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Ever poked around your jam-packed closet, only to feel like you don’t have anything to wear? Well, it’s not just about having the latest styles. It’s about knowing the kind of looks you love that show your real self.
These style vibes aren’t just about clothes, but about your whole way of life. Books and quiet colors make up the “dark academia” look, while focusing on learning and old-fashioned clothes make up “light academia.” The “grunge” look can trace its roots back to the rock bands in 80s Seattle. On the other hand, styles called “soft girl” often use light colors and oversized sweaters. You see, every look tells a different story.
Using these style vibes, we can show who we are inside to the outside world. It turns us into walking, talking art pieces. The big question changes from, “What should I put on?” to, “Which style vibe feels most like the real me?”
Intro to Fashion Aesthetics and Types
Fashion looks help shape personal style, letting us show who we are through what we wear. There are many fashion looks out there, and they are not just about clothes; they are a blend of colors, popular styles, and bits of popular culture, all coming together to create nice-looking outfits. All the things you wear, not just your clothes, are parts of your fashion look.
Kind of no matter what look you prefer, whether it is the ’90s grunge style with large jeans, or a soft, girly feel with tennis skirts, each piece of clothing helps shape your unique fashion style. There are tons of different fashion looks in the fashion world, and there’s something for everyone.
From scholarly styles with thick books and dark clothes to the love for art and older fashion found in light academia, each style has its own special look. The normal style that favors simple designs over fancy ones shouldn’t be ignored. Anyway, the look you choose shows who you are without saying a word, and tells others about you. The great thing about fashion looks is the freedom to mix and match. You can combine different styles, like band t-shirts with a soft grunge flair and pastel colored goth boots, to come up with unique mixes that show different parts of who you are.
Fashion looks also let us show our personality to others. For example, if you choose the e-girl look with bold pink lipstick, graphic t-shirts, and a messy bun, you are showing a young and free spirit. On the other hand, if you go for the vintage look with long dresses and muted colors, it shows you have a liking for timeless elegance and charm.
Whether you like soft, girly looks or a skater style, fashion looks are there to help you show your unique personality. At the end of the day, it’s all about expressing who you are.
Dark Academia Aesthetic
If you’re into books that have stood the test of time, getting to know oneself, and a deep desire to learn – then you might like the dark academia style. This way of life does more than just tell you what to wear. It’s a party for learning and the life of the mind, all mixed up in the way you live.
So, keep this in mind when you’re thinking about this look. There are certain fashion things that people usually take on. For clothes, imagine checkered skirts or well-fitted pants, paired with button-up shirts or warm roll necks. Colors tend to stay on the darker side, like black, gray, and brown. Remember, showing off dark academia isn’t just about what clothes you wear. It’s about showing your love for old-timey things through what you wear.
There are loads of people who can give you ideas for this look. Some well-known folks have even made this style their own and set trends on places like Instagram and Tumblr.
In her “Cardigan” music video, Taylor Swift wore clothes that felt very dark academia. High pants paired with a big cardigan showed off how much famous people can change the way we see fashion.
In the same way, Hermione Granger, from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, also shows off the things that make dark academia what it is. Pleated skirts and big sweaters, plus carrying a lot of books, are what make her look what it is.
If you want to get even more into this fashion, we have a deep-down guide to help you pick clothes that match this look.
Just one more thing: wearing any style should feel good. It should fit with who you are, showing off who you are on the inside, not as a change that feels weird and forced. In other words, adopting this style should feel like you are being true to your own personality.
Grunge Aesthetic
Born amidst the 1980s in Seattle’s beating heart, the grunge aesthetic emerged as a unique style. This aesthetic is not just a fashion statement but an alternative mode of self-expression deeply rooted in grunge music.
This style defies the conventions of mainstream fashion, instead emphasizing a more casual, almost dressing down approach. Comfort is paramount—a typical outfit might include items like distressed jeans, oversized flannel shirts, band-inspired t-shirts, and timeworn sneakers.
The laid-back nature of grunge style is frequently showcased across social media platforms, reflecting people’s affection toward 90s culture and eras past.
Key elements of grunge fashion include edgy, sturdy combat boots that complement any ensemble. Pairing oversized knit sweaters with worn-out jeans, or slip dresses, creates both comfort and a chic look that echoes iconic bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
As for hues, try to opt for muted options over bright ones. Consider incorporating tones like grey, black, olive green, or maroon into your grunge wardrobe. Incorporate vintage graphic t-shirts too for an authentic taste of grunge.
Don’t fret if you’re just starting to experiment with this style. You can ease into it by gradually adding grunge-inspired pieces to your existing wardrobe. Mom jeans paired with platform boots, layered over an oversized shirt, could be your starting point.
To achieve the quintessential grunge look, keep in mind the concept of minimalism for makeup. Aim for an understated kohl-lined eye and a nude lip. Your hair too can amplify the grunge effect—try loose waves or a disheveled bun for a “just out of bed” look.
