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The Pakistani man's guide to rocking the normcore look in 8 simple steps

The Pakistani man's guide to rocking the normcore look in 8 simple steps

Want to look hip without looking over the top? For starters, take the plunge and grow out your hair
Updated 03 Aug, 2016

What is normcore, you ask? It's more than just a combination of the words ‘normal’ and ‘hardcore’; normcore fashion followers are people who do not wish to distinguish themselves from others through their clothing.

A little misleading, this does not mean that they just wear whatever they see or find, like the ever-so-atrocious shalwar kameez with joggers shudders, they just don’t wear clothes that use them as giant advertisement boards (looking at you Levi’s).

Instead, it stands for clothing and an overall look, which is comfortable, undemanding and easy-on-the-eyes.

So how does one achieve this look? Here are 8 ways to achieve true normcore, young grasshopper.

1) The man bun

Come on, it's time to take the plunge and grow your hair out; don't be afraid. Many men avoid growing their hair out because they think it'll be a big hassle taking care of them. Well, that’s where the man bun comes in handy! It's perfect for people who aren't very particular about their hair.

Fellas can — and should — jump onto the 'long hair, don't care' train too!
Fellas can — and should — jump onto the 'long hair, don't care' train too!

This hairstyle has gained a lot of traction during recent years, thanks to the numerous celebrities who have adopted ‘The Bun’ and also due to how quickly you can tie up your hair and be ready to go out.

A tip: wash the scalp ONLY and not the rest of your hair more regularly. This way, your hair remains tamed, you avoid split ends and the end result is a shiny, beautiful mane!

2) Facial hair is the new ‘clean’ look

Gone are the days where a beard was looked down upon, as something unwanted. These days, it is a must-have fashion accessory for any man looking to shake things up a bit.

Facial hair is a symbol of wisdom
Facial hair is a symbol of wisdom

Well-groomed facial hair gives the face a more mature, in-control of life kind of look.

3) Long-line drop shoulder t-shirts

Now, this one can be tricky.

It was said that the good ol' classic t-shirt couldn’t be improved upon. Well gentlemen, I present to you the drop shoulder tee.

We can thank Yeezy for this one
We can thank Yeezy for this one

Popularized by the likes of Justin Bieber and Kanye West, this t-shirt helps you keep cozy and fashionable, all at the same time.

4) Flannel ain't just for the farm

This fashion trend from the 90s is making a huge comeback but this time, it’s a light flannel shirt wrapped around your waist rather than a 10 pound hoodie.

Plaid shirts have been popping up everywhere in the fashion world
Plaid shirts have been popping up everywhere in the fashion world

To mix things up, you can even wear your flannel shirt over your long-line tee and still look effortlessly fresh.

5) Jeans that fit

Bye bye baggy jeans; even regular fit jeans are a thing of the past. Here's why they're no good: they make you look shorter and over-weight.

Remember not to skip leg day at the gym if you're going to be rocking slim-fit/skinny jeans
Remember not to skip leg day at the gym if you're going to be rocking slim-fit/skinny jeans

For a crisp and clean look, go for tech-stretch-skinny-low jeans and depending on the occasion, you can even go for the trashed (ripped) version of these jeans to give off a more easy-going vibe.

6) Basic, simple shoes

Since normcore mostly involves clothing that keeps you comfortable, same goes for the shoes.

Less is more when it comes to footwear
Less is more when it comes to footwear

Kicks, sneakers, converses are your best friends here. The occasional chukka boots to give off a more formal look gives you more options for style.

7) Accessories aren't just for the ladies

For your head: a snapback supporting your favorite team or a beanie.

For your wrists: leather bands and/or a leather-band watch

It should look like you've been wearing it for years—something you picked up along the way
It should look like you've been wearing it for years—something you picked up along the way

Stop carrying around your stuff in your hands or stuffing it in your pockets -- use a plain colored back pack instead, if you can.

8) Winter is coming

Although it's a few months away, winter will be upon us. Nothing says normcore like a well-fitted bomber jacket.

