Written by Eryn Schoenebeck
Coastal grandmother, clean girl, Y2K, and coquette—these are just a few examples of the “aesthetics” taking our social media feeds by storm—and for what? While curated aesthetics consisting of particular clothing, beauty products, and even lifestyle choices can be inspiring, they can also be detrimental to individuality.
Everybody knows that excess social media usage harms the mental health of adolescents. But on a deeper level, social media platforms like TikTok push trendy “aesthetics” forward, giving viewers the false narrative that they need to conform into a box to brand themselves with an aesthetic. In reality, many aesthetics are not only unrealistic, but also strip teenagers and young adults of self expression.
A prime example is the “clean girl” aesthetic. Turned mainstream by public figures including Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie, and Bella Hadid, the “clean girl” aesthetic emphasizes a very elegant, minimalist, “effortless” look. Ironically, achieving this aesthetic is the opposite of effortless. “No make-up” makeup looks—a key piece to this puzzle—still emphasize an extensive (and expensive) skincare routine, glowy bronzers and blushes from pricey brands such as Rhode or Rare Beauty, and 30 minutes of your morning routine. Neutral, basic clothing is another key to achieving the “clean girl” aesthetic. Popular brands such as Aritzia, Skims, and Alo Yoga have hefty price tags simply not attainable for the average person. On top of this, the “clean girl” aesthetic includes a lifestyle with a heavy focus on wellness. Pilates, yoga classes, green juices, and healthy eating are all great, but these trendy additions to your wellness routine tend to leave people more focused on their matching workout set and curated Instagram story than actually getting exercise.
So, what is the outcome of all this?
Everybody looks the same, has the same hobbies, and lives the same lifestyle. While taking inspiration from trends is not inherently problematic, confining into an aesthetic strips individuals of their creativity. People are losing their passion for self-expression. When trying to attain a specific aesthetic, people often lose sight of the simple joys that come from choosing clothing, makeup, and activities aligned with their genuine tastes and interests. By choosing to brand yourself with yourself instead of an influencer’s profile or a pinterest board, it is easier than ever to become the coolest version of yourself: the authentic one.
Edited by Ruby Her, Logan Lloyd and Galilea Matus
