From Blokette to Barbie-Core, take a look at this year’s fashion resonance of styles and subcultures 

By Teresa Valenton

In the vast fashion landscape of 2023, social media and pop culture fueled a range of aesthetics, styles and trends. This unique blend showcases global influences and homegrown creativity. This year witnessed the rapid rise and fall of micro and macro aesthetics in the likes of “blokette,” “gorp core,” and “coquette.” Join CanCulture as we review this year’s most notable trends where style met culture.

Blokette

@beckykim_ thank u @wavykaren for the inspo!! 🫶 #blokettestyle ♬ like and follow – sm.

We’ve all seen the Blokette aesthetic take over fashion TikTok for some time now. Whether it was through your favourite celebrities or the influencer-sponsored brand, this aesthetic has surfaced the internet by storm. The term “Blokette” was first coined by the podcast Nymphet Alumni, to describe the pairing of sportswear with the detailing of hyper-feminine pieces.

This aesthetic channels your typical 90s casual look with the bow craze of 2023. Think football jerseys, baggy jeans, and Adidas Sambas paired with dainty skirts, bows and silver jewelry. Despite its inherent gender-based juxtaposition, this trend is not limited by the gender binary. This aesthetic has been adopted and executed by many — join in by taking your stereotypical sporty pieces and styling them into your own wardrobe! 

Gorp-Core

@luke_liu it’s getting cold in canada #fashion #arcteryx #gorpcore #fallfashion #grwm #fyp ♬ so your running late – kasuga

Noted by a variety of TikTokers as 2023’s most functional aesthetic, ‘Gorp-Core’ transforms practical, outdoorsy pieces and styles them into editorial fashion. With the term initially created by writer and editor Jason Chen to describe “defiantly ugly” outdoor fashion, “Gorp-Core” has now taken over the functional fashion world. Key pieces include hiking boots, cargo pants, windbreaker jackets and a warm hat, with minimal accessories to elevate the look.

While this trend continues on the rise, many Canadian brands stand at the forefront of the “Gorp-Core” aesthetic such as Canada Goose, Arc’teryx and Rudsak. According to Vogue, this trend focuses on “sporty, utilitarian pieces that are made for embracing the outdoors.” Whether these styles are toned down for a street style look, or used in functionality, this style is reflective of an interest boost for outdoor activities post-pandemic. 

Coquette 

@_katieeliza_ september 2nd 🕯️set from @Edikted use code KAT.ELI10 🎀🧁#fyp #foryou #pink #coquette #autumn #fall #outfit #edikted #haul #2014 #2013 #victoriassecret #uggs ♬ tumblr girls – lovinlust

Not to be confused with “ballet-core” or the “clean girl” aesthetic, the ‘coquette’ trend is a compilation of all things “frilly and lacy.”. Characterized by lace, flushed blush and dainty hair accessories, this look embraces femininity at its core. You’ll often see people wearing pieces in a coherent colour palette comprised of pinks and whites. Ideally, the Coquette” closet staples are hair bows, lace dresses, ear muffs and shrug cardigans. 

This aesthetic moves past fashion and into the aesthetic lifestyles of those who engage with the movement. With over 1.3 billion views on TikTok, the visual aesthetics of the “Coquette” movement position it as a “soft lifestyle” based on dance and rehearsal apparel. Despite the influence of Japanese Lolita subcultures and Rococo-era fashion, the “Coquette” look now refers to the light-hearted girly style.

Recession-Core

@millennialontiktok Ep 7: Don’t forget about the two piece sets & their mix & match potential! #twopieceset #matchingtwopiece #reformationset #reformation #sustainablefashion #sustainableliving #sustainability #rewearyourclothes #fashiontok #summeroutfit #outfitinspo ♬ Blue Moon – Muspace Lofi

In a world where many have become keen to over-consumption habits, the term “recession-core” reflects the minimal nature of a post-COVID-19 world. Moving forward from the Y2K maximalism present in recent decades, natural tones have become popular with the younger generation. With beige and neutral colour palettes and simplistic fashion trends rising through social media, this aesthetic directly reflects a downturned economy. 

An extreme sense of “gloominess” has been added to recent runway exhibits and red carpets as accessories and over-the-top styles have been pushed back. This androgynous aesthetic is experimental and rule-breaking with closet basics. Subversive basics and silver jewelry can be classified within this aesthetic. This style encourages individuals to style what they have and stay conscious about their consumer habits during a recession. 

Barbie-Core

@erin22xoxo When I say I’m OBSESSED with the second dress 🥹💗 @prettylittlething crushed it as usual 🥹 which was your fav?! #prettylittlething #pinkdress #pinkdressgirl #pinkdressoutfit #barbieoutfits #barbieoutfit #barbiedress #torontoinfluencer #torontocreator ♬ Barbie Girl – Lady Aqua

Alongside the highly anticipated Barbie film earlier this year, the vibrant, pink “Barbie-core” aesthetic defines 2023. Although hot pinks and vibrancy are no new aesthetic, much of the newly gained hype can be credited to the film. Since the Barbie movie became one of the highest-grossing movies of this year, pink products have been making an appearance everywhere. From platform pumps, purses, and over-the-top accessories, this pinky aesthetic was a summer staple.

The entirety of this aesthetic can be encapsulated by the colour pink by itself. Whether it’s an intense hue of hot pink or a pastel shade of baby pink, this aesthetic embraces the plastic doll’s signature looks through everyday looks. According to People Magazine, the “silhouettes range from latex mini dresses to dainty fit-and-flares.” Barbie-core” can be adapted to all body types. Whether you are curvy, petite, short, tall or everything in between, embrace the Barbie lifestyle by taking on this aesthetic. !

While trends come and go, these five aesthetics defined 2023 in an abundance of ways. From pop culture references to an economic downturn, much can be taken from the popular fashion trends of this year. As subcultures and the defiance of conventions arise, let this past year be an introduction to the world of fashion trends. You may even be able to incorporate aspects of each trend into your wardrobe — nonetheless, let’s see what trends lie ahead in the new year.