Fairycore Fashion is the Dreamy, Ethereal Trend You Have to Try
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With the rise of TikTok, Gen Z continues to be key player in deciding today's fashion trends. They've brought back sweater vests and made it clear that straight-leg jeans were cooler than skinnies, and although some of their picks may feel a bit less familiar, they're still worth taking note of. The Fairycore trend, for instance, is here to welcome you to a world much dreamier than that of sweatpants, as we look ahead to a future of dressing up and experimenting with clothes again.
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Diving deeper into adjacent fandoms, you'll find a variety of aesthetics to explore, whether it's dollcore, unicore, mushroomcore, and, one of the most recent to materialize in mainstream fashion, cottagecore. Fairycore — or faecore, or faeriecore — feels a bit similar to the latter with heavy references to nature and a pension for a few of the same design elements, including embroidery and relaxed dresses. However, this aesthetic also comes with a knack for mystery and fantasy, and those willing to go the extra mile may even pair a set of fairy wings with their outfits.
There are a ton of nail the look, so don't sweat following a hard list of do's and dont's. Somewhere between whimsically sweet and grunge, fairycore fashion instead feels more centered around where an outfit transports you to — think pastel colors that remind you of springtime, or earthy colors reminiscent of forests or a cozy cabin getaway. Then, there are pieces that paint a picture of a magical picnic: Sheer fabrics, puffy dresses, or gingham prints.
With an aesthetic so intricate, much is left to the wearer's interpretation, so it's no surprise the TikTok crowd has a pretty good hand on the art of layering, too. With faecore, it's not uncommon to find a billowy maxi skirt topped with a midi dress, topped then with a vintage-inspired corset or sweater.
Of course, you don't have to be a member of the fairy fandom to enjoy the pieces it favors. Turns out, as unintentional as it may be, the fairies have actually hit the nail on the head for some of the season's biggest trends, such as mushroom embellishments, nap dresses, corsetry, and 2000s reminiscent beaded jewelry. After the marathon of lounge sets that was 2020, there's truly never been a better time to experiment with fashion.
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Here are 17 pieces that'll help you become one with the outdoors and bring out that inner spark.
Mango Floral-Print Knitted Vest
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Shop now: $60; mango.com
This vest will have you feeling as if you've been instantly transported to a field of flowers.
Shroom_Spoon Flo Hoop
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Shop now: $20; shopshroomspoon.com
When it comes to fairycore accessorizing, feel free to layer on fun nature-inspired trinkets — even if they don't particularly match.
Ultamodan Chiffon Patchwork Ruffles Blouse
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Shop now: $40 (Originally $80); us.ultamodan.com
When it comes to fairy life, there's no such thing as too many ruffles.
One Teaspoon White Stallion Spirit Dress
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Shop now: $219; oneteaspoon.com
Wear this puff-sleeved dress alone or use it as a base to display your layering expertise.
R13 Off-White Velvet Floral Corset Camisole
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Shop now: $395; ssense.com
Fairycore fans are wholeheartedly embracing corsets with hints of vintage.
Vanessa Mooney The Elisabeth Dress
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Shop now: $175; vanessamooney.com
Fairycore often references ethereal imagery and the essence of softness, which means piling on the satin.
ELOQUII Smocked Bodice Chambray Dress
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Shop now: $140; eloquii.com
Lighter, airy colors and earth tones play off the aesthetic of gardening, wooden details, or even swamps.
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Chloe Floral Bouquet Printed Mini Skirt
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Shop now: $995; thewebster.us
All this floral mini skirt needs is a billowing top and a pair of lace socks.
Selkie The Minnie Sweater
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Shop now: $179; revolve.com
The fairycore fandom is no stranger to Selkie's puff dresses, but this sweater would offer an interesting layering element to more casual pieces.
Frasier Sterling Magic Mushroom Hoops
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Shop now: $32; frasiersterling.com
The mushroom trend was made for this moment.
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Beepy Bella Jules Necklace
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Shop now: $215; beepybella.world
Worn by Euphoria's Jule's, this choker will make for a magical fashion moment.
Maison Margiela Tabi May Jane Sandals
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Shop now: $1,085; fwrd.com
Fairycore footwear can mean slippers or no shoes at all, alongside the honorable mention of a simultaneously feminine and grunge Mary Jane.
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Vivienne Westwood Bella Cupless Corset Teal
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Shop now: $2,315; viviennewestwood.com
RELATED: This cupless corset will add a bit of edge to a dainty puff dress.
Missguided Plus Satin Corset Crop Top in Stone
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Shop now: $35; asos.com
Just imagine how dreamy it would be to run around in this corset crop top styled with a long, floral skirt.
Gyaltsen Earth Hooded Dress
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Shop now: $130; gyaltsen.earth
On casual days, channel the effortless, earthy side of the fairycore trend with this brown loungey dress.
Pellucid Love Fuzz Pullover Top
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Shop now: $33; shoppellucid.com
When you're not reaching for neutrals, pastel hues such as pale purples and pinks will be your best friend.
Lurelly Beaded Floral Top
Shop now: $350; lurelly.com
It doesn't get any more whimsical and fun than this crystal and 3D floral-embellished top.
