Drizzlecore is, at its "core", about the strange and surreal parts of the outdoors, as well as dilapidated urban structures. It embodies everything from cold, misty forests and beaches, to unforgiving liminal spaces that sit on the threshold of what is real and what is not. One who partakes in this aesthetic may appreciate the world at night, when humans sleep and mystical creatures wander. This aesthetic celebrates solitude and freedom to explore.
Philosophy[]
Some of the most common motifs surrounding Drizzlecore include finding joy in exploration, enjoying solitude, and the desire to exist within the emptiness of chilly forests and abandoned train tracks. Others motifs are the sense of freedom that comes with wandering, and the feeling of not wanting to go home. One may simply want to remain hidden in their empty space, or one may want to explore the world, never having one singular home. One might feel peaceful when one is in surreal outdoor spaces, and may even seek out this feeling intentionally.
In Drizzlecore, there is a large focus on exploration. There are several contradicting concepts, such as the desire to keep moving, and the desire to stay in one space, but these two things can coexist and they are both important values of this aesthetic. The desire to explore might be read as simply the desire to discover new things, and the desire to stay in one spot could be read as the desire to have a safe space where one is protected from the harmful things of the outside world.
Solitude is also an important value. When one is in solitude, one has the freedom to explore things that may not be accepted among others, and one also may feel more at peace with oneself. Not everyone who partakes in Drizzlecore may enjoy solitude, and one may prefer performing Drizzlecore-related activities with others rather than by oneself, but it is more common for one who enjoys this aesthetic to prefer solitary activities to social activities.
Nature is a very important part of Drizzlecore. Natural landscapes--primarily the ones that feel mysterious and surreal--are very attractive to one who partakes in Drizzlecore. Foggy forests and twisted, dreary mushrooms are common visuals and they may make one feel joyful. For one who enjoys Drizzlecore, collecting strange things that appear in nature is also important. Some who partake in this aesthetic may even create hiding spaces in nature. Some will be abandoned eventually, but others will find them and breathe new life into them, likely customising them and making the hiding space their own. Filling up a hiding space with things from nature (even if the space is not located in nature) is very common. One who enjoys Drizzlecore will feel joy at being able to partake in the beauties of unusual things.
Searching the world for strange, unnatural things is a common urge that comes with partaking in this aesthetic. Cryptid hunting is one of the more routine activities that come with this aesthetic, and searching for interesting, unusual things is an important feature of Drizzlecore. Even if one does not live in an area where crytid hunting is possible, one can still indulge this urge in other forms, such as collecting small insects. Urban exploration is another popular pastime. The desire to find unusual things is a key feature of Drizzlecore.
The desire to explore, the longing for solitude, the joy found from natural landscapes, the impulse to hide away from the world, and the sense of peace derived from these principles are some of the most important values of Drizzlecore. Exploration and freedom are important, and nobody should ever be prevented from indulging in this. Solitude is another key value, and it is another major value that is one of the most important parts of Drizzlecore. Natural landscapes and the joy that can be wrought from them are also incredibly necessary to this aesthetic. Hiding from the world and the longing for safety is also very valued. The sense of peace (and in some cases, individuality) that can be derived from some of these values are extremely vital for preserving the feeling of this aesthetic.
Visuals[]
Recurring patterns in this aesthetic's visuals include rain, forests, mist, liminal spaces, damp objects like leaves and moss, or insects. Some visuals might be more surreal, possibly looking warped or unnatural. Some may even include ghosts or other supernatural entities. It is very common for a Drizzlecore visual to be set at dusk or nighttime. Somewhat edited images are also common.
Drizzlecore's visuals almost always carry a sense of mystery, calm, or nostalgia, and these are predominant elements of Drizzlecore. These tie in directly with Drizzlecore's philosophy and its activities, and the atmosphere should give off a perception of peace and surreality in equal measures. Drizzlecore's environment is always tranquil, with its woods and sandy banks, insects and amphibians, hiding places and rain-soaked homes. Drizzlecore is meant to be surreal and dreamy, and its visuals should come off this way.
- Forests
- Fog
- Mist
- Gentle rain
- Heavy downpours
- Moors
- Moss and lichen
- Insects, especially gastropods such as slugs and snails
- Hazey Pacific Northwest beaches
- Frogs and toads
- Strange-looking mushrooms
- Crystals and tarnished jewelry
- Treehouses
- Lamps/flashlights
- Sleeping bags
- Cozy hiding places
- Blankets
- Painted rocks
- Buttons and other small objects
- Strange, delicate plants with morning dew on the leaves
- Tents
- Old wooden paths
- Cliffsides
- Books
- Mugs/thermoses
Fashion[]
Drizzlecore fashion is quite often cozy, while also rugged so it is not damaged easily. One who partakes in this aesthetic may like to wear vintage clothing, for a worn and comfortable look. One who follows this aesthetic often likes to blend in with one's environment, so one usually wears earth tones. One also doesn't mind one's clothes getting dirty, since one spends so much time outside. One's clothing also usually has many pockets to hide small things in. Drizzlecore fashion lacks specific guidelines for feminine and masculine clothing, so the clothing listed here can be worn by any gender.
