Babycore is a contemporary way of dressing popular among teenagers for allowing them to depict simplicity, innocence, playfulness, and similar characteristics reminiscent of early childhood.
Emerged on Instagram and TikTok, the Babycore trend is characterized by the deliberate use of oversized sweaters, loose-fitting dresses, and comfortable trousers in pastels like soft pink, baby blue, and light yellow to mimic the simplicity and unassuming charm of children’s attire.
With ruffles, frills, bows, polka dots, and cartoon characters, the Babycore look feeds a growing desire among teenagers and young adults to reconnect with the carefree and joyful aspects of their early years as a nostalgic escape from the complexities of modern life.
1. Kawaii Babycore
Start your Kawaii Babycore look with a baby blue sweatshirt featuring a cute cartoon print from Lazy Oaf or Kawaii Nation and a Forever 21 ruffled mini skirt in pink and blue pastels in a tulle or cotton fabric for a girlish touch.
Wear pink Mary Jane platform shoes from Melissa and pair them with knitted knee-high socks in baby blue from Happy Socks for a youthful touch.
Complete the outfit with a pink knitted beanie from Carhartt or Urban Outfitters to capture the essence of Babycore and create a fashionable yet childlike appearance.
2. Playful Babycore
Begin your Playful Babycore outfit with an oversized white t-shirt from Hanes or Gildan as a base layer, reminding you of the carefree nature of childhood.
Layer the t-shirt with loose-fit pastel pink overalls in line with the oversized theme from Dickies or Levi’s, Zara pink lace socks, and a pair of New Balance 574 sneakers in a pink and blue colorway.
Complete the outfit with a coordinated bonnet hat with frills to enhance the youthful theme from a specialty or boutique store.
3. Lolita Babycore
The centerpiece of the Lolita Babycore ensemble is the pink ruffle and lace Lolita dress with bowknots for a touch of elegance and puff sleeves for a romantic, vintage feel.
Look for a dress that balances the classic Lolita style with an approachable feel, ideally from brands like Angelic Pretty or Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, which specialize in Lolita fashion.
Wear Victorian-style ankle boots from Victorian Trading Co. and knee-high knitted socks from Sock Dreams to subtly contrast the dress.
Accessorize with a pink teddy bear doll to emphasize the Babycore childlike theme and the Lolita vibe of the outfit, a lace and bowknot bonnet, and a baby dummy as a playful accessory.
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Kawaii | Lolita | Soft Girl | Kidcore | Pastelcore | Maidcore
A University of Oxford graduate in Design History, Katherine Saxon is researching arising TikTok cultures from a consumer psychology perspective while covering emerging aesthetics in fashion and beauty for TheVOU, Forbes, Business Insider, and more.
