Forget athleisure, this practical style of dressing will take you from the shops to the slopes without the need for an outfit change
By Lucy Slight
Perhaps it started with the proliferation of the Kathmandu puffer jacket in the mid-2000s or maybe it was the realisation that comfort really is key when the ‘dad sneaker’ trend took off, but whatever the entry point may have been, in the last couple of years we have been leaning heavily in to practicality.
Gorpcore (Gorp being an acronym for good ol’ raisins and peanuts) makes the black leggings, designer puffer jackets and super-clean sneakers vibe of athleisure look positively elegant, since gorpcore is all about embracing outdoor apparel in its most technical form. The term was first coined by New York Magazine’s The Cut in 2017 and seven years later, it has completely infiltrated the mainstream style consciousness.
It’s tramping shoes, bum bags, zip-through fleeces, windbreakers, baggy nylon pants, plenty of pockets and toggles galore, but instead of opting for a full tramping ensemble, these technical pieces are worn back with feminine skirts, close-fitting tees and denim to add an element of irony and dorkiness to your outfit.
Wellington-based TikToker Lauren Brodie (@frivolousfashion) has an affinity for the gorpcore aesthetic, often mixing a pair of Salomon XT-6’s or New Balance 1906’s with pieces from brands such as Ganni and Damson Madder. She says it’s the juxtaposition of combining a trail running shoe with a hyper-feminine outfit that tickles something in her fashion-loving brain.
@frivolousfashion styling the New Balance 1906R 👟💛 shoutout to @New Balance Lifestyle for the kind gift #newbalance #1906
“Gorpcore has well and truly surpassed the traditional trend trajectory timeline, cementing itself as an established style aesthetic, not just a passing social media-led whim,” she says. “I expect its longevity and far reaching appeal is in large part due to just how damn comfortable it is.”
The ugly shoe – be that a Birkenstock, a Teva, a Timberland tramping boot or a toggled trail runner – is the perfect entrypoint to this trend. What has become known on TikTok as the ‘wrong shoe theory’, it’s the idea that finishing off any outfit with a shoe that would normally be considered entirely out of place is how you can find balance, create irony and give your ‘fit a level of modernity and visual interest.
“If you’re new to this style of shoe it can be tempting to opt for ‘safe’ (read: kind of boring) options because of the fear it will be hard to wear otherwise,” explains Lauren.
“While this can be tempting, why not go all in and embrace the aesthetic by choosing something a little bold? Outdoor brands are pioneers when it comes to interesting colour choices and combos.”
The technical side of this trend (the waterproofing, the comfort, the insulation and the breathability) offer benefits far beyond aesthetics, and when buying pieces that can be worn multiple ways in your wardrobe, gorpcore has you covered.
If you’re walking from the bus stop to the office, a functional shoe is no longer an embarrassing style compromise, quite the opposite. And that high-tech puffer vest you bought for weekend bush walks? Throw that on too.
“The fabrication and construction of gorpcore clothing is a huge benefit of this trend, so use it to your advantage and think of ways it can improve your life,” adds Lauren.
Look to brands such as The North Face, Cotopaxi, Hydro Flask, Patagonia, Oakley and Asics to get you inspired, and perhaps think about first investing in some footwear or an accessory that will help to give your winter ensembles that little bit of ick to get you in the gorpcore zone.
If in doubt, think, “Does my dad own this?” If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track (and maybe go raid his wardrobe too).
Get into gorpcore with these new-season finds
Left to right: Paris Georgia 05 Elemental Parachute Pant, $390, OOFOS Women’s Oocloog, $129, Aje Athletica Quilted Vest 751, $295, Timberland Men’s Motion Scramble Waterproof Hiker, $400, Cotopaxi Vest, $289, Oakley EVZero Blades, $265, NOCS Provisions Binoculars, $175, Patagonia Women’s Retro Pile Jacket, $249, Hydro Flask 32oz All Around Travel Tumbler, $79, The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, $600, Asics Gel-Kayano 14, $290, Mens Tokyo Design Collective Cropped Pants, $250, Salomon X-6, $340, Levis Men’s Embarcadero Anorak,$125, Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Hip Pack, $79