10 Types of Aesthetics for 2021
Believe it or not but aesthetics have been around for years. Back in the day, it used to be the emos, the horse girls, the prepsters, the jocks — think that scene in Mean Girls where Damian shows Cady where the different groups sit in the cafeteria.
Thanks to the popularity of Instagram and, more recently TikTok, new aesthetics have appeared. There are, of course, some older ones that have been reincarnated for 2021. But here are 10 popular aesthetics if you’re looking to change up your outfits — or brush up on your internet vernacular.
E-Girl
Inspired by anime, the e-girl usually has dyed hair — particularly the front sections of her hair. She uses makeup to accentuate her eyes and cheeks, often drawing on fake freckles and using blush to give her cheeks an extra rosy hue. Hair clips, mesh clothing, choker necklaces, and silver jewellery are some key items to pull off this gamer vibe.
VSCO Girl
Named after the popular photo editing app (pronounced visco) this type of style includes white sneakers or Birkenstocks, high-waisted jeans or shorts, oversized T-shirts, and scrunchies. Messy buns are also a part of the equation here that low-key basic look.
Soft Girl
This is similar to the VSCO girl but with more drama. These outfits often include pastel colours and look ultra-romantic — think pleated skirts, florals, sweater vests, and cardigans. However, some put an edgier spin on it with chunky boots, baguette bags and statement sunglasses. But the overall aura is “soft”.
Grunge
Inspired by bands from the 80s and 90s, this aesthetic includes loads of mesh, plaid, mixed prints, combat boots, and layered choker necklaces. It also helps if you have a few guitars laying around.
Cottagecore
It kind of says it in the name, but imagine you live in a cute cottage surrounded by greenery and lounge around in your flowy linen dresses all day. Think Little House on the Prarie. Check brands like DOEN and Christy Dawn for ultimate cottagecore goals.
Normcore
These outfits are not driven by trends or consist of any load pieces. They keep in simple with wardrobe basics. Essentially, the more plain your outfit is, the better.
Art Hoe
This style originated on Tumblr with the Black and LBGTQ+ community who expressed themselves through art and collages. While the term “hoe” can be controversial, the gender-fluid co-creator of the aesthetic, Mars, explained that its name is used “to empower and uplift participants of color in this movement… it’s normally a derogatory way to refer to women–especially Black women–as being promiscuous, within the male gaze. Using the term in an arbitrary way diminishes its harmful origin in light of something better.” Yellow is a very prominent colour here and as well as vintage-looking outfits that channel nature.
Baddie
Popular amongst the Kardashian/Jenner clan this look includes tight dresses, full makeup, and designer pieces.
Dark Academia
Giving us all the prep school vibes, this look includes tweed blazers, sweater vests and plaid. The “dark” aspect to it means that the colours of the outfit are mainly browns and blacks.
Light Academia
Basically the same as dark academia but with lighter colours! Whites, creams, and beiges are the tones you should wear to get in on this vibe.
