STYLE

That girl, coastal granddaughter, Y2K, granola girl...the options are endless. The concept of specific "aesthetics" has really risen in popularity on TikTok and Instagram—and I totally see why. It's satisfying to watch Barbiecore outfit vids or pin the cutest pics to your '70s-inspired Pinterest board! But with new, trendy aesthetics being created seemingly every week, how do you choose the perf one?

Here's the answer: You don't. You don't have to commit to one of these aesthetics and build your entire closet around it! Even without a succinctly named, TikTok-viral style, you can find your personal fashion sense—one that's unique to Y-O-U.

Using aesthetics as style *inspo*

@ferchuugimeenez

Those TikToks tagged #aesthetic and #styleinspo can totally help you develop your fashion sense...to an extent. Rather than attempt to *exactly* recreate every single outfit your fave influencer has worn, start by saving those fits that catch your eye to a board or folder in your phone. Note what exactly it is that you like about each look—is it the neutral, muted colors? Is it the use of headphones as an accessory? Is it the flowy sillouhette? Identifying specific characteristics of the outfits that you like will help you to build a closet you'll *actually* wear.

The diverse types of aesthetics can also introduce you to new or unfamiliar styles you wouldn't have otherwise known about. Who knows, maybe you'll fall in love with the look of 2000's sunglasses after seeing them styled with a low-rise midi skirt!

Stuck in a box

A defining characteristic of an aesthetic is that they are very specific with what falls under that aesthetic. It's a double-edged sword: Sticking to a single aesthetic would make your wardrobe very cohesive, but it would also put you in a box and perhaps prevent you from taking any risks with your fashion. Our likes and dislikes are not usually black-or-white—it's more than likely that you adore more than just one style.

Also, trending aesthetics are just that: trending. Inevitably, trends go out of style and popularity dies down. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with wearing something that's not considered to be "in style," you may only be attracted to a certain aesthetic because of how much hype it's getting in the present moment...not because you actually connect with the fashion. That's cute for short term (think: an Instagram post), but less cute for long term (think: building a sustainable closet).

Finding your personal style

So...how can you find *your* fashion sense without committing to a single aesthetic? Inspiration can come from anywhere, but you can start by picking and choosing what you like from different aesthetics. Maybe you heart the nautical color palette of the coastal granddaughter aesthetic, but not the minimalistic vibes. Maybe you're obsessed with the layered statement jewelry of Barbiecore, but not the hot pink tones. Combine those two together, and you have an outfit that you love but can't quite be categorized by either aesthetic!

@aliyahsinterlude

The bottom line? Wear what makes you feel good! Regardless of any TikTok aesthetics, choose items that you feel confident in and allow you to express yourself. Finding your personal style won't happen overnight, but once you do, you'll be repping an aesthetic that's impossible to replicate because it's true to you. And what's more stylish than that?

In the process of finding your style? You'll love these posts:
✨ How to make the most of the wardrobe you already own
✨ 6 Black-owned fashion brands you probably haven't heard of
✨ It's time to give your closet the glow-up it deserves

Tag us in your best fit pics on Instagram @girlslifemag!

Top image: @emilylaukim
Slider image: @sincerely__bri

by Jinny Kim | 12/10/2022