Like postmodernist, self-conscious metafictional writing
that tries its best to move away from the conventional story, the Normcore
clothing ‘trend’ is somewhat similar. The ‘trend’ moves away from the
conventional idea of fashion trends and peacocking by deliberately wearing
basic unassuming pieces. It’s a ‘non-trend’ that tries to avoid pretension- a
move from 90s grunge to basic normality- the deliberate pursuit of the ordinary.
To me this is reminiscent of my Dad in the late nineties
always pairing jeans with a white tucked in T-shirt, a black belt and trainers.
Which, in all honesty, is exactly what he wears now- who knew Mr. D was so
stylish? He mixes it up a bit in the winter by wearing fleeces- something else
in the approved list of clothing that constitutes as Normcore. I might start
calling it Dadcore.
Personally, I do live in a pair of denim cut offs that were
once my Mums, and would definitely wear them with a plain top- but not in the
deliberate avoidance of trends. I would also have to throw something garishly
over-embellished on top. I don’t think I could stand a vague array of basic
greys, whites, blues and blacks staring back at me from my wardrobe, or, (snob
warning) feeling so damn average! My personal clothing thrills come from
seeking stand out one-of-a-kind pieces that I know no one else will have- the
opposite of the desire to blend into the crowd.
Normcore is supposed to be a symbol of anonymity, and the
slightly fluffy notion that ‘difference comes from within’ and that difference
should not have to be translated through clothing- I’m not convinced. Will this
really catch on? Since (pretty much) the dawn of time people have used clothing
to convey difference and to denote subcultures. There’s a reason ‘Highschool Stereotypes’
is a fancy dress theme.
