GET THE LOOK: POETCORE

Pinterest has predicted that the so-called "Poetcore" trend will be big in 2026. Defined by a moody, literary aesthetic that romanticises the life of an aspiring author. It merges a previous trend, "Dark Academia", with a softer, intentional emphasis on slow living. 

It's no surprise to me that this look is 'now', with literary productions like Wuthering Heights, Hamnet and (coming later this year) Pride and Prejudice, all hitting the big and small screens in 2026. We are clearly in our "literary era".

So what is the Poetcore aesthetic all about? I read it as preppy meets librarian, who venture outdoors to live the good Cottagecore life, while reading. Pah! I am very much romanticising this slow fashion trend, and I'm having fun doing so!

The idea is to combine more structured, lived-in pieces like blazers, waistcoats, and satchels with more ethereal pieces. Think billowy blouses, romantic ruffles and whimsical collars. 

Trending triangle scarves, trench coats and chunky turtlenecks keep the look seasonally appropriate. Fabrics lean into more rustic, natural weaves, such as tweed, wool, silk and linen. Checks (or plaids) are key to the trend's combination of academia and the great outdoors.

Which items lean into the Poetcore trend? Pieces with an 'academia' air about them, such as vintage-inspired blazers, pleated skirts, checked trousers, waistcoats and button-up blouses. Balance the look out with romantic pieces, such as ruffled blouses, lived-in trench coats and delicate skirts. Messenger bags and satchels are a must for carting around your notebooks for when inspiration takes hold.

Let's carry on, dearest reader, to the sewing patterns you could use to add a little Poetcore into your handmade wardrobe.

Billowy blouses are crucial for creating the trend's romantic and intellectual silhouette. These tops feature voluminous sleeves, natural fabrics like linen and silk, and vintage-inspired collars, pleats and ruffles.

1. Matchy Matchy Pintuck Poet Blouse
2. Atelier Brunette La Blouse
3. Madswick Rosamund Blouse
4. Silversaga Patterns Amelie Blouse

Skirts are a big feature of the Poetcore trend. You can go more preppy with deep pleats and checked fabrics, or become the romantic heroine with pleats, ties, lace and details inspired by 18th-century pannier skirts.

1. Spaghetti Western Henrietta Skirt
2. Madswick Zamora Skirt
3. Wardrobe by Me Claude Skirt
4. The Maker's Atelier Pleated Skirt
5. Sewing Therapy La Ciotat Wrap Skirt

Ruffled blouses are at the heart of the Poetcore aesthetic, featuring cascading necklines, frilled collars, and delicate lace trims for a timeless look. If you find ruffles a little too frilly for your liking, pairing them with soft tailoring really balances everything out.

1. Fabric Godmother Carnation Blouse
2. Atelier Jupe Liv Blouse
3. Vivian Shao Chen Nepheline Blouse
4. Fibre Mood Paulette Blouse

Poetcore blazer styles are characterised by a vintage-inspired tailoring that exudes intellect and a well-worn feel. The emphasis is on comfort and a relaxed feel rather than the structured fit of office wear. Waistcoats are a crucial layering piece for combining the structured with the soft. Style them over those romantic, billowy blouses and ruffles.

1. Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer
2. Ready to Sew Harold Vest
3. Modern Sewing Co. Naomi Blazer
4. Merchant & Mills Miller Waistcoat

These classic pieces are the backbone of the look. Shirts sewn in linen fabrics will soften with wear, achieving that "lived-in" look. Chunky turtlenecks nod to the "beatnik" aesthetic, and a slipover adds warmth and a touch of "preppy" to the look.

1. Tessuti Fabrics Monroe Turtleneck
2. True Bias Marlo Cardigan
3. Ready to Sew Hans Shirt
4. Fibre Mood Sofia Sweater
5. Named Elsi Revere Collar Shirt
6. Sew Over It Stevie Slipover

When it comes to trousers, the Poetcore look opts for gentle tailoring, allowing for plenty of free movement (and expression). Pleats and button tabs are hallmarks of the aesthetic. The silhouette can shift from more preppy, tapered legs to more flowing, wide legs.

1. Wardrobe by me Palazzo Pants
2. Vivian Shao Chen Georgia Trousers
3. Merchant + Mills Eve Trousers
4. Named Airi Wide Leg Trousers
5. Christine Haynes Morris Pants and Shorts
6. Paradise Patterns Protea Pants

Another quintessential detail of the Poetcore look is the tie. As many of the pieces take inspiration from menswear, you can lean right into it with a classic shirt and tie combo (I love it in matching fabrics), or you can opt for a more feminine pussybow.

1. Friday Pattern Company Butano Button Up
2. Merchant & Mills Scout Shirt or Dress
3. Fibre Mood Zizou Top and Dress
4. The Maker's Atelier Tie Front Blouse

Poetcore outerwear takes a dramatic "Running up that hill" stance, with worn-in trench coats and heritage tweed overcoats fitting the bill for seeking outdoor inspiration. Capes layer perfectly over those billowy blouses, and bow tie straps at the wrists give trench coats a romantic edge. No Poetcore outfit is complete without a hooded scarf, just in case the inclement weather takes hold.

1. Wardrobe by Me Cocoon Coat
2. Bella Loves Patterns Kaia Coat
3. Fibre Mood Delma Cape
4. Atelier Brunette Le Trench
5. JULIANA MARTEJEVS Chloe Trench Coat
6. Merchant & Mills Audrey Hooded Scarf

Finally, how to cart all your fountain pens and leather-bound notebooks about? Messenger bags, satchels and sturdy tote bagsdo the job nicely. For a day of adventuring, a little envelope bag will do. The perfect finishing touch is a knitted triangle scarf... so that adds another craft to master to your list!

1. BF Patterns Mia Messenger Bag
2. Sew Liberated Missive Bag
3. Merchant & Mills Factotum Bag
4. Merchant & Mills Sturdy Tote
5. Merchant & Mills Tie
6. Matchy Matchy Butter Quilt Scarf

I hope that has taken you on an inspiring journey, and it's made Poetcore a little clearer. Let's be honest, trends are all imagined, so it can be whatever you want it to be. Happy Poetcore sewing, gang!