Fashion in 2023 is all about the “cores.” These days, it feels like every new trend is something-core: balletcore, normcore, fairycore, you name it. But while some styles are fleeting, it seems like one in particular is here to stay, and ever-evolving in its definition: gorpcore.

As one of the OG aesthetics, gorpcore gained traction in the mid-2010s. The look is characterized by outdoorsy clothing that draws inspiration from the sartorial choices of hikers and campers — with emphasis on functionality, it exists somewhere between utilitarian garments and something trendier, like normcore. Gorpcore was first spotted on celebrities like A$AP Rocky and Frank Ocean during fashion week, where they wore pieces like Adidas AX3 sneakers, Arc’teryx shell jackets.

By the time Jason Chen officially put a label on the aesthetic and coined the term “gorpcore” (gorp being an acronym for ‘Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts) for The Cut in 2017, it was already mainstream. Demand for outdoor brands like Moncler, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx had skyrocketed. Gorpcore also cemented itself in the high fashion zeitgeist, with outdoor brand/high fashion collaborations, like The North Face x Gucci or Columbia x Opening Ceremony.

 

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Today, gorpcore remains as popular as ever but is being mixed with different aesthetics, like balletcore or schoolcore. Gorpcore sneakers, in particular, are a wardrobe staple when it comes to styling these different pieces; Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber wear their Salomon hiking shoes with casual outfits, while fashion influencers like Michelle Li and Lindsay Vrckovnik style their chunky Asics with up-and-coming fashion labels. Gorpcore shoes are also dominating runways, such as on Sandy Liang’s Spring 2023 show, where models paired frilly cottage-core dresses with their Salomon Xt-6s.

 

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To recreate the gorpcore aesthetic, select sneakers that have functionally stylish silhouettes. When it comes to styling them, don’t feel like you have to stick to outdoor clothing only. Girlish skirts, playful socks, and asymmetrical crop tops all provide welcome visual contrasts with your rugged sneakers. Amp up the visual feast with eye-catching colors; after all, bright colors are a mainstay of gorpcore (ideal to contrast with the colors of nature). Be bold and throw on an orange sweater, yellow lacrosse shorts, and purple socks to create a vibrant combo with your gorpcore sneakers. This is also a great opportunity to introduce some high fashion labels into the mix, for that ultimate high-low moment.

However, if you are looking to stay true to the hiking aesthetic, there are also plenty of styling possibilities. Layering is an essential component of gorpcore, as the outdoor lifestyle entails keeping warm. Start the look with a pair of chunky sneakers, then experiment with different combinations of jackets, vests, sweaters and shirts to achieve a functional yet fashionable look. Pants should ideally be baggy, featuring hardware like zippers, adjustable drawstrings, or metal buckles. Allow the practicality to be fully in show!

Below, sneakers that embrace the gorpcore aesthetic.