There's something retro about bomber jackets
There's something retro about bomber jackets

People always make the mistake of buying a jacket which is oversized. The trick here is to buy a size one step smaller than the one you usually buy.

So it's time to upgrade your wardrobe and get ready to showcase the world a new you.


The writer can be found on Instagram here.

Comments

Apache Aug 03, 2016 02:11pm
If I dress like that, my parents will throw me out of the house
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Sixer From Chakwal Aug 03, 2016 02:21pm
@Apache They should, Lol
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Ilias Aug 03, 2016 02:21pm
@Apache Hey, you don't need to do this all, just pick one style or more what suits your personality :)
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Sixer From Chakwal Aug 03, 2016 02:22pm
I have committed many sins in my life but never made any such styles.
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Arif Maroof Aug 03, 2016 02:28pm
I was expecting some shalwar qameez fashion. I thought it is THE new thing since Hamza Abbasi recently won the best dressed person award for wearing plain black shalwar qameez with kherri !!
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ak Aug 03, 2016 03:13pm
Beard is not a fashion, and it most certainly was never looked down upon. How can you say such a thing when you know the significance of the beard in Islam. Modernization is one thing, westernization another.
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Einstein Babar Aug 03, 2016 03:36pm
I don't like to be dictated what to wear, I have a good sense of dresses.
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gopynath Aug 03, 2016 03:47pm
hi this is normal for indian guys. is that it is so wierd??
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Chris Roberts Aug 03, 2016 04:47pm
If you find it suits you and you're comfortable, and you feel great, go for it!
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Fariha Aug 03, 2016 04:47pm
Love it! Finally someone gets it
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Muhammad Ali Aug 03, 2016 04:54pm
all of the styles here are a BIG LOL... Just wear a simple white shalwar kameez and that is it.. Don't complicate it
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jun Aug 03, 2016 05:04pm
Beard makes some men look gorgeous.Go and check top male models of top world productions like Wilhelmina,or facebook of Welhelmina's male model Arizumi Ryo Nadeem from Chakwal,he looks great in beard.How you fix your beard is what makes you look nice.If you leave grass and bushes grow in backward,of course you will have a jungle.By the way,this model above looks great and he has every quality to be a great model.Wish him success
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aslam shaikh Aug 03, 2016 05:16pm
Skinny jeans and long hair and bands on wrist what a new fashion to recommend to next generation
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jun Aug 03, 2016 06:28pm
@ak Please visit Wilhelmina Dubai.Good looking men with beard.Beard is a blessing and it makes men look great.Beard is the way to go.Lets starts growing beard
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Mehkan Aug 03, 2016 07:58pm
There is nothing new in his style. The only thing is he is following the Indie and hip trend himself or shall I say "boho!" The only reason he is out in the limelight is because in a place full of convention as Pakistan is he is dressing a bit different. Otherwise all over the world this is quite common. I reside in San Francisco that coined hip dressing and called boho, chic. Every guy here dresses like that.
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Noman Aug 04, 2016 01:50am
Didn't like it at all. Not classy.
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Nadeem Aug 04, 2016 07:39am
More of girlish, isnt it?
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Chakka from Hydro Aug 04, 2016 08:49am
Lol, none of these styles can be a part of mainstream.
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Saira Aug 04, 2016 11:00am
Looks like the dude walked strait from the streets of Castro in san Fransisco to Gawalmandi in Lahore:)
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AR Aug 04, 2016 01:34pm
Basically be Zayn Malik.
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jun Aug 05, 2016 12:32pm
another good looking model outside Pakistan with nice beard is arab guy Omar.Borkan.Nice combination boy here above,dont give up.no matter what people say.
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jun Aug 05, 2016 03:38pm
@Saira I agree.We are Pakistanis at heart,and our hearts are always flying from west to the streets of our poor,no matter how dirty,tuta-puta Pakistan.Otherwise we would never even bother what happens in Pakistan ,nor will be visiting our Pakistani sites.The fact is,lots of gora fashion designers copy our Designers and our fashion,Africa's traditional dresses in the name of inspiration,and they earn fame in Paris,NY and west.I know because I am close to many of them.Gambatte young man who is here above
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