In the ever-evolving world of TikTok trends, aesthetics like “clean girl,” “old money,” and “coastal grandma” have taken over fashion conversations in recent years. These styles each offer distinct visual identities that go beyond just clothing choices – they represent lifestyles, values, and even subtle social signals. While the clean girl aesthetic embraces minimalism and effortless beauty, old money channels generational wealth vibes, and coastal styles evoke relaxed seaside living.
Choosing which aesthetic resonates with you should ultimately reflect your authentic self rather than trying to fit into a rigid trend category. The clean girl look might appeal if you prefer polished simplicity, while old money might attract those drawn to classic, timeless pieces. The coastal aesthetic, whether grandma or granddaughter, offers a more relaxed approach to elegance with breezy fabrics and comfortable silhouettes.
It’s worth noting that many of these popular aesthetics have faced criticism for their exclusionary nature, often centering around specific body types, socioeconomic backgrounds, or racial identities. The most sustainable approach might be borrowing elements from different aesthetics that genuinely speak to you, creating a personal style that feels authentic rather than performative.
Key Takeaways
- Aesthetics like clean girl, old money, and coastal each represent distinct visual identities tied to different lifestyle values and social signals.
- Your personal style should reflect your authentic self rather than conforming entirely to trending aesthetic categories.
- Consider incorporating elements from multiple aesthetics that genuinely resonate with you to create a more sustainable and personalized approach to style.
Understanding the Most Popular Aesthetics
Social media has given rise to several distinctive style movements that capture different lifestyle aspirations. Each aesthetic offers its own unique approach to fashion, beauty, and living with specific visual elements that make them instantly recognizable.
What Is the Clean Girl Aesthetic?
The clean girl aesthetic revolves around minimalism, effortless beauty, and a put-together appearance. When you embrace this look, you’ll typically sport a slicked-back low bun paired with gold hoop earrings for that simple yet polished vibe.
Your makeup will be natural and dewy, focusing on glowing skin rather than heavy coverage. Think tinted moisturizer, cream blush, and clear lip gloss – nothing too dramatic.
The wardrobe centers on neutral workout sets, tailored basics, and monochromatic color schemes. You might complete the look with Apple Airpod Max headphones and carry a green juice or smoothie, signaling health-consciousness and modern sensibilities.
This aesthetic emphasizes looking “effortlessly” put together, though achieving this look often requires careful curation. The clean girl vibe suggests wellness, organization, and a certain level of affluence without being flashy.
Defining Old Money Style
The old money aesthetic draws inspiration from generational wealth and timeless elegance. When you adopt this style, you’re channeling the understated luxury of those who have inherited their fortune rather than newly acquired wealth.
Your wardrobe features high-quality classic pieces: tennis skirts, cable-knit sweaters, tailored blazers, and penny loafers. The color palette stays within neutrals, navy, and burgundy – nothing flashy or trendy.
This look emphasizes quality over quantity and brand names. You’ll focus on natural fabrics like linen, wool, and cashmere, avoiding synthetic materials and obvious logos.
Accessories remain minimal and refined – pearl earrings, gold watches, and vintage silk scarves. Your hair is typically styled in loose waves or a classic blowout, while makeup remains subtle and natural.
Overview of the Coastal Look
The coastal aesthetic celebrates relaxed seaside living with a breezy, natural approach to style. When you embrace this look, you’re channeling the carefree spirit of oceanfront communities, whether that’s the Hamptons, Cape Cod, or California beaches.
Your wardrobe features light, breathable fabrics like linen shirts, striped tees, and wide-leg pants. The color palette mirrors the shoreline – whites, sandy beiges, and various shades of blue.
Home décor incorporates natural elements like driftwood, seashells, and jute rugs. You might display coastal art or photographs and use light, airy curtains to let in plenty of natural light.
The overall vibe is relaxed yet refined. This isn’t about kitschy beach souvenirs but rather sophisticated elements that subtly reference coastal living. Your beauty routine focuses on sun-kissed skin, tousled “beach waves” hair, and minimal makeup for that just-off-the-beach glow.
Key Elements and Visual Cues
Each aesthetic has distinctive visual elements that make it instantly recognizable. Understanding these key components will help you determine which style resonates most with your personal taste and lifestyle.
Signature Accessories and Details
For the “clean girl” aesthetic, minimalist jewelry is essential – think gold hoops that add a touch of elegance without overwhelming your look. Slicked-back buns or ponytails paired with a fresh face featuring glowy skin and subtle makeup complete this effortless vibe.
The “old money” aesthetic leans heavily on luxury accessories that appear timeless rather than trendy. Pearl necklaces, heritage watches, and monogrammed items suggest a sense of history and permanence. Quality over quantity is the golden rule here.
In the “coastal” aesthetic (including both “coastal grandma” and “coastal granddaughter”), natural elements shine. Straw hats, canvas totes, and shell accessories create that oceanside feel. Simple linen scarves and delicate sunglasses add functional style perfect for beach days or garden parties.
Textures, Patterns, and Colors
“Clean girl” embraces smooth textures and solid neutrals – think cream, beige, white, and soft pastels. The look avoids busy patterns in favor of clean lines and monochromatic palettes that feel fresh and uncomplicated.
