Fashion

How to nail the ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic

For the It-girls

20.08.2022

By Phyll Wu

How to nail the ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic

Since TikTok’s social media takeover two years ago, we’ve been introduced to a plethora of new trends that come and go at warp speed. From ‘Barbiecore‘ to ‘Dark Academia’, the list of trendy aesthetics is seemingly endless and overwhelming to catch up with. That said, one trend has withstood the merciless cycle for over a year and it is none other than the ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic.

If you haven’t already seen it all over your FYP, the ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic is simply a reiteration of the off-duty model look. It is the embodiment of that girl—she never has a strand of hair out of place, her skin glows, her manicure is fresh, she smells like expensive perfume, even when she isn’t wearing any, she’s always collected, most probably journals and meditates daily, has her life together, and every girl wants to be her.

While there is an ongoing debate about how attainable and inclusive it is, the simplicity and minimalism of it all actually makes it more accessible than most aesthetics. Tempted to hop on the trend bandwagon? Well, hop on! Ahead, we’ll guide you through the key fashion elements of the ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic.

 

Less is more

The overall look of the ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic is—you guessed it—clean. It’s all about simplicity and the idea that less is more. Basics are essential, but that doesn’t mean you should only wear plain white T-shirts and tanks. Essentially, you want to look chic in a minimalistic and sophisticated fashion. Keeping comfort in mind, the foundations of your ensemble should consist of pieces such as:

 

Oversized button-ups

 

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Taupe Longline Shirt, King & Tuckfield

 

Elevated basics

 

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White Density Tank Top, Dion Lee

 

 

 

Slip-on dresses

 

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Green Florian Midi Dress, Paris Georgia

 

 

 

Sweaters

 

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Green Alpaca Sweater, Maison Margiela

 

 

Matching sets

 

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Orange ‘La Chemise Tangelo’, Jacquemus

 

 

Knits

 

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Beige Sleeveless Knit Dress, Chloé

 

 

Vests

 

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Brown Maesa Vest, The Frankie Shop

 

 

Or even just an oversized blazer!

 

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Black Polyester Blazer, Ottolinger

 

Flowy > skinny fits

To keep up the floaty silhouette, a pair of straight-leg trousers or a skirt that cinches at the waist are prominent pieces in the ‘Clean Girl’ look.

 

 

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Brown Crossin Leather Pants, Ksubi

 

Green Loophole Tie Skirt, Christopher Esber

 

And forget skinny jeans, mom jeans will be your new favourite denim.

 

Blue Orion Jeans, Eytys

 

 

Silky gal

Nothing screams elegance like silk. Silk blouses, silk dresses, silk skirts—you name it. On lazy days when dressing up for an occasion just seems like too much work, throwing on a silk piece will instantly give you a sexy and polished look.

 

 

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Grey Silk Shirt, Christopher Esber

 

Pink Marguerite Midi Dress, Reformation

 

Burgundy Alessio Skirt, Max Mara

 

 

Mix it up

The ‘Clean Girl’ look doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, adding subtle vibrant or sporty touches to contrast with a minimalistic, neutral-toned outfit is encouraged. While you want to avoid complicated patterns, a true ‘Clean Girl’ is not without a playful side. So don’t be afraid to mix it up with a pair of bright bottoms or bags to elevate your ensemble.

 

 

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Red Orb Socks, Vivienne Westwood

 

Pink ‘Le Bambino’ Clutch, Jacquemus

 

 

Gold for days

Gold accessories are favoured. From dainty layered chains to chunky gold rings, they elevate your ensemble with a sheen of elegance.

 

 

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Gold #8552 Necklace, Numbering

 

Gold Hoop Earrings, Bottega Veneta

 

Gold Hand Me Down Ring, Bleue Burnham

 

Gold Small Numbers Ring, Maison Margiela

 

 

Sunnies are a must

A ‘Clean Girl’ never leaves the house without her sunglasses, even at night or on rainy days. They add a cool-girl mystique to your look, like an off-duty model who is always prepared for the flashing lights of the paparazzi. Selecting a versatile pair is essential if you’re to always have one in your bag.

 

 

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White 4Gem Sunglasses, Givenchy

 

Black Rectangular Sunglasses, Valentino Garavani

 

 

 

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