From Kitsch to Cool: Sardinecore, Nautical Vibes & Retro Doll Aesthetics
- Fashion Goldding
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
An aesthetic that captures the spirit of the times — lighthearted, ironic, and sophisticated. The trio Sardinecore, reimagined Nautical, and Retro Doll revives nostalgic memories with a fresh layer of humor, individuality, and fashion allure.
The Aesthetic of the Season
This season brings a fusion of graphic and sensory codes that reflect the contemporary zeitgeist: the pop-kitsch flair of Sardinecore, the minimalist freshness of reimagined nautical, and the playful charm of the Retro Doll.
Vichy checks, a tricolor palette of blue, white, and red, and sleek feminine cuts evoke the 1960s nautical sportswear — now infused with a relaxed, witty attitude.
It’s all about poking fun at glamour, laughing at yourself, and still looking flawless.
On social media, Sardinecore began as an inside joke within the fashion world — a meme about sardine prints, vintage labels, “wrong” typography, and domestic references turned into style statements. But what started as mockery soon became genuine desire: independent designers and major labels are now embracing the kitsch aesthetic as a form of identity.
It marks the return of fashion with a sense of humor — one that doesn’t take itself too seriously and turns the mundane into a fashion statement.
The beauty lies exactly in that tension between the ordinary and the cool: what once felt “too much” is now the new sophisticated.
Reimagined Nautical emerges as both a visual and emotional counterpoint. It brings the aesthetic breathing space needed to balance the maximalism of Sardinecore.
Vichy shorts, cropped tees, and airy fabrics evoke coastal freshness — yet with an urban elegance that fits real life: the heat, the motion, the post-beach rhythm of the city.Today’s nautical is less about uniformity and more about feeling — a yearning for lightness, natural ease, and freedom of movement.
Meanwhile, Retro Doll stitches the look together with a playful, feminine touch.
Inspired by 1960s icons like Brigitte Bardot and Twiggy, the vintage doll aesthetic is reimagined with modern sensibility — never veering into caricature. Bows, cat-eye liner, and soft waves create a contemporary kind of romance — lighthearted, fun, and full of attitude.
It’s about being delicate without losing your power, and reviving the charm of the past through a modern gaze.
The result is a visual narrative that blends nostalgia, irony, and fashion desire — translating the spirit of the new season: somewhere between the playful and the sophisticated, between meme culture and luxury, between the real and the digital.
A balance that captures the pure essence of summer — and, of course, is made for the feed.
Key Pieces of the Look
Camisetas Gráficas (Graphic Tees): Estampas divertidas e irônicas inspiradas em rótulos vintage, sardinhas e frases retrô. As modelagens vão do cropped despretensioso ao oversized cool, equilibrando conforto e atitude.
Gingham Shorts: The classic blue-and-white pattern makes a strong comeback in short, structured silhouettes — infused with a retro vibe and a touch of navy chic. It pairs with everything and delivers that effortless flair that defines the season.
Maximalist Gold Accessories: Sculptural earrings, bold bracelets, and a mix of chunky rings convey the theatrical sparkle of the dollcore aesthetic. Gold — polished or textured — reflects the light and adds accessible luxury to any outfit, elevating even the simplest look.
Beauty & Hair
Makeup: Retro cat-eye liner paired with nude or tomato-red lips. A contrast between innocence and sensuality — the signature of the doll aesthetic.
Hair: Soft waves and voluminous bangs inspired by Brigitte Bardot, balancing vintage chic with a playful, contemporary twist.
Suggested Footwear
Platform sandals and espadrilles: capture the nautical spirit with comfort and elegance.
Colorful ballet flats: add lightness and a sweet touch from the dollcore universe.
Chunky sneakers: create an urban contrast with flowing pieces.
Loafers and structured shoes: reinforce casual sophistication, perfect from day to night.
Style Tips
Play with proportions: Pair structured shorts with loose tees. Croppeds help define the waist and elongate the silhouette.
The power of accessories: Choose one or two bold gold pieces — they guide the styling and elevate the look.
Conscious mix of references: It’s not about wearing everything at once, but about balance: a playful print + classic gingham + retro lipstick already tell the story of the trend.
Beauty as an extension of the outfit: Natural hair and retro eyeliner complete the mood without the need for elaborate styling.
Adapting to Different Silhouettes
Hourglass: Emphasize the waist with cropped tops and structured shorts.
Pear (wide hips): Opt for loose tees and mid-rise waists to create balance.
Inverted Triangle (broad shoulders): Choose fitted tops and highlight the hips with gingham prints.
Rectangle (straight silhouette): Play with contrasting volumes and ties to create curves.
Oval: Long shirts and statement accessories draw attention to the face and elongate the silhouette.
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