Blockcore for Beginners: My Full Guide On The Sporty Style

Hey guys, grab an iced latte or whatever you’re drinking today and let’s just chat for a bit. Because today we really need to talk about my absolute favorite fashion obsession right now. If you’ve opened TikTok or Instagram at all in the last six months, you’ve probably seen it everywhere. I’m talking about Blokecore.

I know the name sounds a bit weird. Tbh when I first heard the word, I was like… what even is a bloke and why is it a core? But stick with me here. It’s basically the art of styling vintage soccer jerseys – or football jerseys for my non-American friends – with everyday streetwear. And let me tell you, it is the most comfortable trend that has ever existed in the history of fashion.

You get to look effortlessly cool, and you get to wear essentially a giant breathable sports shirt all day. It’s a massive win.

My Totally Accidental Discovery

So picture this. It’s summer 2022. I’m stressing out in my bedroom, staring at a massive mountain of clothes on my bed because I had an outdoor music festival in literally two hours and I had nothing to wear. You know that feeling when you try on 50 outfits and hate every single one? Yeah, that was me.

I wanted to look cute but it was gonna be like 95 degrees outside and I flat out refused to be uncomfortable in a tight top. In a total panic I ran into my older brother’s room and just grabbed this massive, bright blue vintage Chelsea soccer jersey he got at a thrift store years ago. I threw it on over some baggy denim shorts, laced up my beat-up white sneakers, and literally just ran out the door.

Honestly? I felt kinda underdressed at first. I was looking at all these girls in sequins and intricate outfits and here I am in my brother’s sweaty sports shirt. But you guys, the amount of compliments I got that day was insane.

People kept coming up to me asking where I got my top. It was so comfy, I could actually dance without adjusting my outfit every two seconds, and it just looked so effortlessly chill. That was my accidental introduction to Blokecore, and I haven’t looked back since.

What Even Is Blokecore Anyway?

Okay, so let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re doing. The term comes from British slang. A “bloke” is basically just a regular guy, usually the type of guy who goes to the pub to watch football with his friends in the 90s. The aesthetic is heavily inspired by that 90s UK pub culture, mixed with modern streetwear.

But we are taking that concept and making it cute. We are making it fashion.

The beauty of this whole style is how easy it is. You literally just need three main ingredients to make it work. It’s a formula, and once you figure out the formula, getting dressed in the morning takes like two minutes.

While you’re reading, hit play on my current favorite playlist to get you in that 90s retro mood – it’s basically the soundtrack to my life right now.

The Holy Trinity of Blokecore

1. The Jersey

This is the star of the show. You want a soccer jersey, preferably vintage or retro-looking. The brighter the colors and the wilder the patterns, the better.

You want it to fit loose. Please do not buy a skin-tight jersey. It gives middle school gym class, and we are aiming for off-duty model getting iced coffee on a Sunday. Look for jerseys from the 80s, 90s, or early 2000s. The collars on the vintage ones are usually super structured and look amazing.

2. The Bottoms

This is where the streetwear element comes in. Do not wear leggings. Do not wear biker shorts.

You want baggy denim, parachute pants, cargo pants, or jorts. Yes, I said jorts. Jean shorts that hit right above the knee are having a huge moment right now, and they look so sick paired with a jersey. If you want a more feminine twist, a long denim maxi skirt also looks incredible.

3. The Shoes

Keep it classic and low-profile. The undisputed king of the Blokecore trend is the Adidas Samba. Good luck finding your size in black or white Sambas right now though, it’s a literal battlefield out there trying to buy them.

If you can’t find Sambas, the Adidas Gazelle, Campus 00s, or Onitsuka Tigers are perfect alternatives. You just want a retro, flat-soled sneaker.

The Skinny Jean Mistake (Please Learn From Me)

Which brings me to my next point, and honestly a slightly embarrassing story I have to share so you don’t make the same mistake. When I first tried to purposefully put together a Blokecore look for a day out with friends, I made a massive rookie error.

I had this really cool, baggy green Mexico national team jersey. I put it on, and then I grabbed my old tight black skinny jeans. I thought balancing the oversized top with a tight bottom was the golden rule of fashion, right? Wrong.

I looked in the mirror and I literally looked like a confused tourist from 2012 who got lost on her way to soccer practice. It was completely tragic.

I learned the hard way that this trend is all about embracing the loose, relaxed silhouette. You gotta go baggy on bottom too. The proportions matter so much. Once I swapped the skinny jeans for my giant vintage Levi’s, the outfit instantly clicked and looked intentional. Trust me on this one, leave the skinny jeans in the closet for this trend.

What If I Don’t Even Watch Sports?

I get asked this all the time. “Anne, I don’t even know what a penalty kick is, can I still wear a jersey?”

Um, yes! Absolutely. Honestly, half the people rocking this style right now have no idea who the players on their shirts are. It’s about the design, the colors, and the typography.

If you feel weird wearing a specific team, just go for a national team jersey instead of a club team. Like a vintage Brazil or Italy shirt. Or, you can look for fashion collaborations. Brands like Palace, Supreme, and Aimé Leon Dore make amazing soccer-style jerseys that aren’t actually tied to any real sports team.

Accessories and Hair: Keeping It Effortless

Since the outfit itself is pretty loud with all the bright colors and logos, you wanna keep the rest of your look pretty chill. You don’t want to look like you tried too hard.

For hair, me and my friends usually just do a messy claw clip updo, or two loose braids. Sometimes a classic slicked-back bun if my hair is having a bad day.

Makeup should be minimal. Think clean girl aesthetic – brushed up brows, a bit of blush, and a neutral, bare lip. You want your face to look fresh.

For accessories, throw on some chunky over-ear headphones (they are basically an accessory at this point anyway) and a pair of retro oval sunglasses. Add a few simple silver rings and a chain necklace to elevate the neckline, and you’re literally golden.

Thrift Store Magic (And Why You Should Be Patient)

Okay, let’s talk about where to actually buy this stuff without spending your entire paycheck.

You can buy brand new jerseys, but honestly? The vintage ones just hit different. They have a softer feel, the designs from the 90s are way cooler, and it’s better for the environment anyway.

My go-to spots are Depop, Vinted, and eBay. If you’re searching online, use keywords like “90s football kit”, “vintage soccer jersey”, or “retro long sleeve jersey”.