Kidcore aesthetic describes an aesthetic and cultural trend typically associated with childhood, children, and nostalgia. This style revolves around bright colors, retro and childlike themes, and aesthetic features that often include vibrant hues, colorful patterns, vintage design elements, cartoon characters, children's toys, and imagery and symbols related to childhood. Just as the word contains "kid," it can be understood as "dressing like your younger self," combining Y2K and retro styles with a playful, comfortable feel that triggers a sense of joy and nostalgia.
Kidcore style is popular on social media platforms, where users express their interests and creativity by sharing photos, videos, and posts related to Kidcore themes. This style can also serve as a way to express individuality and playfulness, evoking feelings of ease, innocence, and happiness.
The origins of Kidcore can be traced back to the 1980s and 1990s, but overall, this style is a nostalgic creation of the 2010s. In visual works of Kidcore, common themes include vibrant colors often used in children's toys, with the most common being highly saturated versions of the traditional primary colors. Additionally, elements such as playgrounds, plush toys, and robotic pets, which are reminiscent of the kindergarten environment, are also prominent features of this style. Other elements in Kidcore include bedtime stories, books, watercolor paintings, alphabet blocks, balloons, rubber bands, and toys like rabbits, mice, and frogs.
The Kidcore style has become more prominent in high-end fashion in the past two years.
Brazilian designer Marco Ribeiro incorporated bold colors and comfortable knits suitable for movement in his eponymous brand's 2023 spring/summer ready-to-wear collection. This approach has garnered widespread attention. The vivid reds, oranges, and blues emit a lively vibe and create a fun atmosphere, inevitably bringing a smile to people's faces.
Benetton's 2023 spring/summer collection presents a vibrant visual feast with its ready-to-wear garments. Printed tops and color-blocking combinations, along with layered colorful accessories, create a kaleidoscope of hues reminiscent of a bountiful fruit feast.
Fashion icons often incorporate elements of kidcore clothing into their casual wear. When Bella Hadid is spotted wearing a printed top on the streets, the colorful fitted top instantly transports people back to the early 2000s. As you flip through your photo albums, do you have a similar butterfly-patterned tank top?
One of the cores of Kidcore is the rich yet seamless color combination. Mixing various colors in different elements like tops, bottoms, scarves, bags, etc., brings you closer to a stylish Kidcore outfit. However, when you don't feel like putting much effort into styling on those lazy winter days, just opt for a colorful jacket. It will add a pop of color to the otherwise monotonous black-and-white-grey winter streets.
In the case of a full-body colorful ensemble, leaving some space for breathing can be achieved by incorporating subtle breaks in the color scheme. For instance, you can opt for small areas of exposed skin or choose tops with V-necks to create distance between the color blocks and your face.
Another approach is to incorporate low-saturation colors such as baby pink, misty blue, and soft green into your outfit. These colors add variety without overwhelming the senses, enhancing the overall sophistication of the look.
These cartoon-patterned pieces are easier to style. Simply pair them with a versatile pair of straight-leg jeans. You can match the pants with the same color as the top or choose a contrasting color. Even with simple black jeans, the style remains distinct.
Cartoon-print T-shirts make Kidcore dresses more budget-friendly. Wear a Hello Kitty tee and carry a pink plush bag to recreate the same cute look from childhood.
In the Kidcore world, jewelry's material and texture don't matter much. The more letters, fruits, and various shapes, the better. In a child's world, vibrant colors and diversity are more important.
Kidcore aesthetic embodies the pursuit of individuality and creativity. It encourages people to break free from constraints and view the world with childlike wonder. Through unique creativity and expression, it showcases one's unique charm. This spirit of freedom and openness makes Kidcore aesthetic a cultural phenomenon that transcends age and geography.
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