If you have recently heard the word gorpcore and have been left confused by its meaning, you are in the right place. Gorpcore is the new aesthetic taking the Gen Z world by storm. The acronym stands for the classic hiking snacks- ‘Good Ol’ Raisons and Peanuts’ – as the trend stems from the fashion worn while exploring the great outdoors. Coined in 2017 by The Cut (https://www.thecut.com/2017/05/new-fashion-trends-normcore-gorpcore.html ), gorpcore originally prevailed in men’s fashion, however, we are glad to tell you gorpcore has finally emerged in womenswear.
The charm of gorpcore is ironic; conventionally unstylish clothes…are stylish! This trend flips the fashion world on its head and opens up the possibility for almost endless outfits. Practicality, utility, and comfort are just as important as style for capturing the true nature of this aesthetic. Brands like Patagonia and Arc’teryx are closely linked with the aesthetic and classic sports brands like Nike and New Balance have proven their place within the trend. Dress it up or dress it down, there are so many ways to bring the adventure of extreme sports into your wardrobe. Let’s take a look to see how some of our favourite women are sporting the not-so-stylish, stylish looks of gorpcore.
Megan Trong
Where to start talking about this fit. This is head-to-toe gorpcore glam and it doesn’t get much better in our opinion. Megan Trong wears her The Basement x New Balance 2002r, which she matches with a reflective waterproof jacket. Both trainers and jacket are a moss green colour, very fitting choice for gorp! Her ribbed skirt gives off a metallic shine which ties in with the reflecting properties of her jacket. Not to mention her sunglasses make her look as if she is fresh off the slopes, but now ready for business. All we can say is if you are looking for gorpcore inspiration, Megan knows what she is doing.
Betsy Johnson
Betsy Johnson is all over gorpcore. This all black, oversized outfit is super chic. Cargo pants remain really popular this year so you should have no problem recreating this style. Giving Johnson the ‘matrix look’, her sunglasses and headband are perfect for multi-use, whether that be climbing up a hill or strutting down Oxford Street.
Bella Hadid
Bella has recently been showing us she is a big fan of the midi skirt and sport jacket combo. We are loving her take on gorpcore and think she is creating some iconic looks in the process. Her playful use of opposing silhouettes has high fashion written all over it.
Betsy Johnson, Caity Baser and Billie Eilish
These women have a similar take on the trend and are expressing the grungier side of gorpcore. Baggy sweats, cargos, and parachute pants are paired with baggy t-shirts and/or tight long sleeve tops and chunky everyday trainers. Dark and earthy colours are definitely sitting in the driver’s seat for gorpcore this season. This style of gorpcore works great for casual, everyday wear.
Zara Cargo Trousers
Nike Air Jordan 1 Acclimate
Kicki Yang Zhang
The ultimate gorpcore look. We love the simplicity and elegance of this fit. Could you look any better at the top of a mountain? Probably not. Keep an eye on Kicki for more of her showstopping looks.
Gorpcore is the gift that keeps giving. There are so many stylish ways to dress for this aesthetic while producing completely new fits. Giving gorp an edgy twist like Billie and Betsy, or dressing graciously like Bella, we are sure you will find a style within gorpcore to express yourself.
Words By Erin Wilson
Header Graphics By Arundhati Das
