You've probably noticed that there are lots of core trends right now. There's Barbiecore, cowboy core, cottagecore, balletcore, gorpcore and the latest, tenniscore. Usually this would be the part where we'd explain why everyone is giving trends the same last name, but, frankly, we have no idea. How we long for the simpler days when if something was in fashion, it was core-less and just referred to by its first name. Like florals or fringe. Heck, we'll even settle for first and middle names, see no pants and quiet luxury. Regardless, we're betting you bought into several of these core movements probably with the assumption that they only belong in one category. Think again.
Combining cores can be done. Just as long as you don't go overboard. For instance, sporting a tennis skirt with a cowboy hat and a floral, ruffled blouse is overkill. The trick is to merge two cores into one outfit. No core stuffing allowed. That way, you can mix and match your newly acquired item thereby getting more bang for your rather limited buck.
For sartorial direction, we, as always, turn to street style stars. They're experts at combining items that the rest of us can't even comprehend going together. That is until we see them on display. Disclaimer: Some of these examples may not exactly be real world-friendly so you may need to make a few adjustments based on where you live and your current comfort level.
Cowboy boots are staples of cowboy core. Work in a pink sweater with a rosette accent and a high-slit skirt to also wade into Barbiecore territory.
Team a sporty, court-worthy tennis dress with pearl earrings any cottagecore fan would be proud of. Cap the look off with white boots, just not the cowboy kind.
A suede skirt suit with ruffles along the hem of the skirt definitely leans Western. Slip a white ruffled shirt into the mix for a touch of cottagecore. Black tights and heels FTW.
Barbie pink pairs well with cherry red. Now that the weather is warming up, skip the scarf and tights, but keep the colorful tennis shoes.
Some lacy and bow-accented tights tucked into textured cowboy boots is the ideal blend of cottagecore and cowboy core. Add in a chunky necklace, a brightly-colored crop top, a micro skirt and an army green jacket for extra cool points.
Triple denim is in season. The dark button-down and slightly distressed jeans tap into cowboy culture, while the bustier and pearl necklace give off cottage vibes.
Take a cable-knit V-neck sweater and style it with a polo shirt and a patchwork denim skirt. Unexpected moto boots make the ensemble unique.
Ballet flats are going to remain popular straight through summer. Pair yours with a dotted dress, a jean jacket and a pretty pink bag that reads Barbie or cottage.
Gorpcore is definitely the most underrated in the core classifications. Which is a shame since a good utilitarian top can be spruced up by a sheer lace skirt, coordinating tights and cowboy boots.
Bring a ruffled patterned dress back down to earth with a neutral pair of tennis shoes. (Remember metallics are neutrals.)
Now you can go forth and style these core trends with confidence.
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