The Aesthetics, Part 1

Over the centuries of different fashion choices and styles, change remains a constant. In today’s fashion styles, we often group ourselves into different aesthetic categories- finding similarities with others that allow us to label our unique fashion preferences. If you’ve been on TikTok, you’ve probably come across the slideshows of “Pick your day of the week based on what aesthetic you are” or “Which planet are you based on your aesthetic.”

Let’s go on a fashion journey that highlights some of these aesthetics and what makes them special, quirky, and the traits that most people align with in their aesthetic.

Clean Girl Aesthetic

If you have made it to “clean girl” TikTok, you’ve probably seen the lifestyle and organization videos from influencers like @kaelimaee and @miyaevarenae. These two women are a prime example of the clean girl aesthetic that so many people try to embody. I’m particularly drawn to this aesthetic myself! This style is highlighted by nude and neutral tones like taupe, sand, and light beige, as well as creamy white tones like eggshell.

For accessories, a pair of gold hoops and statement or stacking rings are a go-to for everyday wear. I find that this aesthetic tends to focus on tidy spaces and a harmony in the home as well, especially in decor choices and bedding. An organized pantry with labeled containers? Count me in!

The classic “clean girl” look ranges from jeans and a comfy tee to athleisure and a sweatshirt. It’s truly what the individual brings to the look to add their own personality and touch.

Decor Notes: wood + bamboo, natural stone, glassware, clean.

Fashion Notes: gold, neutral tones, creamy white, balance.

Beach Girl Aesthetic

Another one of my personal favorites: the care-free, ocean loving beach girl. Get your reusable water tumblers ready and let’s get to the notes that make the Beach Girl aesthetic fun and light.

For Beach Girl, think natural tones like greens, light blues, whites, and tans. The beach girl wears clothes that are lightweight, breathable, and lets her get into the ocean at a moments notice. Bonus points if you have a bathing suit on underneath! One of the reasons I love the beach girl vibe is because they often come with a caring heart for conservation and promote reusable products to help reduce waste. While this is 100% a generalization, I don’t see too many beach girls with their Starbucks green plastic straws on the beach.

In style, beach girls turn to linen cloth, denim, crochet style, t-shirts, and natural fibers. Their accessories are reusable totes, a sticker clad water bottle, their favorite sunnies, and a bracelet from Pura Vida or 4Ocean (psst- you can use my code MIMI20 at 4Ocean checkout to save on your favorite bracelet!). Add a loose braid or a messy bun and you’re golden. *Cue Harry Styles music

Decor Notes: plants, wood, colorful tiles or glass, light blue.

Fashion Notes: linen, denim, light tones and neutrals.

Material Girl Aesthetic

Think Charlotte York Goldentblatt. She’s posh and has nice things, dresses well, and always shows up looking slightly better than everyone else. Her hair is never out of place and she always has her favorite lipstick in her clutch so she is always ready for a quick snap at lunch. She always wears her signature fragrance and everyone asks what she’s wearing.

The material girl definitely loves luxury but trust, the material girl can make a thrifted fit look like it came from Vogue. Material on a budget? The material girl has you covered. When it comes to her style at home, she has perfect books stacked together on her coffee table and cozy candles lit to greet you. Material girl aesthetic is for those who love the finer things in life and celebrate what they have in the moment, but manifest for the future.

Decor Notes: books, cashmere, amber candles, a statement vase.

Fashion Notes: satin, gold, black leather, softness, couture.


Soft Girl Aesthetic

Think pink, pastel, creamy tones, and plush. The soft girl loves to be comy and wear clothes that represent their happy personalities and fem qualities. The pink Reshma Squishmallow? They probably have it on their bed for emotional support, as they should (I’m personally an Onica turtle girly). We all love our soft girl aesthetic friends and we love that their hugs always leave us smelling like Burberry perfume.

The soft girl wears pink as a staple, but she isn’t scared to venture into new color territory to add to her style. Her cute sweaters and tops are things we all envy and want to add to our closets but somehow we don’t pull them off like she does. Her closet is organized and laid out so she can curate the perfect outfit for the day and show up fierce.

Her home smells like her favorite floral or cafe scented candle and we all love going to her home to play games and watch Netflix. She’s got the cutest mugs and cups for her daily drinks. Don’t forget to add the cute glass straw with the flower on top!

Decor Notes: floral, pastel, pink, soft blankets.

Fashion Notes: pink, fun accessories, shiny metals.

Cottagecore Aesthetic

Our favorite natural girls who are 99% sure a witch who makes the best love and protection spells. Cottagecore aesthetic lovers have a love for the cozy things in life- reading a good book with a cup of tea or coffee, cooking something knew, making something crafty.

Their homes are the epitome of comfort, warmth, and a sweet welcome. You can expect to see the softest blankets, coolest lamps, and antique thrifted dishes because they love the three Rs. Cottagecore lovers are also the coolest cozy gamers and can be found relaxing by playing Stardew Valley or building their own house on Animal Crossing. Their talents never end.

Their style is determined by comfort and coziness but they also know how to dress it up. Their outfits are always perfect in their own way and curated to the T. Sweaters, patchwork denim, and fun layered skirts? Yes, please. The cottagecore lover is always ready to go on an adventure!

Decor Notes: antique, thrifted, mossy green.

Fashion Notes: upcycled, denim, cozy, earth tones, sweaters.

Rococo Aesthetic

While not as well known as the other aesthetics, Rococo is a beautiful wistful aesthetic all of its own. Rococo focuses on gilded art, swirls and swoops of forgotten architecture, and the romantic rosey clouds that are a part of a forgotten era. The Rococo lover incorporates this style into their fashion and decor in meaningful ways.

Think “Let them eat cake,” but with less poofy hair. Marie Antoinette is a beautiful example of Rococo elegance of a time of the past. The modern Rococo admirer details their outfits in neutral colors and makes it pop by adding accessories that steal the show or add a touch of glamour. Their gold accents are a beautiful reminder of the luxury of eras past. A touch of rosy pink or bright baby blue to add as a statement are the tools that build a Rococo style in modern form.

Their homes have elegance, grace, and artistic appeal. Intriguing pottery, Renaissance art prints, and gold accents make their home a hearth for gatherings and dinners. Trust, they have the best small bites and drink pairings.

Decor Notes: art, floral, muted colors, porcelain.

Fashion Notes: statement earrings & jewelry, neutral colors, satin & silk.

Fashion is open to interpretation and everyone’s execution in their own style is paramount in keeping this artistic world unique and evolving. My interpretation of Material Girl might not be your own, and both interpretations are valid. We are able to curate each aesthetic to our own styles and preferences.

Which aesthetic do you find yourself drawn to? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

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