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22 Colorful Kidcore Outfits That'll Have You Feeling Super Nostalgic

The emerging TikTok aesthetic, explained.

Headshot of Hannah OhBy Hannah Oh
kidcore outfits aesthetic style
Design by Yoora Kim

Gummy bears. Lisa Frank stickers. Rainbow stripes. Beaded bags. No, you didn’t just uncover a nostalgic time capsule buried by an elementary school back in 2005 — this is kidcore, TikTok’s newest up-and-coming aesthetic.

The new "-core," coined by new media artist Matt Star, creates space for people to fully embrace wearing child-like clothing that makes them happy, whether that's smiley face prints, rainbow striped shirts straight out of Sesame Street, or Tamagotchi accessories. It's a super accessible aesthetic for all kinds of people to dabble in — hallmarks of the signature style include primary colors, overalls, patchwork, and pop culture references (like Care Bears or the Little Miss characters). If you love the vibes of after school cartoons and ‘90s sitcom fashion, you’ll totally love the fun, easygoing aesthetic that is kidcore.

You might be asking yourself, “Isn’t kidcore just dressing like you’re in elementary school?" Know that the aesthetic is so much more than that — it's a way of dressing for your inner child and finding joy in simple things. It's also foolproof method for injecting the pure delight of childish fashion straight into your wardrobe, no matter how old you are. Now if you're ready to dive into the colorful world of the kidcore aesthetic, keep scrolling for our favorite style inspo and plenty of joyful outfits to recreate below.

1

Milumia Rainbow Striped Cardigan

Rainbow Striped Cardigan
1

Milumia Rainbow Striped Cardigan

$39 at Amazon

Primary colors are one of the most defining features of kidcore — bring out your inner Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street with a colorful, bright knit sweater like this cardigan.

2

Dickies Denim Bib Overalls

Denim Bib Overalls

Overalls are a kidcore staple piece because they'll pair well with a lot of pieces, whether that's a striped tee or a simple sweater. Add iron-on patches to customize your overalls.

3

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Patchwork Sneakers

Chuck Taylor All Star Patchwork Sneakers
3

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Patchwork Sneakers

There's truly a pair of Converse out there for every single aesthetic. Naturally, the most kidcore-worthy Chuck Taylors have a patchwork print in the funkiest primary colors.

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4

ICNGLKSND Oversized Flower Cable Knit Cardigan

Oversized Flower Cable Knit Cardigan
4

ICNGLKSND Oversized Flower Cable Knit Cardigan

Now 31% Off

Kitschy, whimsical, loud — this sweater is definitely a head-turner. Get ready for the compliments to roll in once you wear this playful 3D kidcore cardigan.

5

LUI SUI Strawberry Milk Box Crossbody Purse

Strawberry Milk Box Crossbody Purse
5

LUI SUI Strawberry Milk Box Crossbody Purse

Dressing kidcore doesn't mean that you have to break out your backpack from preschool that your mom has stored in the basement (although you totally could) — reach for whimsical accessories like this strawberry milk carton bag instead.

6

Casetify Custom Phone Charm

Custom Phone Charm
6

Casetify Custom Phone Charm

Now all of your mirror selfies will match your aesthetic, thanks to this easily-attachable phone charm made of flower and pony beads. All you have to do is remove your phone case, thread the chain through, and then put your phone case back on.

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7

FFENYAN Striped Collared Long Sleeve Polo

Striped Collared Long Sleeve Polo
7

FFENYAN Striped Collared Long Sleeve Polo

This combo of kidcore stripes and the preppy collar is *chef's kiss.* Style it with overalls to achieve the maximum aesthetic effect.

8

Urban Outfitters Little Miss On Her Way Baby Tee

Little Miss On Her Way Baby Tee
8

Urban Outfitters Little Miss On Her Way Baby Tee

You can proudly boast your favorite Little Miss meme on baby tees like this cropped "Little Miss texts that she's on her way when she hasn't left the house yet" (hah!) shirt.

