Are You Having a Blokecore or Tomato Girl Summer?

If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok lately, you’ll already know, this summer is all about two opposing fashion trends: Soccer-inspired Blokecore and the retro-European Tomato Girl aesthetic. But what are they all about, and which one’s right for you? Let us break it all down. 

First up is Blokecore, a trend inspired by British football (translation: soccer) which is steeped in 90s and 00s nostalgia and reminiscent of a look favored by Britpop bands like Blur and Pulp (who also happen to have revival tours this summer). Blokecore’s essential elements boil down to football tops—either vintage finds or those with Nike or adidas branding—paired with miniskirts or denim jorts and football sneakers (cue the surging popularity of adidas Sambas). Not only has actor Emma Corrin been photographed at the Ryan Reynolds-owned Wrexham football club in Wales recently, but Kim Kardashian has been sighted at an Arsenal game in London, solidifying the trend’s high-low, trans-Atlantic appeal. But its rise is as much about recoiling from the unrelenting business of a tech-centric modern life and indulging in a good laugh and a pint of beer with friends as it is about cool-girl style—after all, that’s what the culture and lifestyle behind it is all about. 

If that particular brand of athleticism isn’t for you, never fear: at the other end of the TikTok trend spectrum is the Tomato Girl aesthetic. Contrary to what the name suggests, it has nothing to do with the fruit itself and everything to do with what the thought of it brings to mind: a European-induced vacation, fueled by a love of food and nature. So while Dolce & Gabbana’s fruit-print dresses have a role to play here, Tomato Girl isn’t just about whimsical prints or even clothing. Rather it’s about embracing the ambience that inspired the looks in the first place—food, nature and the slow, steady days of a carefree summer. TikTok is replete with videos showing how to recreate Mediterranean stews and gelatos, rather than simply what to wear as you eat them—which also happens to be bias-cut vintage-print dresses, silk scarves worthy of a retro movie, or just about anything doused in eye-catching red.

So which trend works best for you? In the mood for a European-induced love affair with food and nature? Slip into the Tomato Girl aesthetic. Prefer an athletic look with an edge? Sounds like Blokecore is more your speed. Check out our edit of Blokecore and Tomato Girl ‘fits above and decide for yourself.