Get Ready for "Poetcore" Winter

Every year, Pinterest drops its predictions of the hottest trends coming down the pipeline. As an avid reader, book club host and classic style aficionado, I was giddy to see that the social media platform proclaimed that “Poetcore” was coming for us.

This isn’t the first inkling of a literary takeover. Ugly Duckling Core (AKA the nerd aesthetic) has been everywhere, with celebs donning glasses and teens clamoring for old-fashioned metal braces, Invisalign be damned. But now that we’ve accessorized our bodies with the geeky accoutrements, our wardrobes are next. The “poet aesthetic” has reported a search increase of 175 percent, with Pinterest citing pieces like oversized turtlenecks, vintage blazers and messenger satchels as must-have items. To that, I’ll add the innumerable loafers and quarter zips I’ve seen on the streets. Not to mention the return of the greatcoat (thanks, period dramas), tweed and capes. In short, we’re going to dress like we’re headed to Yale this fall—minus the gothic subplot. Think of it as Dark Academia Lite, fountain pens and all.

As for why we’re turning toward a classic, traditional look? I recently attended a Depop event where the secondhand retailer explained that “modern uniforms” would be trending in 2026. “People are choosing dependable silhouettes and repeatable pieces that feel like personal codes rather than trends,” the team shared. “It is worn through trusted staples like perfect trousers, sharp outerwear and consistent silhouettes that anchor the wardrobe.”

In the era of trend cycles that last weeks instead of years, Poetcore feels like one that could actually have longevity. Its foundation is consistency, with timeless clothing and accessories that look as good today as they did 30 years ago and will look in ten years. When the world feels fast-paced and chaotic, a classic wardrobe offers a steadiness that’s never in flux. With just a few key pieces, you can create varied and interesting outfits without too much thought. Effortless, tasteful and never out of style? Sign me up.

The hallmarks of Poetcore are wardrobe basics—but don’t be afraid to play with tailoring, cuts and silhouettes to make them interesting and unexpected.

• Vintage look: One of Poetcore’s closet essentials is a good, oversized blazer. They’re best discovered in a secondhand store, but if you opt for buying new, make sure the cut is loose. Patterns and fabric like tweed, plaid and herringbone are essential to the old-fashioned aesthetic. Another staple is the sweater. From cardigans to oversized turtlenecks and cable knits, thick knits from 100 percent wool and cashmere will give you the rumpled, lost-in-the-library student look. When it comes to accessories, opt for leather pieces. This is when thrifting comes in handy—the patina leather develops adds to the charm.
• Keep it neutral: No Barbie pink or Chartreuse green here. The Poetcore wardrobe is inherently neutral: Shades of brown, black, gray, cream, green and blue—with occasional pops of red and metallic accents—are your friend.
• Opt for unexpected silhouettes: The main reason wardrobe basics feel boring is because they’re not visually interesting. Following the CST (Color, Shape, Texture) rule, opt for interesting shapes and textures to dress up clothing that’s tame in the color department. Think scalloped sleeves and collars on the traditional button-up, wide-leg trousers with darts and bouclé fabrics and cable knits that will draw the eye.
• Repurpose closet staples: The great thing about a classic aesthetic like Poetcore is that it can lean on pieces you may already own. If you already have a button-down, cardigan, pair of loafers and blazer in your closet, start there instead of tossing everything out to rebuild. After assessing what is readily there, look at how you can intentionally add to your closet to compliment your pre-existing clothing.