Normcore is one of those trends that I find bewildering. Really it's just wearing sloppy clothes with little attention to fit or accessorizing. It's jumpers (sweaters) and jeans, with sneakers or comfy but highly unnattractive shoes.
It's about comfort over style most of the time. And in fact it's what most of us who are trying to find their style and have more style are rallying against.
But what about those days when you just want something warm and comfortable to wear and you're going nowhere special? I have to admit that occasionally I will get out and about in my most Normcore outfits, but I do have some rules.
How to wear Normcore over 40
- Make sure it fits and isn't overly sloppy. Notice that my jeans fit and the jumper is loose, but not sloppy.
- Keep your shoes relaxed but stylish - try an oxford lace up or ballet flat style (rather than your sneakers), or a bowling style shoe rather than your chunky white or fluro sneakers.
- Do you hair and wear a little makeup so you don't look like you rolled out of bed, picked up what was on the floor from the night before and left the house without taking any care, your grooming needs to be polished.
- Wear earrings to bring life to your face. A little sparkle here can go a long way to making you look finished.
- Keep the quality of your pieces high. Make sure your jumpers aren't pilled or stretched out of shape. Your jeans fit. Your shoes are polished and in good shape.
What are the elements of a normcore outfit?
- Neutral colours
- Relaxed fit
- Denim
- Comfortable shoes
- Sweater knitwear
It's a style that is most easily carried off by the under 30s, and those of us in our later 40s and 50s tend to just look sloppy and like we have no style wearing it unless we add a little extra polish.
