The Art of the Aesthetic: A Rundown of Gen Z’s Favorite TikTok Aesthetics
Image Courtesy: Strike UF
Let’s face it – we’ve all spent more time on TikTok this year than we’ve spent outside of our bedrooms. With its rapid-fire content and amazingly accurate algorithm, the app was practically designed to send you into a never-ending scrolling spiral. If you’ve spent hours glued to your For You page, you’re not alone – TikTok was the most downloaded app of 2020.
In light of the platform’s roaring success, its passionate Gen Z user base is leaving an enormous mark on the cultural landscape, especially in its dedication to curating eccentric new styles.
TikTok “aesthetics,” (Gen Z’s catchall term for unique subcultures), are reinventing self-expression. Whether creators are capturing their favorite aesthetic-themed outfits, makeup looks or room decorations, these videos constantly push the boundaries of modern style by broadcasting their unique flair to millions of adoring followers. Rather than restricting themselves to “normal” forms of inspiration, TikTokers look anywhere from childhood nostalgia to classic literature to add a taste of whimsy to their worldview.
Whether you're committing to a new look or just dipping your toes into the latest trends, TikTok aesthetics are a fun, flashy break from the minutiae of everyday life. Here’s a breakdown of a few of the platform’s finest vibes:
DARK ACADEMIA
Ancient libraries illuminated by candlelight, the gentle clicking of a typewriter on a paper strewn desk, flipping through worn copies of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” in the dead of night – dark academia has it all.
Inspired by the atmospheric gloom of Western civilization’s most historic college campuses, dark academia romanticizes the rigorous studiousness of the academic lifestyle by adding a touch of gothic beauty. Journals are leather-bound, pathways are cobblestone-lined and lighting is sepia-toned. The boring, mundane aspects of education are rejected in favor of idealizing learning for learning’s sake – studying isn’t a chore; it’s an art form.
Dark academia fashion places a heavy emphasis on early-to-mid-20th century European menswear, with pieces like elbow-patched tweed blazers, high-waisted trousers, cable-knit sweater vests and oxfords becoming wardrobe staples. Of course, no closet could ever be complete without the style’s most essential article of clothing: a sleek, black turtleneck. Thanks to the exorbitant prices on these old-school items, many dark academia nuts opt to thrift vintage clothes to satisfy their expensive stylistic desires.
Much of the dark academia aesthetic is credited to films like “Dead Poets Society,” which stars Robin Williams as an engaging, unorthodox English teacher at a Vermont boarding school, and novels like Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History,” a murder mystery about a group of wealthy students at a Vermont liberal-arts-college. (Little known fact: Vermont is an endless well of aesthetic inspiration.)
These seminal works are odes to the educational experiences of years past, romanticizing the dust-covered chalkboards and ink-stained composition books of a world free of modern problems. Tartt’s description of “The Secret History” characters best summarizes dark academia’s old-world charisma:
“They all shared a certain coolness, a cruel, mannered charm which was not modern in the least but had the strange cold breath of the ancient world: they were magnificent creatures, such eyes, such hands, such looks - sic oculos, sic ille manus, sic ora ferebat.”
Thinking about delving into dark academia? Follow Tartt’s example and seek the allure in the archaic.
COTTAGECORE
Have you ever had the urge to throw your phone in the river and start a new life in the countryside? Do you dream about frolicking through strawberry fields, letting the warm, honeysuckle-scented breeze rush through your hair while bumblebees gently buzz in your ears? Are you considering abandoning your degree to raise herds of baby goats?
You may be experiencing symptoms of cottagecore, TikTok’s nature-inspired aesthetic.
Born out of frustration with a technology-dependent, consumerist society, cottagecore is the rejection of modernity in favor of gentle, rustic escapism. Fans of this aesthetic use the chaos of social media to romanticize simplicity, realizing their dreams of quaint homes and natural beauty by posting TikToks that indulge the senses. Instead of rushing to meet deadlines and answer emails, take a second to rejuvenate with a scroll through your For You page - appreciate the simple pleasures of the cozy countryside and momentarily leave your troubles behind. Allow cottagecore content to slow life down to a kinder pace.