Remember that embracing the grunge aesthetic extends beyond your clothing choices. It also involves adopting an attitude of relaxed, effortless authenticity.
Light Academia Aesthetic
We covered the Academia look earlier, which takes ideas from celebrated literature, school studies, and a dreamy picture of school life. It often shows calm, earth-like colors, old books, and an overall feeling of being smart.
On the other hand, light academia, a kind of this look, drifts more towards lighter, more open shades. It includes softer colors, white or light colors, and has a more relaxed view of school topics.
Although both enjoy learning and classic works, light academia gives off a more chilled out, spring feel as opposed to the darker, snug vibe of normal academia. So, in essence, light academia has a bit of a sunnier disposition.
Imagine a usual outfit like a loose white shirt with pants or a skirt that comes up to your waist. Pair this with boots you lace up.
There are tons of ideas for light academia clothes all over social media. Trust me, Instagram is full of light-colored sweaters, and Pinterest is filled with blazers, giving you tons of great ideas.
Apart from clothes, social media also features parts of favorite books like “Pride and Prejudice” or beautifully arranged places to study. These are filled with old-fashioned typewriters and hardcover books. This style sets the mood – you’re dressed sharply while trying to learn more.
If you want to fully dive into this creative fashion, you need to think about accessories as well as clothes. Things like old pins, glasses with an older style and old watches can add more depth to your light academia style without going overboard.
Guess what? Beginning to explore this aesthetic could start with getting ideas from a mix of places, such as movies that show older times (look at “Dead Poets Society”, it’s a great example), important literature, or art from the Renaissance period.
It’s important to remember, this style isn’t just about copying a popular trend. You showcase your love of learning, arts, and culture through the clothes you wear. So why not take a deep dive into the fascinating world of light academia fashion?
Soft Girl Aesthetic
For anyone desiring to communicate their style in a subtle and refined manner, the soft girl aesthetic might be your perfect match. This trend revels in pastel hues, flowing sweaters, and clothing that harkens back to bygone eras.
Originating from social media sites like TikTok, the soft girl aesthetic showcases femininity. It features light pastel shades like baby blue or soft pink. Outfits typically combine mom jeans with appealing crop tops and chunky friendship bracelets, encapsulating both youthful energy and sentimentality.
The soft girl aesthetic artfully combines different elements to create an enchanting look. You’ll frequently find oversized sweaters at the heart of these outfits, with items like tennis skirts or slip dresses providing extra allure. Pastels primarily paint the scene, but don’t disregard the impact of more vivid hues.
Comfort is another integral part of this style trend, promoting garments such as baggy t-shirts. Transitioning towards crafting your personal soft girl ensemble requires a harmony of stylish yet cozy items. Begin by choosing laid-back clothing in understated colors for your base outfit – consider snug knits or wide pants.
Incorporating pastels is key and should be interwoven into a wardrobe primarily made up of loose-fit clothing, interspersed occasionally with more form-fitting pieces like mini skirt combos. Accessorizing is equally important: classic hoop earrings and sweet hair clips are invaluable complements to the aesthetic.
Personal expression is at the core of fashion. Don’t hesitate to forge your own spin on the soft girl aesthetic, tailoring it to amplify your unique persona.
Pastel Goth Aesthetic
Pastel goth style is a mix of bright, light colors and the darker side of goth. Imagine being in a scary yet fancy big house, drinking a bright pink milkshake – that’s the perfect Pastel Goth picture.
Instead of just copying common looks, this style has a knack for not following expected rules. It’s all about wearing clothes that say a lot about who you are, making a surprising balance between tough and cute by perfectly placing positivity and negativity together.
The typical pastel goth look often includes brightly colored hair and band t-shirts paired with fancy skirts or shorts worn high on the waist. Heavy shoes and lots of accessories like large bows and neckbands are also part of the set. The basic clothes are usually black, which helps the colorful extras pop out.
When you start thinking about making your own pastel goth collection, a good place to start is by mixing dark items with bright ones. You might want to try matching heavy boots with baby blue stockings, or putting long dresses under winter coats decorated with cartoon or Japanese animation badges. On top of that, consider pairing short tops with darker clothing. But the best advice we can give, the real secret to pulling off this style is to add authentic uniqueness that comes from you.
To put it simply, it’s about making a cool contrast of dark and light pieces. Exactly like a band shirt paired with a bright skirt! Cool, right? Go ahead and experiment with combinations that speak your truth. Frankly, you’d think it wouldn’t work, but it does! Question the norms, have some fun, and you’ll realize that with pastel goth, almost anything goes!
Normcore Aesthetic
Normcore aesthetics could be your perfect fit if you are tired of chasing fleeting trends and seeking a more laid-back style. This style leans on simplicity, stressing the need to blend in rather than always trying to stand out.
Normcore fashion hinges on basic, unadorned items found in almost every wardrobe. Picture classic jeans coupled with uncomplicated t-shirts or soft, warm sweaters. Include those cozy sneakers that seem to complement each outfit with ease.
