LOLcore

Lindsey Wixson & Hanne Gaby Odiele in ‘My Market Day’

Other names

LOL-core, LOL-cat, Emoji Fashion, Laugh-Out-Loud Style

Decade of origin

Mid-2010s

Key motifs

'Things on things', cartoon and anime/manga prints, monsters, faces, candy, fast food, early 2010s Internet culture, oversized accessories, accessories related to TV shows, emojis, DYI clothing

Key colours

Any bright colours

Key values

Flamboyance, hilarity, childishness, silliness, weirdness, randomness, craziness, standing out, opposition to Normcore and stereotypes, lighthearted self-mockery

Related aesthetics

2010s Internet

Animecore
Avant-garde
Bubblegum Dance
Cartooncore
Clowncore
Club Kids
Funwaacore
Gen Z Maximalism
Goofcore
Internet Awesomesauce
Kidcore
Milipili
Monstercore
Pop Art
Raver

Related media

SpongeBob SquarePants, McDonald's, Mickey Mouse, otoMAD, Polandball, Peanuts (TV show)

Related brands

House of Holland, Meadham Kirchhoff, Moschino, Kenzo

LOLcore is a subculture, aesthetic and a fashion style that was mainly prevalent during Autumn 2014^[1]. It's characterized by its somewhat loosely-defined fashion style featuring maximalist elements, bright colours, cartoon and manga prints, glitter and the combination of clashing textures, prints, colours, shapes and hemlines. The aesthetic is childhood-themed and promotes a good sense of humor and lighthearted self-mockery. Given its silly and funny nature, it was termed "LOLcore" by fashion experts. Relating to other fashion styles, it supported the empowerment of Alternative fashion styles and opposed Normcore^[2] and rejected Minimalism and the fashion standards of the time. Many elders also participated in this fashion trend to break the stereotype that elders can't have fun or be silly anymore. Some notable celebrities who participated on this aesthetic at some point include Anna Dello Russo, Lily Allen, Rita Ora, Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry^[3].