By now, we’re all familiar with normcore. Coined in 2013 by New York-based forecasting agency K-Hole, the term refers to an anti-style aesthetic, making the notion of conventional dressing seem fashionable. (Jerry Seinfeld has been referenced as the unknowing king of the trend – and we love to see it). Fast forward to now, and despite some industry heavyweights pronouncing the trend dead, the appetite for a pared-back look is still very much in demand, especially thanks to brands like Balenciaga, Jil Sander and Acne Studios. Normcore’s signature staple? The nondescript trainer style, of course.
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Rosie Huntington-Whitely balances out a perfectly polished look with a pair.
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Lily-Rose Depp is partial to a pared-back look, as well.
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Coming in an array of styles – such as geriatric dad trainers and retro-inspired suede runners – the minimalist footwear aesthetic verges on being considered ugly, especially to those not in the know. But with celebrity fans, including Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, Lily-Rose Depp, Jennifer Lopez, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Katie Holmes, it’s clear that, against all odds, the utterly basic yet divisive trainers still reign supreme.
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The queen of minimalist chic, Katie Holmes, loves her normcore shoes.
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Here, Vogue shares the best normcore trainers to invest in now.
Editor
Alex KesslerCredit
Lead Image: Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Getty Images