Written by Zoё Frantz
Edited by Leah Champagne
As we’ve all come to know, fashion perpetually recycles itself. The clothing we deem “current” today is greatly inspired by the styles of decades past, those of the decades before, and so on. So, it is no surprise that in 2025, this pattern continues; what may be a little more surprising, however, is how far back one manifestation of this renewal has reached. That is, the burgeoning “Castle Core” has become a topic of conversation, in which many people seek to understand why it has come to be and whether it is possible to incorporate this trend into everyday style.
Defining “Castle Core”
Castle Core is a style of dress which hinges on a number of fashion motifs across time. It takes elements from recent style classifications, namely whimsy goth, coquette, and cottage cores. In particular, it respectively takes the flowy silhouettes, jewel-toned colour palette, and airy fabrics from whimsy goth, the hyper-feminine details that are characteristically “coquette” (like ribbons, lace, and ballet flats), and the muted floral patterns from cottage core. Such an aesthetic also extends into accessories and even home décor, similarly blending the dark/gothic and feminine. Historically speaking, the aesthetic is greatly inspired by both medieval times and the Renaissance. Specifically, it uses several Christian and Catholic motifs, namely the Cross and a lot of chainmail, reminiscent of Joan of Arc or a knight. These are combined with silhouettes characteristic of the period: long, flowy skirts with yoking, peasant blouses, and corsets. In terms of accessories, a heavy layering of predominantly silver jewelry, namely necklaces and rings, is paramount, as well as statement pieces like large, chunky bangles. For the hair, beaded headpieces and bejeweling one’s hair with every number of gems and similar accoutrements are also common. With this in mind, Castle Core thus blends the historically glamorous elements denoting wealth and society with modern trends which reimagine medieval motifs, albeit in contemporary ways.
Where We’re Seeing It
As mentioned, Castle Core is currently on the rise in terms of its proliferation in mainstream fashion. However, it has already begun to emerge online, in high fashion, and in many creative projects. For example, many TikTok users have taken to creating gold acrylic corsets that mimic busts for every number of occasions. Similarly, Paris Fashion Week saw a number of wonderfully medieval looks. Known for its dramatic and form-hugging pieces, French haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier combined the bold lace-up details in corsets with flowy, tiered skirts, and simple sandals with modern fabrics and textures. Meanwhile, airing on the more feminine and “light” side of Castle Core, Chloé played into looser silhouettes, such as puff sleeves, high collars, empire waistlines, and transparent fabrics like lace.
Finally, from a creative standpoint, albums like Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours (1977) and, more recently, Beyoncé’s Renaissance (2022) combine the Middle Ages and “current” styles for their cover art, though in different ways and at different points in time. That is, where Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham are dressed in flowy attire that is positively witchy, as was reminiscent of the 1970s, Beyoncé leans into the gilded aspects of the period, wearing a silver bodysuit that perfectly hugs her body and sitting on a silver mirrored horse.
Implementation In Everyday Style
Clearly, Castle Core is very lavish and bold. As such, you may wonder: How could I incorporate this into my everyday style? Well, truth be told, many elements of this style are already popular in casual dress. For example, as BoHo fashion came back, breezy tunics and dresses made of gauzy fabrics were, predictably, staples for the summer months. Similarly, layering for the colder months has inspired many individuals to layer airy pieces on top of basics, like a white tank top, to add texture and movement to an otherwise dull winter outfit. Even considering “going out” outfits, matching sets, and pieces like Urban Outfitters subbrand Out From Under’s infamous Modern Love Corset have been a fashion pillar for young women for many years. As for jewelry and other accessories, subversive and chunky jewelry and hair charms have been cropping up as fun touches for any outfit. Chainmail, in particular, has been incorporated into skirts, necklaces, and even scarves to add a unique edge when warranted. All of this is to say that you do not have to wear a dress made entirely of chainmail to dress within the “Castle Core.”
It’s difficult to say whether Castle Core will become a pillar of fashion in 2025 or if it is just one of many microtrends for the coming months. However, I am looking forward to experimenting with chainmail and its possibilities for layering as the weather improves. In any capacity, Castle Core is undoubtedly taking the world by storm, and I am very excited for this modern renaissance.
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