Fashion “Cores”: A Glossary Of Micro Styles & Aesthetics You’ve Seen On TikTok

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By Karmen on 02 Apr 2025

Digital Editor

Millennials will remember the days when style could be neatly surmised in a handful of terms like boho chic or preppy. Alas, we’re now in an era of countless micro aesthetics that start trending one after another on TikTok, each increasingly more oddly specific and even silly. Everything can be a style now, all you need to do is add a ‘-core’ to it! Perplexed and overwhelmed by it all? We got you. Here’s a glossary of all the -core aesthetics in gen Z fashion lore:

Cottagecore
A romanticised ideal of cottage life, this look is all about looking like the main character in a Frances Hodgson Burnett novel. Vintage-inspired dresses in warm, soothing colours and details like ruffles, lace trims and delicate florals are the way to go.

Balletcore
This is another unapologetically feminine look that combines the soft girl aesthetic with ballet-inspired details like ballet flats and tulle.

Princesscore/Regencycore
Building on several of the romantic and feminine -cores, this look takes things to a royal level with extravagant silhouettes, regal colours, diamonds, pearls and anything the Bridgerton cast would wear.

Academiacore
This aesthetic is about looking like you were old money and attended an elite school. Elegant university uniform-inspired outfits are the way to go. Pair a pleated skirt with a sweater or cardigan, then complete the look with a messenger bag or backpack.

Photo from Herschel

Look out for brands with a timeless appeal. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with an iconic Herschel bag that’s not just functional but also oozes class and effortless style. For a matching couple look with your bae, dress him in Benjamin Barker. The brand’s new Nod to Nostalgia collection is inspired by vintage automobiles, featuring sleek contours, tailored precision, earthy hues drawn from weathered leather, and textures that echo the rugged elegance of driving gloves and hand-stitched seats.

Photo from Benjamin Barker

Librariancore
Not to be confused with the more school-inspired academiacore, this aesthetic is about looking stylish yet geeky, like Hermione, if you will. To nail this look, all you have to do is throw on cosy-looking outfits and don a pair of glasses.

Photo from Barehands

And speaking of cosy, no one does it better than Barehands. This local sustainable fashion and lifestyle brand has collaborated with Teresa Lim from Teeteeheehee to present Matilde, a capsule collection including seven versatile wardrobe staples inspired by the library chic aesthetic. Every piece features an exclusive print designed by Teresa Lim and is designed to be layered to create different outfits.

Angelcore & Devilcore
These looks belong in the same family, where the former consists of angelic elements like pastel colours, cloud motifs, floral prints and an innocent look, and the latter is all about dark colours, flame motifs, chokers, and an overall gothic style.

Clean girl-core
It’s demure and it’s mindful! A no-makeup makeup look is the way to go, complete with sleek hairstyles, and simple yet polished ensembles. If you’d like to experiment with this aesthetic with pieces that’ll fit into your wardrobe seamlessly, look to Modparade. You’ll find a wide variety of versatile clothes in flattering cuts that are perfect for creating the clean girl-core look without changing your entire personal style.

Photo from Modparade

The brand has just dropped two new collections - Femme Rouge and Golden Slumber. Some pieces to start your clean girl-core era are the oversized Lauren Shirt with textured stripes and the cosy and comfy Odetta Top that’s part-cardigan, part-top.

Holidaycore
If you’re not having your ‘The White Lotus’ moment in some luxurious holiday destination, the next best thing is to feel like you are! That’s what this aesthetic is all about. Enjoy the clothes and accessories you’d usually save for a dream holiday, like TOMS Alpargata and Ray-Ban's latest sleek oval shades, and dress like you’re in Europe.

Photo from TOMS, Ray-Ban

The TOMS Spring/Summer 2025 Collection has the prettiest footwear featuring crochet lace details and floral eyelets. Over at Ray-Ban, a new arrival is the Clubmaster Legacy which sports a delicate round shape and a bold interpretation of the unmistakable brow line - a stylish finishing touch to any out-of-Singapore ensemble.

Corpcore
It’s corporatewear, but elevated, a la Jisoo in her Earthquake music video. Break the traditional workwear mould by combining structured and formal elements with laidback and playful touches. One brand that dominates the corpcore aesthetic is Love, Bonito.

Photo from Love, Bonito

Pair their Wei Sunray Pleated Trapeze Shell Top with trousers to add a fun textured look, or throw on the RuchedReady® Moira Belted Collarless Blazer that hits the sweet spot between tailored and relaxed.

Normcore
Like its name suggests, it’s about making ‘normal’ cool again. It’s about looking unintentionally good wearing ordinary clothes and blending into the crowd. Start with your favourite plain clothes that fit you like a glove, then slip on a pair of simple sneakers, throw on a cap, and add a few minimalist accessories.

Gorpcore
It’s said that normcore is the foundation of gorpcore, which is about dressing like you’re ready for some serious outdoorsy activities, like hiking, cycling, camping, etc., but in a cool, fashion-forward way. It’s simple and practical, yet encourages you to get active and go back to nature.

Photo from Vivobarefoot, Oakley

To dip your toes in this rugged aesthetic, incorporate pieces made of water-resistant fabrics to your outfit or wear something technical yet stylish like Vivobarefoot shoes. Wide, thin and flexible, these shoes are made to be as close to the barefoot experience as possible for natural strength and foot movement. It retails at The Pace at Funan. Complete the look with Oakley cycling sunglasses. The Velo Kato looks like a stylish pair of sunnies but is also designed for sprint stages, minimising drag and maximising performance with advanced airflow technology. And if embracing gorpcore inspired you to venture outdoors, Brompton Junction has you covered with their gorgeous new Cherry Blossom Special Edition C Line bike, featuring cute sakura patterns and adorned with brand-new special ColourLab touchpoints.

You can find all these fabulous brands at Funan, a treasure trove of fashion and athleisure gems all in one stylish mall. And here’s more reason to pop by Funan - from now till 13 April, the mall will be transformed into an immersive fashionscape, and shoppers will be rewarded with eCapitaVoucher and even an all-expenses-paid shopping spree at Funan.