Aesthetic is a term you’re probably acquainted with if you’re a part of the chronically online demographic. It takes me way back to my 2014 tumblr days, sifting through blog themes ranging from soft grunge grays to sparkling gold and pink luxury.
While aesthetic may have gotten its start in the blogging community, it’s now evolved into a style for girls and guys alike to express themselves, home interiors take inspo from on Pinterest, a brand to market yourself with on social media, or even world to escape to through a Spotify playlist. From #cottagecore, #Y2Kcore, #richgirlcore, #twilightcore aesthetic TikTok’s algorithm is run by aesthetics, surfacing new styles to experiment with every day.
As someone who’s thrown into a frenzy at the question, “what’s your favorite genre?” it’s no surprise that choosing a specific aesthetic has always been the impossible task for me. One day, I may want to feel the thrill of flying through the woods on Edward Cullen’s back with a Paramore track. And the next, a video vixen lounging poolside of a 50 Cent music video, glimmering in reflector shades.
I find myself with far too many commitment issues to marry one specific “aesthetic,” although it would definitely lead to a more cohesive wardrobe, and cost-savings in the long run. But, it may just be that “aesthetic” – a label associated with stylistic expression – is too limited for many nuances of the human experience.
While trying to fit into an aesthetic can feel limiting at times, one positive is that it has created a safe haven for creative expression that wasn’t nearly as accessible or diverse, once upon a time ago. Growing up, merely experimenting with a different style could get you taunted in the halls, or and at worst ostracized. And this pressure was even worse as a POC, facing stereotypes both from inside and outside of my community, about how I was allowed to express myself.
Thankfully, with the emergence of platforms like Tiktok, it’s very easy to engage and take inspiration from those with similar backgrounds, who aren’t chained to specific styles based on something as shallow physical attributes.
So what’s the solution?
Instead of allowing aesthetic to define yourself, perhaps the solution is in the reversal of that statement. Allow yourself to define your aesthetic. Let your closet be a collage of the many characteristics that color your dynamic personality. Sure, it may not be “aesthetically pleasing” but neither is life, which changes its garments by the day.
If you can’t afford to divorce your aesthetic, start with basics that you can dress up with accessories or emphasize with makeup. For example, this dress could scream Y2K chic if you choose to pair it over denim, true to the early aughts, or fairycore if bedazzled with a few face decals.
Regardless of what styles you select, there’s a place for them all to shine in your wardrobe! It’s we to release ourselves from the shackles of “aesthetic” and allow the person inside to dictate our creative expression, even if they desire to wear a new face tomorrow.
