Aesthetic, aesthetics, aesthetic style... On social media we find looks and outfits full of personality. Making the wearer look stylish and straight out of a film or series, but how frustrating when you try to recreate them! Something doesn't fit, maybe you look too flashy or maybe it doesn't suit your everyday style. To express yourself through fashion without feeling like you're in costume, the key is to find the balance between trend and authenticity... but how do you do it without losing your essence? Find out here.
What is aesthetic style in fashion?
The term "aesthetic" is everywhere: in social media, in fashion, in art... But what does aesthetic really mean? More than just a trend, aesthetic is a form of visual expression that has evolved with digital culture. It has no single origin, but is the result of the evolution of fashion and online influence. However, its popularisation is mainly due to three major key moments:
The Tumblr era (2010-2015): This is where it all began. It was the first platform where the term aesthetic began to be associated with a specific visual style. Users created boards with images of fashion, landscapes and objects that conveyed a unique aesthetic concept.
The rise of Instagram and Pinterest (2016-2019): With the advent of these visual platforms, aesthetic fashion diversified into multiple styles with defined visual codes. Sub-styles such as minimal aesthetic (simple and neutral lines) or vintage aesthetic (retro clothes with a modern twist) became popular. Brands and content creators started to build their feeds following a specific aesthetic.
TikTok and the explosion of micro-styles (2020-Present): Today, this social network has taken the 'aesthetic' concept to another level, turning it into a viral trend. New styles have emerged such as Y2K aesthetic, Coquette aesthetic and Cottagecore, among many others. Aesthetics are no longer just visual, but have become a form of identity and personal expression.
Today, aesthetic is much more than just a trend: it's a way of telling who you are through fashion. Do you want to find yours? Discover the most popular types of aesthetic and choose the one that best suits your style.
Types of aesthetic style
The aesthetic concept encompasses multiple styles, each with its own visual identity, cultural references and combination of garments. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Art Hoe aesthetic
This style is inspired by a love of art, nature and creativity. It is associated with people who seek to express themselves through painting, photography and fashion with a bohemian and relaxed air.
This style translates into comfortable, loose-fitting garments, such as oversized T-shirts and vintage jackets. Her colours evoke nature with shades of mustard, terracotta, greens and blues, creating a relaxed and authentic look. Her favourite shoes are comfortable sneakers, sandals or even worker boots in winter.
Example of a look: Mom jeans, a T-shirt with an artistic print, a mustard-coloured jumper and white trainers.
Coquette + Balletcore + Soft Aesthetic
This style is characterised by femininity, romanticism and delicacy, combining elements of vintage fashion and minimalism. The term Coquette means "coquette" in French and focuses on highlighting natural beauty with subtle details. Coquette Aesthetic is mixed with influences from Balletcore, evoking the elegance of ballet, and Soft Aesthetic, with its romantic and delicate air.
This style is characterised by the use of pastel and neutral colours such as powder pink, white, beige and lilac, which give a romantic air. The garments usually include lace skirts, corsets and blouses with bows or ruffles, which highlight the vintage and refined essence of the look. Accessories play a key role, with details such as pearls, hair bows and lace stockings reinforcing the delicate and flirtatious aesthetic.
Example look: A white gathered skirt, a white lingerie top, a powder pink cardigan, a fulard and Mary Jane shoes or ballerinas. And don't forget a nice bow in your hair!
Vintage Aesthetic
Vintage aesthetic style is based on nostalgia for past decades, especially the 70s, 80s and 90s, mixing retro elements with a modern twist. Its influences come from indie culture and classic cinema.
Vintage aesthetic is distinguished by oversized and second-hand clothing with key pieces such as high-waisted jeans and leather jackets that add authenticity. In addition, floral patterns and retro prints, such as vichy checks or stripes, add a classic and distinctive touch. Accessories complement this style with vintage scarves, scarves, scarves and bags completing a vintage-inspired look.
Example look: A dadcore jacket (inspired by our parents' seventies and eighties jackets), a basic t-shirt with a message or logo, boyfriend jeans and a good classic vintage bag.
Dark Aesthetic
Inspired by gothic, grunge and punk aesthetics, this style is characterised by a preference for dark colours and bold textures. It is influenced by rock, punk and gothic styles.
This style is built around a palette of dark colours, where black is the protagonist, although deep tones such as burgundy and purple are also incorporated to give nuances to the look. The garments play with striking textures, highlighting materials such as leather, lace and velvet, which provide a mysterious and rebellious air. As for footwear, platform boots become key pieces, reflecting the influence of gothic, grunge and punk fashion.
Example look: Black lace T-shirt, striped blazer, waxed trousers and military boots.
Y2K Aesthetic
This style revives the fashion of the 2000s, with futuristic, flashy garments and a nostalgic feel. It is also associated with space aesthetic, a variant that incorporates metallic, holographic and shiny elements.
Shiny materials and metallic details are essential, reflecting the influence of the digital age. In terms of clothing, crop tops, low-rise trousers and vinyl jackets are essential to achieve this look. Accessories also play a crucial role, with oversized sunglasses, mini bags and platform boots, inspired by icons of the era such as Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.
Example look: Metallic strappy top, low rise flare jeans, platform boots, mini bag and fur coat. Add your 2000's style glasses to finish off the look!
Minimal Aesthetic
It is based on simplicity, elegance and visual harmony through neutral colours and high quality basic garments.
It is defined by its simplicity and elegance, based on a palette of neutral colours such as white, beige, black and grey. The garments stand out for their clean and structured cuts, without overloaded prints, prioritising quality over quantity. In addition, natural materials such as linen, cotton and wool reinforce the sophisticated aesthetics of this style, with a marked influence of Scandinavian and Japanese fashion.
