More Aesthetic, Less Instagram

How “Aesthetics” are Taking Over Instagram

If a picture is worth a thousand words, that must mean your Instagram feed is worth a billion – right?

Right.

As Instagram has grown to more than 1 billion monthly users, it has ushered in a specific look centered around the color, layout and tone of one’s feed — aesthetics.

They’ve been around outside the ‘gram for generations. Think about that scene in “Mean Girls” when Cady enters the cafeteria. The jocks, the prepsters and the e-kids each had their own table. Or just take a look at the alums of “The Breakfast Club”: a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal.

Although society champions these tropes, this does not mean you have to cast yourself into one box. Different people have different values, vibes and priorities. Sometimes these distinctions overlap, and that’s more than normal. Social media is all about perception, but how you portray yourself is up to you. Without clicking on a single post, though, your Instagram aesthetic gives viewers a sense of who you could be. It allows us to share interests and find others with similar tastes. Whether intentional or not, everyone has curated their own aesthetic.

And, as social media has gained more popularity with the years, both prehistoric and contemporary aesthetics have appeared.

Here are just a few from 2022:

“The Hypebeast”

The “hypebeast” generally refers to someone who enjoys acquiring “trendy” items like clothing and shoes. They are obsessed with finding the next big thing.

This fashion carries a black and white palette, complete with pops of color like red or orange and emanates a luxurious, cool vibe.

There is more to the hype than brand new Nike Air Forces, the Supreme crossbody bag or the Attico slides. This cultural trend is reconstructed as often as social media aesthetics are. It is constantly evolving.

“The Minimalist”

The “minimalist” embraces the “less is more” approach. Minimalism is about removing the flash and clutter. This genre is simple, stylish and sophisticated. Embodying a subtle glow of neutral colors, like whites, creams and beiges, this aesthetic feels like a breath of fresh air and gives off an elegant and zen-like perception.

From monochrome outfits to dainty gold jewelry and barely-there sandals, minimalist outfits grace our timelines with ease.

“The Vintagist”

The “vintagist” imitates the timeless styles from the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s. It radiates a free-spirited and easygoing aura.

Pieces like small black sunglasses, low-waisted jeans and scarf tops have been reincarnated, often with modern adaptations of the original statement pieces. In particular, bell-bottom jeans have transitioned into baggy straight-leg jeans.

Similar to the hypebeast, this division also fluctuates with what is popular. It is always developing and reforming.

Honorable Mentions

“The Beach-Lover”: @avajules_

Notice how Youtube star Ava Jules matches her photos based on color scheme. By matching greens and whites, her feed feels relaxed, calm and organized.

Aside from her selection of matching colors, the content of her photos also contributes to her down-to-earth vibe. Through her pictures, we can see she likes to read, take photos and go to the beach. Her palette and content choices makes her seem mellow and wholesome.

“The Anti-Aesthetic”: @emmachamberlain

Image Courtesy: @emmachamberlain on Instagram

Even “casual” posting falls under the Insta umbrella.

It's posting pictures on a whim. It’s refusing to fall into the trap of needing to present yourself as perfect. It’s a grittier and satirical style of content creation.

However, casual posting is, perhaps, even more curated. While seemingly unfiltered and undemanding, it is still a form of aesthetic. On purpose or not, some effort is still put into selecting photos to post.

Youtuber and internet icon Emma Chamberlain perfectly captures this uninhibited style. She shares everything. From her travels, to what she is eating for dinner, to her photoshoots – her method of posting champions the informal. This makes her seem genuine, authentic and unapologetically herself.

Gettin’ Crafty

The ability to compile and manipulate pictures exactly how you want them almost sounds like the age-old activity of scrapbooking, doesn’t it?

Scrapbooking is a creative outlet where you can preserve your memories. You get to compile photos exactly how you see fit. It’s a way to be nostalgic and reminisce on people, places and things you experienced.

The “aesthetic Instagram” is similar – just online.

While easy in theory, creating a visually pleasing Instagram can feel like a huge undertaking.

“How-To”

Step 1: Establish your brand

Without clicking on a single post, an Instagram aesthetic gives the viewer a sense of who this person is and what makes them stand out. First, evaluate your interests. Are you the next Donatella Versace? Are you a total bookworm and want to share your passion for literature? Or, are you a foodie with an acai bowl obsession? Identify your passions and post about them. This will provide an opportunity for a lasting impression.

Step 2: Color is key

Incorporate a certain tone or color family to include in your content. A uniform palette will bring your page together and make it look more cohesive. Bright colors like red, orange and yellow imply feelings of delight, excitement and positivity. Neutral tones like browns, grays and whites reflect a soothing, undisturbed and composed demeanor. By having a cohesive feed, the posted picture looks less random and more visually appealing.

Step 3: Don’t overthink it

Your aesthetic should represent you. Don’t over-scrutinize it. Choose whatever palette resonates with you, even if that means not choosing any aesthetic.

Strike Out,

Writer: Cassie DesVergers

Editor: Hannah Shelton

Graphics: Autumn Mattox

Gainesville