9

Crocs '90s Trendy Jibbitz Shoe Charms

'90s Trendy Jibbitz Shoe Charms
9

Crocs '90s Trendy Jibbitz Shoe Charms

Don't sleep on these comfortable, light-as-air clogs — Crocs are the perfect kidcore shoe. If they feel a little too simple for you, spice them up with '90s and '00s-themed jibbitz charms.

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10

Eurivicy Graphic Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Graphic Short Sleeve T-Shirt
10

Eurivicy Graphic Short Sleeve T-Shirt

PSA: You don't have to dress kidcore from head-to-toe in order to embrace the joyful aesthetic. Sometimes, a couple smiley faces on a basic T-shirt is all you need.

11

Cider Bunny Business Sweater Vest

Bunny Business Sweater Vest
11

Cider Bunny Business Sweater Vest

Now 69% Off

We have two words for you: sweater vests. This bunny rabbit piece is super playful, and you can pair it with literally any color. Bonus points if you wear pigtails with colorful hair ties.

12

Belanttega Funny Weird Dangle Kidcore Earrings

Funny Weird Dangle Kidcore Earrings
12

Belanttega Funny Weird Dangle Kidcore Earrings

Now 18% Off

One of the best parts of kidcore is embracing things that you might not have thought of as fashion, as fashion. Case in point: goldfish in a bag earrings. Who would've thought?!

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13

Nuuly Says Gah! Farmers Market Robyn Jeans

Farmers Market Robyn Jeans
13

Nuuly Says Gah! Farmers Market Robyn Jeans

Fruit prints are a fun way to incorporate little kidcore motifs into outfits that you already wear — your favorite jeans, T-shirt, and sneaker combination just got upgraded.

14

Ripple Junction Care Bears Retro Rainbow Hoodie

Care Bears Retro Rainbow Hoodie
14

Ripple Junction Care Bears Retro Rainbow Hoodie

Remember the Care Bears? The lovable animated characters are a huge part of kidcore, so dig through your little sister's closet to see if she has any Care Bears accessories you could borrow for your kidcore transformation, or just order this adorable hoodie.

15

Grandxii Beaded Acrylic Bag

Beaded Acrylic Bag
15

Grandxii Beaded Acrylic Bag

Colorful, beaded bags scream kidcore because they look vaguely something you could've put together as a DIY craft back in elementary school — and plus, they're super cute.

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16

YUNXI Cartoon Sunflower Rainbow Cloud Earrings

Cartoon Sunflower Rainbow Cloud Earrings
16

YUNXI Cartoon Sunflower Rainbow Cloud Earrings

Primary colors + funky flowers + statement jewelry = the perfect pair of kidcore earrings. They're serving kooky science teacher (ahem, Miss Frizzle from The Magic School Bus) in the best way possible.

17

WDIRARA Color Block Sporty Windbreaker Jacket

Color Block Sporty Windbreaker Jacket
17

WDIRARA Color Block Sporty Windbreaker Jacket

Not a huge fan of primary colors? Try swapping in bright, '80s inspired color combinations instead. They'll feel just as nostalgic and joyful.

18

Herschel Supply Co. Homer Simpson Bucket Hat

Homer Simpson Bucket Hat
18

Herschel Supply Co. Homer Simpson Bucket Hat

Now 50% Off

Homer Simpson knew a thing or two about what made his inner child happy. This bright donut bucket hat (kidcore check #1) is super whimsical (kidcore check #2) and unique (kidcore check #3).

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19

Cider Floral Crochet Knitted Cardigan

Floral Crochet Knitted Cardigan
19

Cider Floral Crochet Knitted Cardigan

If you're debating whether a sweater is kidcore-worthy or not, just ask yourself, 'Would Harry Styles wear this?' If the answer is yes, you're on the right track.

20

DYRCJ Cute Gummy Bear Necklace

Cute Gummy Bear Necklace
20

DYRCJ Cute Gummy Bear Necklace

Plastic resin necklaces in the shape of gummy candies and fruit are the perfect way to add a touch of kidcore to your 'fits. They look so good, you'll be tempted to take a bite.

Headshot of Hannah Oh
Hannah Oh
Assistant Shopping Editor

Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train. 

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