Styling the Poetcore Trend + Style With a Smile Link Up

September 30, 2026

Fashion loves a “core” – that four-letter suffix attached to a word to denote a particular aesthetic. We’ve had Barbiecore, balletcore, cottagecore, normcore and various others. Poetcore is hands down my favourite though. It ties in with all the new season, back-to-school style of dressing that I love at this time of year. As with all aesthetic trends, it’s down to personal interpretation and what works for you. But essentially, it’s about a curated look comprised of pieces with a nostalgic feel – some of which you probably already own. Styling the poetcore trend is actually easier than you might think, and Very has everything you need to capture the look.

It is less about dressing like a poet and more about creating the feeling we associate with one: observant, romantic, intellectual, nostalgic and deeply personal. Outfits composed from classic items of clothing and accessories that never go out of style. Think heritage prints and natural fabrics with a vintage feel in earthy, warm neutral tones.

Balance the structured tailoring with romantic pieces

Poetcore has many iterations, from the polished librarian, bookish student to dreamy poet. Key pieces such as vintage-inspired blazers, pleated skirts, checked trousers, waistcoats and button-up blouses are all cornerstones of this aesthetic. Balance the structured tailoring with romantic pieces, such as ruffled blouses, trench coats and pleated skirts. Messenger bags and satchels are a must for carrying novels and notebooks for when inspiration takes hold.

I’ve put together three poetcore looks that work for everyday life, inspired by various interpretations of the trend. They are a combination of new and old pieces.

The Romantic Poet

Styling the Poetcore Trend + Style With a Smile Link Up, The Very Collection burgundy wide leg trousers, Temperley London Trinity messenger bag, River Island tan waistcoat

This is my interpretation of the Romantic Poet; a white billowing blouse, nipped in with a waistcoat, wide leg trousers and classic loafers. The messenger bag is just the right size for carrying my books. (Yes, I do still read physical books, and I have hundreds!) In colder weather, a loose trenchcoat will be the perfect layering piece for this outfit.

emperley London Trinity messenger bag, River Island tan waistcoat

Temperley London Trinity messenger bag, River Island tan waistcoat, Gucci brown sunglasses

Styling the Poetcore Trend, The Very Collection burgundy wide leg trousers, Temperley London Trinity messenger bag, River Island tan waistcoat, Clarks Tamna tan loafers

The Very Collection trousers* | Clarke loafers* (Very) | River Island waistcoat | Gucci sunglasses | Temperley London messenger bag

The Bookish Student

Styling the Poetcore Trend + Style With a Smile Link Up, New Look striped jumper, Temperley London Trinity messenger bag, River Island brown tapered trousers, Clarks brown cow print loafers

This outfit has a back-to-school feel about it; the classic shirt, striped jumper, tailored trousers and chunky loafers are items that are worth investing in if you don’t already own them. And they don’t have to be plain; the unusual tapered style trousers and cow print loafers give the outfit a contemporary look.

The horse print shirt adds interest to a timeless style. Layering jumpers over shirts reminds me of my school uniform days, only this outfit is a vast improvement! When it gets too warm, just wear it over the shoulders and make that part of the look.

Styling the Poetcore Trend, New Look striped jumper, Temperley London Trinity messenger bag, River Island brown tapered trousers, Clarks brown cow print loafers

Temperley London Trinity messenger bag, River Island brown tapered trousers, Clarks brown cow print loafers

River Island trousers* (Very) | New Look jumper* (Very) | Clarks loafers* (Very) | Horse print shirt from Salamander Shirts (previous collaboration)

The Preppy Look

White Stuff Camilla blue striped jumper, Pull & Bear pinstripe barrel jeans, Clarks cow print loafers, Temperley London Trinity messenger bag

Poetcore also emcompasses sporty, preppy outfits. The classic striped collar jumper is really popular right now. I had one when I was a student and I so wish I’d kept it. I like the dark collar on this jumper because I tend to get makeup on white ones. I”ve doubled up on the stripes with these loose-fitting barrel leg jeans. The chunky rubber sole on these loafers mean I don’t have to worry about mud and puddles ruining them.

White Stuff jumper* (Very) | Clarks loafers* (Very) | Pull&Bear jeans |

Poetcore in essence

Poetcore may be a contemporary term, but the visual references behind it have existed in fashion for decades. It’s the perfect antidote to a chaotic, tech-reliant world. Heading outdoors in the autumn sunshine with a good book has never seemed more appealing!

This is where I link up

Disclaimer: Items marked * have been gifted. This post may contain affiliate links. It means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated. Please do not use photos without permission.