings.

• Snatch your silhouette with high-waisted trousers and jeans.

• Keep things crisp with a white shirt.

• Embrace ‘90s tailoring with cropped blazers and jackets and shoulder pads.

• Be bold with a red lip.

• Keep hair slicked back in a ponytail.

• Dare to try a double denim look.

Quiet Luxury Aesthetic

What is quiet luxury?

Quiet luxury is a minimalist and timeless approach to fashion styling with emphasis on timeless elegance, versatility, and quality. It certainly doesn’t mean you go unnoticed! The quiet luxury trend is an evolution of previous luxury fashion trends, favouring refined staple pieces over overt displays through loud branding and large logos. Less going big or going home! Making this aesthetic far more accessible at all price points, the trend is centred around investment pieces, neutral shades with effortless styling potential, and high quality, capsule wardrobe-inspired looks. The aim is to create an ‘old money’ elegance that is sophisticated, not showy.

How to wear quiet luxury

Perfect for almost any occasion, when curating a quiet luxury look aim for elevated basics that are well-tailored and made from quality fabrics that can be dressed up or down to get the most out of your wardrobe. Neutral colour palettes including black, navy, grey, chocolate, green, ivory, and white are key elements of quiet luxury. Think monochromatic dressing for a refined look.

We’re loving the use of tailored pieces with casual staples to create an understated look that’ll take you from office to errands and beyond!

Quiet Luxury Styling Tips

• Avoid embellished pieces and logos.

• Opt for high quality fabrics and well-fitting garments.

• Favour classic, timeless silhouettes.

• Minimalism is key.

• Keep a capsule colour palette for effortless matching with plenty of neutrals.

• Make a statement with layering and accessories.

Coquette Aesthetic

What is coquette aesthetic?

The coquette aesthetic is all about embracing traditionally feminine presenting details and style in a playful way, incorporating whimsical trims, details, and often vintage cuts. This is a style for all ages despite its sweet appearance, making it totally timeless. It takes cues from Victorian fashion with its embellished look while maintaining almost Parisian class, modernising the elements in new and exciting ways. Think flowy fabrics, lace, bows, pastel colours, and dainty accessories for a charming look.

How to wear the coquette style

Thanks to the romantic and whimsical styling of this aesthetic, it’s perfect for any occasion. Opt for a detailed dress and plenty of accessories to elevate the look, or combine any number of bows, embroidered details, sheer tights, vintage cuts, and more. We’d recommend looking out for:

• Bow accessories

• Florals

• Pastel colours including pinks, blues, and creams

• Heart motifs

• Ruffles and lace trims

• Plush knits

• Fashion tights in sheers, lace, and patterns

• Pearls and beads

• Ribbons

• Mary Janes and pumps

• Puff sleeves

• Oversized collars

• Covered buttons

• Pleats

• Corset Details

• Light and airy fabrics like silk, tulle, and chiffon

Coquette Core Vs Barbie Core: What’s the difference?

Despite both aesthetics gaining popularity at similar times, the easiest difference to see would be that coquette core has a broader pastel colour palette and focuses on lighter accents, romantic trims and details, and a more vintage look. Barbie core is a brighter, pink, and more modern look that aligns itself more to the doll’s iconic branding, inspired by the launch of the movie. Think attention-grabbing pink co-ords, top-to-toe vintage inspired prints, and charming, doll-like accessories.

What is the difference between cottagecore and coquette?

While there are similarities in colour palette and motifs, cottagecore is inspired by the rural countryside, with a focus on oversized and modest silhouettes, linens and printed cottons. Coquette is a more exaggerated take on a modern aesthetic with a focus on traditional femininity and adds a whimsical touch to any wardrobe with lace, chiffon and satin materials.

The ‘Clean Girl’ Aesthetic

What is a ‘clean girl’ aesthetic?

The ‘clean girl’ aesthetic is all about keeping things simple and natural — think models off duty! Spanning more than just clothing and extending to beauty interior design, fragrance, and skincare, this is more of a lifestyle trend with a focus on minimalism and neutrals. Dressing like a ‘clean girl’ requires crisp essentials, mix and match staples, and timeless, quality looks in a capsule, less-is-more wardrobe format.

How to wear a ‘clean girl’ aesthetic outfit

The best way to nail this trend is to keep things simple. Think timeless white tank top, classic cut denim, clean white, nude, or black dresses, matching sets crisp blazers, and relaxed silhouettes for an effortless feel. We’d recommend looking out for:

• Simple, classic cut clothes

• Minimalist colour palettes with plenty of neutrals

• Mix and match pieces for easy pairing and layering

• Timeless essentials

• Avoid embellished pieces or loud patterns

• Washed denim

• Athleisure pieces

• Neutral-coloured trainers

• Matching sets

• Streamlined dresses

• Crisp blazers

• Sleek, understated jewellery

• Natural makeup

• Clean scents

The Office Siren

What is the office siren trend?

Inspired by the ‘90s and early ’00 trends, The office siren aesthetic is a playfully sultry update on office wear that is all about sleek, structured, and refined formal looks that add sophistication to your everyday. Key wardrobe pieces include sleek pencil skirts, tailored blazers to those all-important bayonette glasses.

How do you dress like an office siren?

