What is the “clean girl” aesthetic?
The clean girl aesthetic focuses on minimalist beauty and fashion choices. Similar to the “that girl” aesthetic, this curated style presents as fresh, effortless, and low-maintenance, but in reality, it actually takes a lot to put together. The minimalist approach usually calls for sleek hair and subtle makeup, prioritizing an effortless, understated vibe. The slicked-back bun hairstyle with gold hoops and glossy skin (main components of the clean girl aesthetic) has been popular for decades, especially among Black and Brown women. While the recent TikTok trend featuring Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid has brought this look into the mainstream spotlight, it's important to recognize that this style originated within communities of color long before it became a viral sensation.
How to Get the Clean Girl Aesthetic
Opt for sleek buns and slicked back edges. The clean girl aesthetic favors a slicked-back hairstyle, using oil, gel, and a bristle brush to smooth down hair. A bun or ponytail is usually positioned at the nape of the neck or the crown of the head, and typically features a subtle center part. Alternatively, a low, twisted braid ponytail is also acceptable. Regardless of the chosen style, it should appear frizz-free, flyaway-free, shiny, and glossy.
Aim for minimal makeup. To achieve a natural, no-makeup look, focus on enhancing your features with rosy cheeks, full brows, and glossy lips. You can also incorporate subtle highlighting, contouring, and neutral eyeshadows, but be sure to keep the overall look balanced and understated for a seamless, fresh-faced finish. Opt for makeup products that discreetly conceal blemishes. Glossy, subtly-colored lips are an essential finishing touch.
Choose dewy skincare products. The current skincare trend calls for a plump, glass-like complexion. Similar to past trends like "dolphin skin," the goal is a shiny, dewy base. To achieve this look, your basic skincare regimen should include highly hydrating products—a nourishing cleanser, a glowy serum, and a moisturizer.
Fill your wardrobe with basics. The "clean girl" aesthetic values a polished look, but it should look like you didn’t have to try. The key is to exude effortlessness. Stick to well-fitting basics like black or white t-shirts, tank tops, boyfriend-cut blue jeans, white button-up shirts, oversized black blazers, and neutral-toned slip dresses. This preppy yet unstudied style is both stylish and timeless—the overall effect should be sophisticated but not stuffy. Accessories should be neutral yet chic. Large statement necklaces or gaudy jewelry should be kept to a minimum, as simple staples like plain gold chains or hoop earrings are in favor. Items like a pair of bold black sunglasses can help elevate an outfit for some added fashion.
Stick to a clean and minimalist lifestyle. The clean girl aesthetic extends beyond personal appearance, shaping a woman's daily habits and lifestyle. Mornings call for matcha lattes over regular coffee, smoothies and green juices should be regular indulgences, and when it comes to home decor, minimalism is the preferred choice for the "clean girl," as it photographs best.
Criticism of the Clean Girl Aesthetic
Some feel that the trend encourages unrealistic beauty standards. Social media often presents a curated, idealized version of life that is pleasing to watch, but fails to show the true effort required to maintain that "clean girl" aesthetic. These unrealistic portrayals set standards that are difficult, if not impossible, for most women to meet in their daily lives. Even a seemingly simple "no-makeup" makeup routine demands as much time and energy as any other beauty regimen, yet women feel pressured to conform to these new societal norms in pursuit of an unattainable perfection.
It has been considered by many as cultural appropriation. The predominantly white influencers promoting the "clean girl" aesthetic have been called out by people of color (POC) for encouraging the trend without acknowledging its cultural origins. For example, gold hoop earrings have been worn by African American and Latinx women for generations, yet were previously dismissed by mainstream white culture as "ghetto" and unsuitable for formal settings. The clean girl aesthetic also draws inspiration from South Asian cultural practices, such as the tradition of using hair oils to achieve a slick, glossy look. Hair oiling has been commonplace in South Asian communities for generations, yet this hairstyle has sometimes been criticized by those who perceive it as unkempt or unclean.
Some argue that the clean girl aesthetic implies other girls are dirty. The clean girl aesthetic promotes the harmful notion that individuals with flawless, clear skin are "clean," while those with acne or blemishes are somehow "dirty." This is a problematic and misleading association, as acne is a complex skin condition often influenced by factors beyond one's control, such as genetics.
Clean Girl Aesthetic: The Bottom Line
The clean girl aesthetic embodies a minimalist, simple look, but it has its flaws. The clean girl beauty standard, with its emphasis on young, thin, flawless white women, may seem innocent on the surface. However, this narrow ideal may reinforce the systemic devaluation of women of color and anyone who doesn't fit the mold of stereotypical "beauty" in our society. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with embracing a certain look if it’s truly your style and something you enjoy creating; however, following along with trends just because they’re what TikTok says is beautiful can do more harm than good, because it’s simply not true! You’re beautiful in your own way, no matter the aesthetic you choose to rock.
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