Example of a look: A beige turtleneck jumper with a blazer paired with grey trousers, trainers and matching accessories.
Difference between vintage and aesthetic
The basis of this new movement revolves around aesthetics, which means that it considers the nature of beauty, art and a taste for all that is beautiful to the eye. The difference between vintage and aesthetic lies in its focus and application in fashion and personal style. Although they are similar, they have different meanings:
Vintage: Fashion with history
The term vintage refers to garments, accessories or styles that belong to or are inspired by past decades. It is not just an aesthetic, but a reference to authentic pieces from other eras.
Aesthetic: A visual and stylistic concept
The term aesthetic is used to describe a specific visual style with a strong and recognisable identity. It is not linked to a particular era, but to a defined aesthetic concept, usually associated with social media and digital trends.
Can a look be vintage and aesthetic at the same time?
Yes! For example, Vintage Aesthetic combines elements of 70's, 80's or 90's fashion with a modern and visually appealing approach. More on that later.
How to dress aesthetic according to your style
If you like to experiment with your image, mix references from different eras and express your identity through fashion, then aesthetics are for you. But how do you know if you really fit into the aesthetic world?
How do I know if I am aesthetic?
If you don't identify with the dominant style of the masses and the common canons of beauty, you probably have an aesthetic bent. This means that your style cannot be defined in the most typical way, but that you like to experiment and play with different styles and references. And that's great!
This style is not based on following rigid rules, but on creativity and the search for a unique visual identity.
Outfits and looks aesthetic
Aesthetic Look for a Casual Spring Day (Coquette + Soft Aesthetic)
For a sunny spring day, nothing better than a Coquette + Soft Aesthetic look full of femininity and romanticism. A midi dress in pastel shades or with floral print is the centrepiece of the outfit, providing lightness and a sweet air. To complement it, a light knitted cardigan in white or powder pink adds warmth without taking away from the delicacy. On the feet, ballerinas or Mary Jane shoes reinforce the vintage essence of the style, while a hair bow or quilted headband adds the perfect finishing touch.
Aesthetic Look for a Winter Night Out (Dark Aesthetic)
If you're looking for a mysterious and sophisticated look for a winter night out, the Dark Aesthetic is the ideal choice. Black leather trousers or skinny jeans create a strong and stylish base, paired perfectly with a black lace top or bandeau top for a rebellious vibe. To keep warm without losing style, an oversized blazer or jacket is the best option. For footwear, military or platform boots add presence and attitude to the look. Accessories play a key role: a studded bag completes the outfit for a striking look full of personality.
Aesthetic Look for a Summer Music Festival (Y2K Aesthetic)
Y2K Aesthetic is perfect for a summer music festival, where fun and 2000s nostalgia combine in a striking, futuristic look. A metallic crop top or psychedelic-print T-shirt adds a vibrant touch of the era, while cargo trousers or a low-slung skirt reinforce the two-stripes aesthetic. For a play on contrasts, a vinyl jacket or satin bomber jacket can be the perfect accessory for cooler evenings. On the feet, platform boots or chunky sneakers ensure comfort without losing style. For the finishing touch, you can add an eye-catching mini bag.
Garments and accessories to enhance an aesthetic look
YES:
Anything that doesn't fit the style and attitude of the moment. Collect pieces that are unique from vintage shops or small businesses. Apply style to all aspects of your life, from style to attitude.
NOes:
Filling your wardrobe with the main commercial brands. Lack of personality. Doing it just because it's fashionable.
Iconic aesthetic garments
Iconic aesthetic garments include crop tops, oversized garments and leather or vinyl jackets. Fabrics play a key role: from lace and velvet for romantic looks to denim and cotton for a relaxed feel.
Accessories elevate any outfit aesthetic. A structured mini bag or chunky knitted scarves, silk scarves and retro sunglasses add an extra touch of style. When it comes to footwear, the options vary depending on the aesthetic you're going for: chunky trainers, Mary Janes, loafers or thin strappy sandals are some of the most popular.
Tips for integrating aesthetic into your wardrobe without losing your essence
Adopting an aesthetic style does not mean dressing up or following trends to the letter. The key is to adapt this concept to your own style, while maintaining authenticity and avoiding mistakes that can make the look seem forced or unnatural. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:
Adapting the trend to your personal style
➡ You don't have to follow a 100% aesthetic. You can take inspiration from different aesthetic styles and mix them with clothes that really represent you. For example, if you like Coquette Aesthetic but don't feel comfortable with pastel colours, try feminine garments in neutral tones like beige or black.
Avoiding common mistakes in aesthetic dressing
1️⃣ One of the most common mistakes when attempting an aesthetic look is to overload the outfit with too many trends at the same time. If you mix iconic garments from different styles without cohesion, the result can look chaotic and unharmonious. To avoid this, choose one key piece as a starting point and build the rest of the look around it.
2️⃣ Another common mistake is to sacrifice comfort for fashion. An aesthetic look should make you feel good, so it's important to prioritise clothes that you feel confident in and that fit your everyday life. You don't need to dress in an extreme way to follow the aesthetic; the little details count too.
3️⃣ Finally, avoid copying looks without adapting them to your morphology or lifestyle. The aesthetic is not only to dress like the influencers, but to find the version that best represents you. Experiment, try combinations and adjust trends until they fit your essence.
Being aesthetic is more than clothes
Integrating aesthetic into your wardrobe is a process of exploration and self-knowledge. Dare to experiment, but always with authenticity, find your own version of aesthetic and make it your own! Don't know where to start? Find your aesthetic with Lookiero, our Personal Shoppers can help you discover what kind of aesthetic suits you with the best garments selected for you.