Embrace a darker and more confident vibe with minimalist colour palettes, cinched silhouettes, and power-dressing structure that amps up the drama. Keep things simple with a pencil skirt, fitted shirt or streamlined turtleneck, and a sharp blazer with pointed ballet flats or heels. Outside of the workplace feel free to be playful with statement cut-outs, sheers fabrics, and glam accessories.

The office siren trend is Gen Z’s way of modernising classic ‘corporate’ pieces that can take you from the office and beyond, aiming to provide confidence and sophistication for the wearer. Raise the alarm! Embrace:

• Neutral colour palettes

• Layered sheers

• Structured tailoring

• Sassy pencil skirts

• Skinny glasses frames (prescription or blue light blocking)

• Turtlenecks

• Bold, dark lip colours

• Chunky jewellery

• Fitted shirts

• Stiletto heels

• Dark pinstripe, plaid, and houndstooth prints

Y2K Aesthetic

What is Y2K fashion?

Y2K fashion derives from the late 1990s and early 2000s (Y2K), characterised by edgy and bold colours, metallics and psychedelic prints, statement accessories, unique textures with a mixture of vintage and modern elements. Transitioning from ‘90s minimalism, Y2K fashion took influence from iconic pop stars, music, and technology at the time, but continues to influence contemporary style today with its nostalgic, bold, and eclectic wardrobe pieces.

How to wear and put together a Y2K outfit

The rebirth of Y2K fashion, particularly amongst Gen Z, may be attributed to consumers desire for self-expression and individuality displayed through bold colour palettes, textiles, and prints. With this being an aesthetic based on the experimentation and innovation of the era, have fun with butterfly motifs, lace, vibrant colours, platform shoes, low-rise jeans, baby tees and more, while updating the looks with modern elements for a more unique feel.

Key Y2K fashion pieces include:

• Double denim

• Patterned mesh

• Velour or velvets

• Rhinestones and sequins

• Shiny jackets

• Metallics

• Wide-leg jeans

• Cropped tops and baby tees

• Layered camis

• Tracksuit co-ords

• Pastels

• Cowl necks

• Capri pants

• Butterfly clips and colourful hair accessories

• Wrap-around sunglasses

• Low-rise cuts

• Chunky trainers

Grandpa Core (Eclectic Grandpa Style)

What is eclectic grandpa style?

As its name would suggest, eclectic grandpa style draws inspiration from the personal style of a grandpa. This aesthetic is all about individuality, mix and matching timeless wardrobe pieces to reflect personal style. From colourful knitwear, oversized cardigans, loafers, vintage accessories, and comfort-first fits, the eclectic grandpa trend is all about looks packed with nostalgic, retro-inspired and gender-neutral pieces!

How to wear the eclectic grandpa trend

With a focus on classics such as knitwear, tweeds, retro patterned pieces, and durable styles, mix and match your way to a look packed with personality. To complete the look, don’t forget the essentials like loafers or chunky trainers, a statement watch, and vintage hats. To dress it up a little, consider a traditional blazer, sweater vest, and some pleated trousers. Keeping it casual? We’re loving straight-cut denim, a casual tee, and an oversized boyfriend cardigan. Bermuda shorts with a printed tee are even bringing this cosy look to summer days effortlessly!

Key characteristics of eclectic grandpa style include:

• Baggy and comfortable cuts

• Heritage prints

• Cosy textures like corduroy

• Vintage accessories

• Warm tones including browns, burgundy shades, and camels

• Tanned leathers

• Stone washes and faded colourways for the illusion of wear

• Chunky trainers

• Loafers

• Bold watches

Preppy Aesthetic

How to dress with a preppy style

Depending on your chosen preppy type, this style can be created with everyday staples and a few key pieces to elevate the look. Invest in sweater vests, plaid skirts, oversized varsity sweatshirts, collared shirts, and a mix of canvas trainers, loafers, and Mary Janes to kick off your classic preppy style. For a modern preppy wardrobe, you’ll want to get your hands on colourful shorts, bright tennis skirts, yoga pants, oversized sweatshirts and athletic crops.

What are preppy summer clothes?

Preppy summer clothes are mostly clearly defined by tennis skirts, sweater vests, polos, and cycle shorts with either streamlined cardigans or oversized sweatshirts for layering. The colours favoured by the trends are a combination of soft and understated neutrals, bright pastels or bolder hues for a more modern feel — think sunshine shades!

What is considered preppy style?

The classic preppy aesthetic is inspired by East Coast American styles with Ivy League and nautical influences. Classic preppy styling is all about classic silhouettes for a refined yet casual look that could take you from brunch to the tennis club effortlessly. Look out for:

• Neutral and pastel colourways

• Argyle and plaid prints

• Varsity iconography

• Pleated skirts

• Knee socks

• Loafers, Mary Janes, canvas trainers

• Collared shirts

• Tennis whites

• Sweater vests

What is the ‘new’ preppy style?

The modern or ‘new’ preppy style is a sporty and bright take on preppy looks, updating classics with modern day elements. Modern preppy is all about feel-good colour combinations, sporty cuts, and a comfort-first approach to fit. Look out for:

• Bright colours

• Gingham prints

• Rugby Stripes

• Loungewear pieces

• Activewear sets

• Tennis skirts

• Athletic cropped pieces

• Cheerful motifs such as smiley faces and sports icons