Normcore isn’t about appearing as though you’ve given up on looking stylish. Quite the opposite is true. Normcore’s appeal is rooted in its low-key sophistication and purposeful indifference to what’s trending on numerous social media platforms at the moment.
Entering the world of normcore aesthetics involves closely inspecting your present wardrobe. Odds are, several items that already fit into this relaxed style are hung in there.
A quintessential piece could be well-tailored mom jeans that offer practicality and versatility, perfectly paired with simple crop tops or graphic tees. You could turn back the clock, diving into 90s culture with some cozy low-rise jeans. Couple them with platform shoes, which are making a comeback, for an additional throwback touch.
Fashion accessories, while subtle, carry significant weight in normcore aesthetics; minimal watches or silver hoop earrings outshine bulky statement necklaces or charm-laden bracelets.
The main idea rests in cultivating a cool appearance that doesn’t seem overly labored. Let your comfort inform your fashion decisions rather than flashy, ephemeral trends.
Normcore aesthetics, although they may appear uninteresting on the surface, provide an exciting chance to reassess and reshape your style. It’s proof that fashion isn’t always about standing out. In fact, blending into the crowd can often make quite a statement.
Indie Aesthetic
So, let’s talk about indie style, looking into what it is and how to mix indie vibes into your look. Basically, indie style is all about the independent music scene and it’s best known for old school fashion and being unique. This fashion style lets you show off your personal style, and it often doesn’t follow regular fashion trends.
One big part of indie fashion is its love for vintage stuff. Just think of old band shirts with high-waist regular jeans, dresses at ankle length that look fresh because they’re worn with hiking boots, or classic t-shirt designs under cozy cardigans. What makes this style cool isn’t only the clothes themselves, but also how they’re combined – it’s about making a look that shows who you are.
Changing to an indie style doesn’t mean you have to swap out your whole wardrobe; you can take small steps. Maybe you’d start by adding a few things bit by bit until they’re part of your regular look.
Believe it or not, if you’re not sure how to start your indie transformation, we have a few ideas you can think about:
Use some things inspired by old times – such as chunky shoes and slip-on dresses in your current clothes, and they’ll immediately make any outfit look old school. Maybe try mixing different prints too, which would make your clothes more lively and complicated – have you ever thought about pairing striped and flowered patterns together? Last but not at all least, pick your extras carefully. Even simple things like friendship bracelets or big earrings can give a bit of extra character to your whole look.
E-Girl Aesthetic
The e-girl look is causing a lot of talk in the fashion world because it mixes anime, pop culture, and grunge. Social media sites like TikTok and Instagram are helping to make this trend popular. The name “e-girl” stands for “electronic girl” and it comes from being on the internet a lot.
A big part of this look is what you wear. Often, you’ll see band t-shirts, crop tops, loose jeans, or tennis skirts paired with tall shoes or combat boots. The look also uses bold makeup – heavy eyeliner, bright pink lip gloss, and sometimes even fake eyelashes.
Amandla Stenberg is known for rocking the e-girl style. Looking at Stenberg’s outfits you totally see the look come to life without giving up personal style.
The colors for this trend are bold. Picture baby blue with darker colors to make a rough, indie feel. And soft colors like pastels bring the cute or “kawaii” feel. Then there are t-shirts with attention-grabbing designs worn under long dresses for a traditional twist.
Pulling off the e-girl look means skillfully making all these different parts fit together in outfits with one main color. You’ve got to do it so your own personal spin isn’t forgotten. Let’s see if this is the style that sticks around.
What’s Your Style?
You’ve gone through a range of unique fashion styles, each one worth your attention. They’re all special, lively, and can add a refreshing touch to your wardrobe.
Your involvement with dark academia sparked, believe it or not, a strong liking for old books, mixed with a liking for black and white tones. You also tried out light academia, where learning becomes the main attraction and what you wear brings back sweet memories of the charm of the past.
About the grunge style, we discovered how important it is to celebrate our real selves, a lesson we learned from Seattle’s music scene in the 80s. And we can’t forget the soft girl style. It’s basically a shout-out to light colors and big sweaters that make each day feel as cozy as a relaxing Sunday morning.
Keep in mind that the style you choose says a lot about who you are, so make it count! Maybe you go for the indie style, or stick with the basic “normcore” look, it’s all about welcoming what speaks to you the most.
In essence, the goal of exploring different aesthetics is to add excitement to your wardrobe, to be comfortable, and feel good in your own skin. At the end of the day, it’s all about your own comfort and what feels right for you. Enjoy the journey, of course, keep an open mind, and let your style evolve naturally. Exactly like the fashion itself, it is never static. So be open to different styles, and you may surprise yourself! Trust me, you have this in you.
After all, fashion is fun and it should be treated that way. That’s why, whatever your style, be it grunge or normcore or aesthetic, wear it with confidence and you’ll totally rock it!
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