by Maria
On a Thursday in November I wondered
The term basic has comfortably eased its way into our vernacular. While the archetypal basic is easier to identify than, say, the hipster of years passed, some undeniably gray areas remain. But for simplicity's sake, let's define the basic as one who unapologetically subscribes to mainstream trends and culture.
Now, enter normcore. This term, while less ubiquitous, is a bit easier to pin down. Its early proponents claimed to dress in a way that was accessible, not overly fashionable, and did not stand out. Normcore was regarded as backlash to the millennial brand of narcissism and individuality. This mission statement says nothing of a particular look, but term has become synonymous with 90s high-waisted "mom" jeans, white turtlenecks & sneakers, and anything else the cast of Seinfeld would deem wearable in its heyday. As overalls and denim-on-demin are now favorites among the trendiest streetstyle stars, subscription to this trend (subculture? movement?) would hardly mean that you'd blend. If that were the case, we wouldn't need the normcore/basic distinction in the first place.
Normcore can realistically be defined as an appropriation of the most dressed-down mainstream trends of the early 1990s. But that same aesthetic continues to creep its way into mainstream culture, or in mainstream fashion circles at the very least. After all, when was the last time you saw a suburban mom actually wearing mom jeans? We're going to assume in the meantime you've seen a light-wash pair on sale at Urban Outfitters, or on that one sorority sister regarded to be a little more offbeat than the rest. So what do overworked moms of two under three really wear?
Bootcut jeans.
As the 90s-- mom jeans included-- become solidified in mainstream style, should we look to the early-mid 2000s for inspiration? And who gets to claim cozy sweaters?
I am left with more questions than answers.
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