T
he fashion world is no stranger to nostalgia as we’ve become accustomed to the resurgence of old trends. One of the latest trends to emerge from the depths of the 1990s is the Polly Pocketcore aesthetic. This playful, colorful style takes its name from the iconic Polly Pocket toy, which was a tiny doll with even tinier accessories. The fashion world has taken inspiration from the toy’s bright colors, fun patterns, and cheerful attitude.
To understand the Polly Pocketcore trend, it’s important to look at the broader context of 1990s nostalgia in fashion. In recent years, the fashion world has seen a revival of many trends from the decade, including mini skirts, chunky sneakers, and colorful windbreakers. There’s even been a resurgence of brands like Doc Martens and Adidas, which were popular in the ’90s. As the ’90s revival took hold, it was only a matter of time before the whimsical world of Polly Pocket made its way into fashion.
The first signs of the trend emerged on social media, with influencers and style bloggers posting photos of themselves wearing looks inspired by the Polly Pocket aesthetic. Soon, fashion brands began to take notice, and Polly Pocketcore started to appear on runways and in fashion editorials. Now, people are beginning to wonder if Polly Pocketcore is taking over the Barbiecore trend.
What does the Polly Pocketcore aesthetic look like?
There are certain elements that characterize the Polly Pocketcore aesthetic, including:
Playful patterns: Patterns play a significant role in the Polly Pocketcore trend. You’ll find an array of whimsical patterns such as rainbow stripes, polka dots, gingham checks, and floral prints. These patterns add a lively and nostalgic touch to the overall aesthetic.
Miniature-inspired accessories: Just like the tiny accessories found in Polly Pocket playsets, the fashion trend comprises miniature-inspired elements in fashion and accessories. This can include dollhouse-like jewelry, novelty trinkets, cute bows, and playful embellishments that add a sense of whimsy and charm.
Whimsical silhouettes: Polly Pocketcore often features playful and whimsical silhouettes. This can include flared skirts, babydoll dresses, puffed sleeves, and oversized proportions. These silhouettes contribute to the youthful and carefree vibe of the aesthetic.
Childlike details: Polly Pocketcore embraces childlike details that evoke a sense of innocence. This can include lace trims, ruffles, playful collars, and sweet embellishments that add a youthful touch to outfits.
Differences between Polly Pocketcore and Barbiecore
One of the main differences between Polly Pocketcore and Barbiecore is the way they approach femininity. The aforementioned embraces a more quirky, playful, and fun take on femininity while the latter has a more traditional, glam, and elevated take on femininity. This difference in approach might stem from the origins of the two dolls.
Polly Pocket dolls were designed to be small and portable, making them more like a plaything for small children. They had brightly colored clothing and fun accessories that made them stand out. On the other hand, Barbie dolls are larger and more sophisticated, and they’re marketed as fashion dolls for older children. The difference in design is reflected in the aesthetics of the two trends. Polly Pocketcore has more of a youthful, carefree vibe, while Barbiecore is more glamorous and mature.
Another difference between the two is their color palettes. Barbiecore is typically associated with the classic Barbie colors of pink, pastel tones, and white. On the other hand, Polly Pocketcore has a broader color palette, including yellows, purples, greens, pinks, and pastels. It’s often more colorful and playful than Barbiecore. Another difference is the use of patterns. Barbiecore tends to be more minimal, with clean lines and solid colors.
Is Barbiecore becoming sidelined?
To answer that, Polly Pocketcore is still growing in popularity but it’s not quite at the same level as Barbiecore yet. Barbiecore has been around for a while, and it’s become a part of the fashion world in a way that Polly Pocketcore hasn’t quite reached. One example is the fact that there are still more Barbiecore items available in stores than there are Polly Pocketcore items.
Additionally, the Barbiecore trend has been embraced by major fashion brands like Moschino, which even released a Barbie-themed collection. Also, Barbiecore has been covered in major fashion publications like Vogue, Elle, and others. Add to that the rave surrounding Barbie the Movie and you see why the pink mania is still heavy. That said, Polly Pocketcore is still in its early stages and it has the potential to become as popular.
In summary, although Polly Pocketcore and Barbiecore are both fashion trends inspired by iconic fashion dolls, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Polly Pocketcore exudes a youthful and playful vibe, while Barbiecore commands sophistication and glamour. While they share a common source of inspiration, each trend has its unique appeal. Both trends have made a significant impact and are likely to continue influencing the fashion scene.
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