You like it dirty? Goblincore is the new grunge

Move over angst – fashion is taking on a dirty persona and here’s how you can rock it

Goblincore.
Goblincore. (Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

The very mention of frogs, dirt and mushrooms would not immediately invoke an image of fashionable taste, but the latest TikTok trend has taken over the internet and wants you to embrace all things ugly.

No, we’re not talking about chunky trainers, platforms Crocs or whatever oddity has come out of normcore hybrids, the world is actually going gaga for goblincore.

A refreshing twist to a world that has been embracing all things glitter and colour, goblincore feeds the desire for many to be nostalgic and whimsical by dressing its wearers down in frog and mushroom-inspired fashion.

But this underdog trend should not be underestimated. In the last two months, online sales have seen rapid increases for the style of clothing. The trend has amassed millions on Pinterest and TikTok respectively.

Down to earth

When taking on the trend opt for warmer colours such as olives, browns or ochre. Due to its mud-loving influences, goblincore embraces all things dirt so glam it up with silk if you can’t fully commit to the grunge-influenced aesthetic.

Break the rules

With very few constructs on who gets to wear what, goblincore fully embraces genderqueer roles so even gents can rock a Victorian-era dress if they want to.

Nuts for knits

Texture is very important to this trend. When not layering different fabrics together you can also create the cabin-in-the-woods feel with knitwear – the chunkier the better.

Bling it on

Accessorising does not limit the use of gold or silver but keeping it retro is key. Also consider your birthstone or multicoloured jewels as accessory pieces that are best layered up than used at a minimal approach. Accessories that resemble found objects such as rocks or woodland creatures can also be used to complete your look.

Thrift your heart out

The weathered-down appeal of thrifted garments truly captures the essence of this micro-trend, so take it on with a conscious mind. Thrifted pieces from retro and vintage outlets are the best option to pairing pieces you might also have. Creating your own garments can also give that extra edge and Gen Z approach to sustainability, so you might want to rethink that Shein or ASOS haul.

Pattern block

Don’t be scared to break some rules and go bold with wild and daring prints. Beginners will want to start by mixing different prints under the same colour or invert the tones while pros can treat their stripes as neutrals and go gaga with the rest.

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