The Lodown on Aesthetics

-By S.P

Music has genres; books have themes, people? Well, we have aesthetics. An aesthetic is a certain style you adopt and employ in every facet of your life - from home decor to fashion to social media. Your aesthetic is essentially your way of life -  presented in a visually pleasing way. While there’s an aesthetic to accompany every personality type, I have curated this list to feature a few popular ones. 

1. Boho Chic

The Boho Chic aesthetic (my personal favorite) targets all the crystal-loving hippies and assorted free spirits out there. This style lends itself to bohemian, indie, and natural influences while maintaining that urban touch that keeps you relevant. 

• Fashion: loose-fitting silhouettes, summery tones and patterns, excessive jewelry and layering, artsy hairdos
• Vibe: a touch of mother nature, welcoming aura, peaceful vibes overall
• Influences: Lisa Bonet, Willow Smith, Paris Jackson
• Other elements: crystals, sage, woven items, clutter

2. IG Baddie

Perhaps, one of the most well-known aesthetics is the IG Baddie. She’s on every second scroll, oozing confidence and sex appeal. IG Baddies love to flaunt their stuff - and they look good doing it. The baddie style is a perfect blend of trendy, modern, and luxury that hits the sweet spot on social media.

• Fashion: figure-hugging silhouettes, cut-out pieces, killer heels, designer brands. 
• Vibe: party lifestyle, risque, attention-grabbing, a girl’s girl
• Influences: Latto, Kim K, Tyla
• Other elements: diamonds, glam, high-end statement pieces, social media presence

3. Clean Girl 

The Clean Girl wants you to know that she has her life together. She is simplicity itself, on-the-go and ready to get sh*t done. This aesthetic is by far the most modern, maintaining that ever-polished look of effortlessness. The Clean Girl style is practically the Regina George of aesthetics - we all wish we were her. 

• Fashion: boxy silhouettes, formal pieces, neutral color palette, accessorize with scent, slicked-back hairdos
• Vibe: natural-esque, modern chic, organised, girlboss
• Influences: Hailey Beiber, Sofia Richie, Kendall Jenner
• Other elements: skincare/ glass skin, minimalism, rigid health regime

4. Y2K

The Y2K aesthetic takes us back to the glory days of the late 90s and early 2000s. Nostalgic crossed with contemporary, this style requires the perfect blend. It’s really about asking yourself: Would my Bratz doll wear this? The Y2K aesthetic is a perfect example of how fashion is never truly out of style. 

• Fashion: bright colors, animal print, thin eyebrows, rhinestones/sequins
• Vibe: eclectic, playful, kitschy, overall throwback vibe
• Influences: Paris Hilton, Ke$ha, Avril Levine 
• Other elements: Playboy, flip phones, hot pink, duck nails

5. Grunge

The Grunge Girl is officially announcing to the world that she is unapologetically herself. She’s the kind of cool that cannot be taught, screaming out rebellion and anti-society. Borrowing the influences of 80s rock and vintage styles, the grunge aesthetic is timeless. 

• Fashion: oversized pieces, plaid, baggy layering, dark metals, combat boots
• Vibe: social non-conformist, individuality, anti-consumerism, strong-willed personalities
• Influences: Billie Eilish, Rick Owens, Taylor Momsen
• Other elements: boy/garage bands, piercings, tattoos, vinyls, distressed items

6. Soft Girl/Cottagecore

Possibly the cutest of all the aesthetics, the Soft Girl is a beacon of feminity. She speaks in permanent ASMR and embodies a real-life princess. The Soft Girl style romanticizes life, personifying serendipity through style and demeanor. 

• Fashion: maxi dresses, lace, floral prints, dainty accessories 
• Vibe: happy-go-lucky, warm aura, down-to-earth, Bambi personality 
• Influences: Lana del Ray, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter
• Other elements: berets, natural environment, blush, frills, bookworm

7. Old Money

The old-money aesthetic has been the OG beauty standard through the ages. Pulling inspiration from classic icons like Marilyn Monroe and The Great Gatsby’s Daisy Buchannon. This style is how 1960s housewives imagined our generation would look. It is effortlessly classy and will never, ever go out of style. 

• Fashion: LBD, fur, pearls, 90s runway accent pieces, YSL, Chanel, Dior (you get the message)
• Vibe: understated luxury, generational wealth, country club lifestyle, white picket fence future
• Influences: Nara Smith, Kelly Rutherford, Princess Diana.
• Other elements: lilies, inherited pieces, high society, monochrome looks