The fashion world is notorious for having trends that come and go, especially with the assistance of social media. Style aesthetics like mobwife and cottagecore litter our feeds trying to prove why it’s the best new thing. However, the only aesthetic that seems to last so intensely is the clean girl aesthetic. 

The chokehold the clean girl aesthetic has on our social media feeds seems unbelievably repetitive. But if we think about the undertone of what the aesthetic is trying to portray, it becomes very clear why it has been the most successful of them all. The clean girl has an air that is fresh and natural about her. She doesn’t look like she tried hard with her slicked-back hair – even though she did – and her minimal, neutral, and classic clothing style is reminiscent of the once coveted capsule wardrobe. Almost every woman wants to be able to just wake up and go without thinking too hard about her outfit that day. But the reality for most women is that they wake up every day frustrated with what to wear. It’s hard getting dressed. It’s hard picking out outfits. And it feels impossible to look put together. And the clean girl appears to be the answer to all her prayers. If she can dress put together like the clean girl, then she can have a life that is put together like a clean girl. 

The frustrating part about trying to imitate the clean girl is when you realize it’s just that, an imitation. The clean girl is not you, it’s someone else. Now, that's not to say no one’s personal style can ever fall in line with the aesthetic. Some do, but many women don’t. If you try to order the same simple white tank and jeans you see someone else wear and you feel bored by it, then maybe you aren’t a clean girl. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a style vibe for you. There’s fashion inspiration everywhere that can suit your aesthetic needs. 

Beyonce

The Queen Bee herself does not fall under the clean girl aesthetic. She’s bold, glam, and sexy. The figure hugging dramatic outfits Beyoncé wears are far from what this trend is about. She plays with color, in-your-face sillouehttes, and skin on display often in her outfits. There’s always a diva quality to her looks that suits her artist persona. Beyoncé’s entire brand is about being the best and making sure you know she is the best. The looks never say she’s an effortless go with the flow type of woman.

Blake Lively

Blake Liveley is another woman who isn’t scared to take a fashion risk or two. Her outfits alwasy have playful and feminine undertones that create a look that is all her own. No one in the indusrty dresses quite like Blake. She manages to be bold with how she plays with monochromatic outfits and still remians classic. She introduces texture play yet still looks polished. The outfits are always bold enough to be in your face while still maintaing an air or being ultra feminie.

Miley Cyrus

Miley is a rule breaker at heart and her outfits show it. She’s a modern day rockstar with an edgy aeesthetic to match. From the hair down to the clothes, her style feels thrown together in a way that’s effortless and cool. She’s the girl who looks like she thrfits everything and doesn’t think too hard about her outfits. But the difference from the clean girl aesthetic is Miley’s looks never feels simple. There’s interest and complexity in the outfits that draws you into her cool girl energy.

Tracie Ellis Ross

Many of our clients with bold, eclectic, and urban personal styles turn to Tracie Ellis Ross for fashion inspiration. Her street style always screams free-spirited New Yorker. It’s fun, it’s a little edgy, and it’s loud enough for everyone in the room to see. Looking to her for inspiration is for those who want to constantly make a statement with their everyday wardrobe. She takes risks and pulls them off well. If you’re also a risk taker, then looking to Tracie is a step in the right direction.

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid is like Hollywood’s version of the one or two steps up from the clean girl aesthetic. She likes to have fun with fashion, but not too much fun. The outfits almost always make sense, meaning the average individual can appreciate the look and not be confused by it. She loves a good slicked back hair moment like the clean girls, but the accessories and shoes are much bolder and not as dainty. They don’t fit easily into the capsule wardobe aesthetic. She usually leans into an effortless vibe as well, but there’s always an interesting or bold addition whether its in the color or structure of the look. If you’re somone who likes the clean girl look but wants to be edgier or more interesting, then Gigi is your girl.

Zendaya

Now, Zendaya’s red carpet looks are usually extremely avantguard and fashion-forward. But her street style gives First Lady with a youtful twist. Out of the younger celebrities, she’s one of the most modest from day-to-day. Every now and again she’ll give you a little leg, but who wouldn’t with legs like those? Her and her stylist Law Roach have expertly curated a timeless and classic aesthetic that will last with Zendaya as she gets older. If you find yourself drawn to preppy pieces, then Zendaya is a great person to have on you style inspiration board. Her and her stylist do a wonderful job of creating a preppy style that still feels modern and up to date.

Don't allow these style trends dictate how you shop. We want to build a wardrobe that works for you, not one curated by people on your timeline. You may not see yourself in the bold vibes of Beyoncé or Tracie Ellis Ross nor in the feminine and classic styles of Blake Lively and Zendaya. And you also still may not be able to get fully behind the effortlessly cool looks of Miley Cyrus and Gigi Hadid. That’s okay. Keep looking for people who’s style resonates with you and take inspiration. If you like their pants, then think about ways you can incorporate that style into your wardrobe that works for your body type and lifestyle. Think about the adjectives that describe your favorite celebrities’ style and lean into those words when you’re shopping. It’s okay if you’re not a clean girl because your personal style is better than any trend that comes up on your timeline.