Imagine someone who is completely organized. Imagine them in an outfit. The clean girl, while maximising their career aspirations (“That Girl”) is minimal when it comes down to fashion and beauty. She is usually up early and goes to bed early. She meditates and journals every morning. She also follows her skincare regimen religiously. She is the definition of cool, calm and collected. Her closet consists of both comfortable and sophisticated pieces.
While today’s fashionable it-girls have been a proponent of the current aesthetic for years, they’re not the first. Black women and Latinas are doing it since ages. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, who died in 1997, was the original poster girl for the style back in the 1990s. Victoria Barbara, luxury fashion and beauty expert and influencer, says that Bessette Kennedy mastered sophisticated yet clean styling with staple pieces in neutral colors. Her looks are timeless and relevant to today’s fashion. “Think polished hair in a slicked back bun, chunky jewelry, and very natural makeup with a dewy look.”
Below, you’ll find a list of the best tips from fashion experts on how to incorporate the Clean Girl Aesthetic into your daily life.
Combine something sporty with something preppy
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Michelle Rothenburger, vegan fashion blogger at Harm Free Fashion, says her interpretation of Clean Girl Aesthetic is to pair athleisure and something preppy. This gives off a sleek yet down-to earth vibe. Think of black bikers shorts paired with an oversized button-down shirt, khaki pants with pleats or Bermuda shorts paired with a white tank top with ribs and a cardigan. Rothenburgertold told InStyle that she prefers white tennis shoes, sleek neutral sandals or black ballet flats for shoes.
Simplicity can be sexy
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JessaKae’s founder Jessa Maddocks suggests that to channel the “clean girl,” you should focus on a simple, sexy silhouette like a wrap or slip dress and experiment with colors outside of a neutral palette. She recommends using pastels or patterns without too many details. Maddocks told InStyle that once she had her foundation in place, she would reach for minimal gold jewellery, a black stiletto with an open toe, and if she felt daring she might even go braless. “That’s Clean Girl having a good time with her friends.”
Matching sets remain a go-to
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Wearing a matching outfit is part of the Clean Girl aesthetic, which is about convenience and simplicity. Katya Bychkova is a lifestyle influencer and founder of Style Sprinter. She says that this aesthetic includes anything from an athleisure outfit in matching neutrals, to a co-ord sweatsuit or two-piece suit. The styling of the set is also effortless. Sprinter’s advice is to “add sneakers and a simple shoulder bag without logos,” citing Mansur Gavriel mini crossbody bags and The Row totes as sources of inspiration.
Choose an Oversized Blazer
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Blazers should be a part of your wardrobe, whether or not you are channeling the Clean Girl aesthetic. Bychkova, however, says that oversized, structured clothing is best for this look. These details “lift up sporty pieces and make them appropriate for any occasion.”
Don’t forget your sunnies
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Sunglasses are an essential part of the Clean Girl Aesthetic. Bychkova recommends choosing a pair of sunglasses that you can wear at any time. “From smaller frames to show off your eyebrow to oversized models to look like your trying to escape the paparazzi.” These glasses will help you to achieve that cool girl look.
Neutral colors are the best choice
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Clean Girl Aesthetic does not subscribe to bright colors and patterns. That’s why Liv Schreiber, aka Gown Eyed Girl and Kennedy Bingham (aka Gown Eyed Girl) suggest staying with neutrals like black, white and brown. Schreiber says that the Clean Girl will never be seen in bright colors or patterns.
Go For The Gold
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Anna Sitar, a TikTok celebrity and fashion influencer, says that adding gold hoops or layered chains to an outfit can “instantly make it shine.” Ella Halikas, a fashion influencer and curve model, agrees. She lists the Adina Hoops from Natalie B Jewelry as well as any gold piece by Ettika among her favorites. She adds that gold hoops, along with necklaces and bracelets, are the easiest way to look stylish without having to try too hard.
Keep embellishments minimal
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Kat Jamieson is a fashion influencer, and the founder of With Love From Kat, a travel app. She says that she likes to pair a light, relaxed-fit denim jean, with frayed edges, with a classic, white button-down. This adds some flair to a Clean Girl look that would otherwise be boring.
Choose Straight Leg Fits Over Skinny Fits
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Athena Ng is a digital designer who says mom jeans and trousers make up the majority of options. She says that “[these styles] create a floaty shape and cinch the waist,” adding that the Clean Girl also approves of high-waisted pants. They will make you feel casual and chic at the same time.”