“Old money” features rich textures like cashmere, wool, and high-quality cotton. The color palette tends toward classic navy, hunter green, burgundy, and camel. Subtle patterns like herringbone, small checks, and equestrian-inspired prints add interest without appearing flashy.
The “coastal” aesthetic celebrates natural fibers and textures. Linen, cotton, and terry cloth dominate in soft, sun-bleached tones. Blues ranging from navy to pale sky, sandy neutrals, and crisp whites create that oceanside feeling. Subtle stripes and occasional nautical motifs feature prominently without becoming kitschy.
Wardrobe Staples
For “clean girl,” invest in perfectly fitted basics: crisp white button-downs, well-cut t-shirts, straight-leg jeans, and sleek ballet flats or sneakers. Each piece should feel timeless and versatile.
“Old money” staples include tailored blazers, quality knitwear, tennis skirts or pleated trousers, and well-maintained loafers or riding boots. The emphasis is on classic pieces that never truly go out of style and appear to have been in your wardrobe for years.
The “coastal” aesthetic features breezy linen shirts, comfortable sweaters, white jeans, and flowy dresses. Footwear is casual yet put-together – think leather sandals or boat shoes. These pieces create a relaxed yet pulled-together look perfect for seaside living or simply channeling that laid-back coastal energy.
Core Values Behind Each Aesthetic
Each aesthetic movement embodies distinct values and lifestyles that resonate with different personality types and aspirations. These values go beyond mere visual appeal to represent deeper cultural meanings.
Sophistication and Minimalism
The “clean girl” aesthetic celebrates simplicity and effortlessness in appearance and lifestyle. You’ll notice its focus on minimalist makeup, slicked-back hair, and neutral wardrobe staples. This look isn’t just about appearance—it represents order and control in a chaotic world.
The aesthetic values quality over quantity. You’re encouraged to invest in fewer, better items rather than accumulating trendy pieces. Think capsule wardrobes and multipurpose products.
At its core, the clean girl aesthetic champions the idea that sophistication comes from restraint. You’ll find emphasis on “no-makeup makeup” that enhances rather than transforms. The polished, put-together appearance suggests competence and self-care.
Unfortunately, as search results suggest, this aesthetic often lacks diversity in its representation, primarily showcasing certain body types and skin tones.
The Appeal of Class
The “old money” and “coastal” aesthetics (including coastal granddaughter) draw heavily on class signifiers and generational wealth imagery. You’ll recognize these through preppy clothing, nautical themes, and activities associated with leisure time.
These aesthetics romanticize a lifestyle of inherited privilege. Think tennis matches, sailing excursions, and summer homes. The appeal lies in the perception of effortless status—appearing wealthy without looking like you’re trying too hard.
For many followers, these aesthetics represent aspiration rather than reality. You might be drawn to the sense of tradition and timelessness they convey. Classic pieces like cable-knit sweaters, linen shirts, and pearls signal belonging to an exclusive club.
The search results highlight a significant criticism: these aesthetics often exclude people of color despite their popularity in Western fashion trends. The idealized “poster girls” remain predominantly white.
How to Decide Which Aesthetic Fits You
Finding the right aesthetic that resonates with your personality and lifestyle involves self-reflection and experimentation. The perfect aesthetic should feel natural and comfortable rather than forced or inauthentic.
Personal Style Evaluation
Start by examining what you naturally gravitate toward in your closet. What colors, textures, and silhouettes make you feel most confident? Take note of compliments you receive—they often highlight what genuinely suits you.
Create a Pinterest board or photo album of outfits and spaces that catch your eye. After collecting 30-50 images, look for patterns. Do you consistently save images featuring neutral tones and minimalist designs (clean girl), classic tailoring and timeless pieces (old money), or breezy linens and natural elements (coastal)?
Consider your personality traits too. Are you methodical and organized, preferring streamlined simplicity? Do you value tradition and heritage? Or do you crave relaxation and connection to nature?
Considering Lifestyle and Context
Your daily routine significantly impacts which aesthetic is most practical. A coastal aesthetic might feel out of place if you work in a corporate environment, while the polished clean girl look might require more maintenance than your schedule allows.
Think about your climate and location. The coastal aesthetic makes more sense near water, though elements can be adapted anywhere. Old money aesthetics often incorporate seasonal wardrobes that may require storage space and investment.
Budget is another practical consideration. The clean girl aesthetic often emphasizes quality basics that can be more affordable long-term. Old money styles might require investment pieces, though vintage shopping can help.
Your social environment matters too. Do you want your aesthetic to help you blend in or stand out in your community?
Mixing and Matching Elements
Remember that aesthetics aren’t rigid categories—they’re jumping-off points for self-expression. You might love the sleek makeup of the clean girl look but prefer the textured fabrics of coastal style.
Try the 70-30 approach: choose one aesthetic as your foundation (70%) and incorporate elements from another as accents (30%). For example, base your style on clean girl minimalism but add coastal-inspired natural materials or old money heritage accessories.
Experiment with “aesthetic days” where you fully embrace one look to see how it feels. Note which elements you miss when trying different styles—these are likely core to your authentic personal aesthetic.
Don’t rush the process. Your personal style will evolve naturally over time as you discover what truly resonates with you.
