The "quiet outdoors" trend is set to be huge in 2024, and this is how to nail it
You've no doubt heard of the "quiet luxury" trend on social media, which was much-memed and moodboarded during the Succession season four hype last year. But what on God's green earth is "quiet outdoors"? Well, it's a hybrid mashup of the "gorpcore" and stealth wealth trends, and it's one that Business of Fashion predicts will explode in 2024. If you're feeling lost, fear not; we are here to break it down for those of you who aren't as chronically online as we are.
Gorpcore comes from the acronym "G.O.R.P.," as in, Good Old Raisins 'N' Peanuts, a popular trail snack loved by hikers and campers, with the gorpcore trend focusing solely on functional outdoor gear. Think of it as the more rugged sibling of the athleisure trend. Rather than soft yoga sets, sartorial staples include: waterproof shell jackets, down-filled coats designed for camping in the Arctic, logo beanies, and wraparound visor sunglasses polarised to reflect glare from fishing boats and ski slopes. (Which, ironically, most people are just wearing to brunch in the city.)
Shoes designed for hiking (like the popular Salomon XT-6) are a core component of the trend, as is buying into expensive name-brand items. Hi, the North Face, Patagonia, Gramicci and Arc'teryx! Sure, the pieces are inherently casual, but it's not cheap to get the look. A GORE-TEX Arc'teryx waterproof shell jacket might set you back more than £600, a puffer from The North Face over £300, and the hiking shoe of the moment, £180+.
But where gorpcore has historically included lots of playful, flashy details like pops of neon, reflective high-vis stripes and crayon-bright colours, quiet outdoors moves the obsession with outdoor gear into a more elevated, fashion-forward space, designed in minimalist outdoor tones. Similarly to the quiet luxury trend, this is all about rejecting loud logos and garish colours, and instead investing in luxurious basics. Neutrals are preferred, as are the most premium fabrics.
This transition in the trend is in large part thanks to big name designers collaborating with outdoors-y labels, such as Asics x Cecilie Bahnsen and On x Loewe. Juxtaposing the practicality of performance-influenced, sportswear-infused clothing and footwear with the minimalist and fashion-forward aesthetic that luxury brands are known for has successfully elevated gorpcore into its new niche, quiet outdoors.
In turn, our favourite fashion girlies including Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski have been spotted clashing their designer garms with hiking shoes in a veritable style masterclass on how to nail the trend. Sure, you've likely worn your cute floral midi summer dress with white trainers, but this calls for an even greater contrast. Only the ugliest, chunkiest, dad-style fashion trainers need apply.
With backing from the street style set too, it's no wonder this trend is only set to get bigger in 2024 – making it a worthwhile investment if you ask us, not to mention extremely wearable. For how to expertly achieve the look, we've rounded up the best quiet outdoors inspired pieces to shop now.
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