Gorpcore, cottagecore, and now balletcore — these are not just a handful of the countless waves of style aesthetics that have recently swept through popular culture. A style aesthetic, on the internet, refers to a thematic expression of a particular style, each with a unique set of elements such as fashion, music, and values that separate it from the rest. Whether one is an active participant in a certain -core lifestyle or a passive observant on the sidelines, the power that aesthetics hold as a medium of self-expression and community building is undeniable, especially among those who are a part of Generation Z (Gen Z).
The Evolution of Aesthetics
-Studying Beauty through the Ages
The term aesthetic comes from the Greek word, aísthēsis , which means sensation or perception. Those who originally explored this field were concerned with understanding the objective perception of what constitutes beauty. However, the current dictionary definition has transitioned into a more subjective view of appreciating art. In fact, the Merriam-Webster dictionary describes it as “a particular taste for or approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight. Despite the long-existing human desire to search for beauty in the mundane, the evolution of this concept into a staple part of internet vocabulary was unforeseen.
-Being Aesthetic on the Internet
Aesthetic, now almost entirely detached from its original context, is often used as an adjective in phrases such as “aesthetically pleasing,” or as a noun to identify with a certain vibe. In this age of social media, where users on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest flourish on meticulously curating feeds, many users build their digital profiles surrounding aesthetics that they identify with at the moment. They may even follow influencers who embody a particular aesthetic and watch videos that give insights into how to live out the most recent -core. What were once considered niche interests have now found their way into mainstream culture, empowering thousands of people to explore and express their self-identities in the process.
A Few Notable Aesthetics
The most popular way to get to know an aesthetic is through fashion. Below are a few of the most well-known aesthetics related to fashion trend of 2023.
-Gorpcore
Gorpcore is characterized by wearing outdoorsy clothing in an urban style. This term was first coined by an American singer Jason Chen in 2017, who named it after a popular snack eaten by hikers and campers — gorp, an acronym for “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” or trail mix. The juxtaposition of wearing functional clothing such as hiking jackets and sandals as an everyday fit has intrigued many, including celebrities such as Joo Woo-jae and Song Min-ho.
-Cottagecore
Cottagecore romanticizes rural life and simple living. Enthusiasts of this aesthetic may engage in gardening, baking, and decorating their home to resemble a cottage with vintage furniture and floral patterns. While the aesthetic is widely embraced as a digital retreat from the bustling modern city life, it has also been criticized for idealizing the realities of rural living.
-Dark Academia
Dark Academia, like its name, is strongly associated with education. It is often associated with libraries, classical music and literature, coffee, and dark preppy fashion. Interestingly enough, this aesthetic found its way into mass media during the peak of the pandemic when most students were taking online classes due to school shutdowns. Clothing pieces associated with dark academia include turtle necks, blazers, tweed pants, plaid skirts, and trench coats.
-Balletcore
Balletcore, which has recently gained popularity in Korea through a K-pop group, NewJeans, incorporates the elegant and graceful elements of ballet in daily wear. Balletcore can be worn with tights, tutus, frills, ballet flats, and ribbons as hair accessories. Although ballet is traditionally known for favoring certain body types, many hope this trend can encourage brands to produce balletcore options designed to suit all genders and body types.
The Search For Your Aesthetics
-Using Aesthetics as a Tool to Find Yourself
With aesthetics popping up left and right, it may feel overwhelming to have to identify yourself with a certain aesthetic, especially when it has fallen into the superficial, overconsumption-powered trap of social media. More than ever, it is important to realize that aesthetics serve as a label for young individuals to express their uncertain identity. They act as a means to discover a community that shares similar interests and values. For those who may like the music of a certain aesthetic, but dress like another, aesthetics offers a unique lens to experiment with various personas. At the end of the day, it is all about using it as a tool to help you navigate between the complex search for self, ultimately uncovering what makes yourself, you.