Dollcore 101: Everything You Need to Know

A definitive offshoot of Balletcore, Cottagecore, and several other cores, Dollcore is the latest aesthetic taking over our feeds. Inspired by Japanese dolls from past and present, this trend centers on idyllic femininity. Think sheer pastel layers, lace frills, empire-waisted dresses, and our favorite trend of 2023—ribbon bows. Juxtaposing the otherwise dainty attire is some sort of platform chunky shoe, typically adorned with jeweled chains and pearls. If you think this sounds an awful lot like the coquette aesthetic, you’re correct. What differentiates this similarly romantic trend from closely-related others is its ultra-specific makeup.

Dollcore beauty emphasizes widening the eyes, accomplished via fluttering butterfly lashes and under-eye shadow. Heavy blush is another must. Despite these continuities, no two looks are the same. One might include faux freckles; some may incorporate facial gems; others feature both or none at all. Dollcore makeup offers limitless room for creativity, allowing the wearer to play with color palettes, ornamentation, and proportions—each dialing the doll-like look up or down.

But the aesthetic doesn’t stop there: Dollcore, already influenced by vintage aesthetics, involves photography and photo editing techniques. Old school film cameras, or more commonly, a new camera or app with a vintage setting, paired with soft filters creates a “porcelain doll” effect on the skin. With Greta Gerwig’s new Barbie movie releasing this July, it’s likely that this all-encompassing aesthetic’s popularity will only grow with our anticipation of the doll-focused flick. 

In the meantime, L’OFFICIEL has rounded up our favorite Dollcore examples to inspire a look of your own.