Although the fashion varies, long, flowing prairie dresses, along with gingham and floral patterned wear, are staples of the cottagecore genre. Many people cite the costumes of Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” as influencing the aesthetic’s recent popularity in the fashion world, with people wanting a taste of the whimsical period garb in their own closets.
If you’re feeling worn-out by your fast-paced, 21st century life, brew some lavender tea, bake some raspberry scones, and bask in the sunshine to have a succulent taste of the rustic cottagecore lifestyle. Even if you can’t frolic or unplug, you can at least appreciate the simple fantasy of watching others live out the calmest of dreams.
SOFT GIRL
Dreamy, dainty and romantic – the soft girl has the sweetest aesthetic in town.
Heavily influenced by icons like Ariana Grande and Clairo, this aesthetic spins a totes adorbs twist on your favorite 90s trends to create an aura of gentle charm. Staples like miniskirts, crop tops and chunky sneakers are paired with fluffy cardigans and delicate jewelry to emphasize their dedication to a syrupy-sweet disposition. And of course, no soft girl’s wardrobe is complete without a spring-themed smattering of pastel pinks, purples and baby blues.
Beyond the baby tees and barrettes lies the soft girl’s greatest quality: kindness. At a time when the world is full of cynicism, the soft girl dares to value tenderness and warmth. By defining their style and outlook as “soft,” they’re bravely rejecting the harsh status quo.
The style’s delicate, pastel look is also part of a movement to normalize hyper-femininity. With damaging gender stereotypes labeling so-called “girly girls” as shallow, many women choose to reject feminine styles entirely, claiming they’re “not like other girls” because they’ve been programmed to believe that “girly” things are indications of weakness. By embracing hyper-femininity, soft girls are demolishing these harmful stereotypes and showing just how strong their softness can be.
Y2K
The 2000s are back, and they’re bigger and better, with more bling than ever.
Inspired by the revolutionary looks of icons like Paris Hilton, Beyoncé, Britney Spears and Aaliyah, the y2k aesthetic celebrates the daring dazzle of the early 2000s.
The trendsetting staples of the era embrace unabashed boldness, opting for brazen fits like low-rise jeans, cami tank tops, miniskirts, tracksuits and luxury-logoed shirts. Any TikTok fashionista will tell you that accessorizing is a must for this aesthetic, with butterfly hair clips, bandanas, scarves, hoop earrings and shoulder bags like the Fendi Baguette and Dior Saddle all making massive comebacks.
Much of y2k reflects everyone’s love and nostalgia for their favorite 2000s movies. From Regina’s iconic pink cardigan in “Mean Girls” to Elle Woods’ fabulous halter dresses in “Legally Blonde,” TikTok creators are constantly replicating these vibrant, flashy styles in their videos. The recent picture day trend, in which people pose as different 2000s high school movie tropes for a yearbook photo, even explores more niche character outfits, like the class president and the fashionista.
Looking for some nostalgic fun? Blast some Britney Spears, throw on your favorite rhinestone-studded tracksuit and let this wicked aesthetic hit you one more time.
Whether you’re more into the stony campuses of dark academia, the rustic humility of cottagecore, the pastel tenderness of the soft girl or the flashy glitz of y2k, no one can deny the creative genius of TikTok aesthetics. Even if you’re more into the humorous side of TikTok – and who would blame you – it’s inspiring to watch people explore their niche passions within these 60-second bursts of content. More than any other generation, Gen Z has embraced their nostalgia to destroy the myth that what you love could ever go out of style – from butterfly hair clips to gingham overalls, you do you, boo.
Strike Out,
Writer: Madison Chestang
Editor: Jacob McLean
Graphic: Kate McNamara
Gainsville