Blokecore channels what any respectable British dad would wear to the pub to watch their favourite players (and lots of near misses). Taking inspiration from the crowded football stands all over England, the look consists of baggy football tees and trusty pairs of Levi’s jeans. Matching tracksuits will also earn you a couple of points. In terms of footwear, the trend hasn’t quite succumbed to football cleats, opting instead for the shoes of the moment, the Adidas Samba.
Brands to look out for are, of course, the sportswear giants, Nike, Adidas and Fila, but it should also be noted that Italian brands like Stone Island and Sergio Tacchini also make up a lot of the football hooligan-inspired uniform. We might scream “football’s coming home” in beer gardens every summer, but when it comes to blokecore, it’s worth treading into international waters.
Though the OG blokecore style icon would have to be britpops own Liam Gallagher, Spanish stallion Héctor Bellerín, dubbed by Vogue as “football’s most stylish player,” is the poster child for a slightly more luxe take on the otherwise effortless fashion trend. His effortless street style often sees Bellerín pair tailored, high-waisted trousers with football shirts which he, of course, has in abundance. His porn stash and mullet are even giving David Beckham a run for his money.
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The luxury fashion sphere is also having a go at making dad chic cool. Just prior to its child exploitation scandal, Bella Hadid starred in Balenciaga’s collaboration with Adidas late last year. In a casual ‘back-to-the-office’ inspired campaign, the model sported a red, oversized football jersey, with matching Adidas striped trackies. The Spanish brand’s hourglass bag was also branded with Adidas’ iconic three stripes.
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Similarly, British designer Grace Wales Bonner collaborated with the German sportswear label, offering her take on the staple Sambas that are now going for over £600 on the resale market. The question now is whether your dad will fork out thousands for the collab when he could spend it on pints at the local watering hole.
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The football fan look, however, is also attached to hooliganism. In the past, footie fans have been known to become violent against rival teams as well as, in some cases, their own players. Despite England’s men’s team reaching the Euro 2020 final, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were all racially abused by fans after missing penalties. Do we really want to celebrate such a culture by wearing its uniform?
The following year, however, the women’s team shed a more positive light on the sport. After the Lionesses made history by winning the Euro 2022—something the boys are yet to achieve, by the way—football has been on the rise among young women.
Further proving that blokecore isn’t just for the boys, Rihanna was spotted wearing baggy jeans with a striped rugby polo, while Bella Hadid repped our capital city in a matching tracksuit that screams noughties Lonsdale straight from Sports Direct.
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The question of whether or not blokecore has longevity is easily answered. Wherever there is football, the blokes will descend. Which is why we’ve rounded up some blokecore staples to get you ‘match ready’ to sink some pints at your local pub:
The key to nailing the look is mixing the old with the new. Vintage football shirts are all the rage with specialised stores popping up all over London. If you’re too focused on the game to go shopping, simply head to your Vinted and Depop app, or even the back of your dad’s wardrobe.
In case you already have a favourite club, then you’re in for a treat since football teams are also hopping on the trend by launching their own retro-inspired collections.
With celebrity fans including Robert Pattinson and Kendall Jenner, Adidas Sambas are on everyone’s wishlist.
Get Bella’s look with these matching tracksuits:
Despite being an Italian brand, Stone Island has been a staple among football fans since it launched in the 80s.
When it comes to jeans, keep them baggy and oversized. No one wants to be in the stands feeling like their trousers are too tight, the crowd is overwhelming enough as it is.
For the summer months, swap these for some jorts. It’s giving noughties Adam Sandler, and we’re so here for it.
Supporting your favourite football team doesn’t always have to be loud and garish, accessories make for great subtle tokens of affection. Let’s hope Bellerín can see us from the pitch.
Ballet has pirouetted back to the fashion world’s centre stage. Pale pink leg warmers, satin ballet slippers and dusty grey trousers are just a few staple pieces you’ve probably seen so far this season, signalling the shift from grunge to graceful. With balletcore being the easy, breezy it girl style as of late, it’s no surprise that Bella Hadid has been the poster girl for the trend.
Luckily, even if you aren’t a former dancer (or an off-duty model), you can embrace the trend too. It’s surprisingly more versatile and comfy than you might think. Ready to infuse your wardrobe with French girl flair, or maybe just want an outfit you can (attempt to) plié in? We’ve got you covered. Below, shop similar pieces from Miss Bella’s ballet-inspired wardrobe.
Can’t get enough of monochrome ensembles? Then you’ll love this balletcore outfit sported by the youngest Hadid sister. Simply pair baggy workwear trousers (pro tip: size up so you can roll the waist) with a sweet lace-detailed tank top and a simple short-sleeve bolero. Oh, and don’t forget to complete your look with classic black loafers and a can of Kin Euphorics, of course.
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Balletcore doesn’t always have to mean leotards and tights à la the no-pants trend. Want to look chic while still feeling comfy? Take a note from Hadid’s slouchy ensemble. She styles the simple Wardrobe.NYC X Hailey Bieber sweatsuit with a matching headband, and adds a touch of personality through her accessories (hello, bedazzled sunglasses and tie-dye Chanel messenger bag).
The true star of this ballet-inspired look though has to be the pink satin flats which peak out under her sweats. Don’t want to splash out on this exact co-ord? Opt for an equally minimalist set from Arket for a fraction of the cost.
Going for a more refined outfit, as opposed to the slightly rougher ballet grunge? This next ensemble from Miss Hadid hits all the right notes. The model pairs this striped boatneck dress (vintage Chanel, of course) with simple white leg warmers and a pair of blue Miu Miu kitten heels. Looking this cute doesn’t have to cost a small fortune though. Instead, shop our more affordable picks below to achieve the same ‘je ne sais quoi’ without hurting your purse.
Next up, we have a quintessential balletsleaze look you’re sure to have heart eyes for. As Miss Bella demonstrates, this outfit is comfy enough to catch a flight in, but it could also easily double for your Sunday morning pilates class, or for simply lounging around at home. Get the look by throwing on a matching tank top and leggings set, your favourite oversized zip-up hoodie and a beanie. Then finish it off with leg warmers and ballet flats for a touch of off-duty ballerina flair.
And finally, want to add a pop of colour to your balletcore fit? Follow Hadid’s lead. Here, the supermodel wears a cropped cardigan, a purple baby tee (with matching slouchy socks), a red corduroy midi skirt, all complemented by a stunning set of white satin ballet pumps. Make the look your own by incorporating your favourite textures and hues. And, then, to complete the ensemble, balance out the outfit with a neutral statement piece.