The colour of the clothing can vary, but it usually adheres to a certain grouping of colors: namely, earth tones. Soft, muted greens, browns, greys, beiges and similar colours are the most common and are easily paired up.
Tops[]
- Oversized vintage graphic tees
- Oversized band shirts
- Loose-fitting tops
Bottoms[]
- Comfortable, wide-legged pants
- Corduroy pants and overalls
- Overall pants/shorts
Outerwear[]
- Hoodies
- Pullover sweaters
- Grandpa sweaters
- Raincoats
Footwear[]
- Patterned socks
- Brown leather boots
- Hiking boots
- Doc Martens
Accessories[]
- Beanies/toques
- Canvas backpacks
- Water bottles/thermoses
- Leg and arm warmers
- Satchels
- Tarnished jewelry
Media[]
Media for this aesthetic commonly contain references to supernatural things, and are possibly even centred around these things. One who enjoys this aesthetic likely prefers reading over watching television, and so the list includes more reading material than digital material. The media for Drizzlecore need not include a mystical element, and may just involve things that are comforting and nostalgic. The media may also contain references to sci-fi, or be centred around sci-fi.
Literature[]
- Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
- Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull
- Beyonders by Brandon Mull
- Five Kingdoms by Brandon Mull
- The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells
Movies/TV Shows[]
- Gravity Falls (2012)
- The Last Of Us (2023)
Activities[]
The majority of Drizzlecore-related activities can be done in solitude, though one may enjoy performing them with others. It is common for these activities to be performed at night, although dusk and early morning are also optimal times. The activities are usually conducted at night because nighttime is commonly associated with monsters and other fantastical creatures, and because nighttime carries an air of mystique with it. Night can also be a time of increased activity for some people, and one may find it easier to work at night. Drizzlecore activities are mostly involved with nature, though plenty can also be executed in urban landscapes as well.
Because solitude is an important value in Drizzlecore, most activities can be done with only oneself to depend on. Being alone gives one time to recuperate from stressful activities, and it can make it easier to get lost in the forest, or in one's own thoughts. Performing an activity on one's own can give one a much-needed break from society. However, it should be said that it is a good idea to have another person with one while exploring, especially if one lives in an area known to be dangerous. Even if one only brings along a single person, one will likely be safer from any dangers.
The desire to explore is a key value of this aesthetic, and probably the most popular activity in the community. Going on hikes, staring at the sky for hours, and exploring in the rain are all important to Drizzlecore. One might partake in photography, or go cryptid hunting in the quiet night. Even so, with the wonderful activities that can be done outside, one might not have access to outdoorsy places like forests or beaches. One might not even enjoy going outside. In that case, there are plenty of indoor and ambiguous activities that one can perform, such as reading, or hiding under warm blankets. One might draw or paint, or make up stories for hours on end.
Drizzlecore has several important values that tie together to form something that leaves one who partakes in this aesthetic feeling happy and at peace. Performing Drizzlecore activities on one's own, or at night, or outside can often leave one feeling calm and replenished. These things might bring a sense of mystery or curiosity. Drizzlecore is full of activities that one can perform, and these are all extremely valuable to the overall feeling of the aesthetic.
Outdoor Activities[]
- Exploring
- Getting lost in the forest (with a way to get back home safely, of course)
- Going on walks, hikes, or runs in the rain
- Cryptid hunting
- Photography
- Watching the sky
- Singing/dancing in the rain or in a forest
- Searching for frogs, toads, slugs and snails
- Taking walks in mist, rain, or at nighttime
- Looking for cozy spots outside to hide in
- Stargazing
Indoor Activities[]
- Packing snacks for adventures
- Sitting in or on a porch, deck, or shelter while it storms
- Doing something relaxing while listening to the rain
- Reading a fantasy or sci-fi book and getting lost in the story
- Hugging stuffed animals for comfort
- Driving or riding in a car while it rains or at nighttime
- Huddling under warm blankets
- Listening to a cherished vinyl record
Ambiguous Activities[]
- Collecting things
- Staying up late, sometimes until the sun rises
- Walking/running
- Listening to music
- Drawing/painting
- Watching a storm while drinking something warm from a thermos
- Personalizing hiding places
- Making backup plans in case your hiding place is found
- Keeping a lookout for undesirable company
- Making potions
- Journalling
- Writing stories
- Daydreaming
Gallery[]
