Vanilla Girl: A New Trend Rising from the Social Media Ashes
From the ashes of past aesthetics like balletcore, coastal grandmother, and coquettecore, a new trend emerges, subtly capturing the attention of social media users. Meet the 'Vanilla Girl' - a winter-ready, soft, minimalist style taking TikTok by storm.
Defining the Vanilla Girl Aesthetic
The 'Vanilla Girl' aesthetic captures the essence of cozy, warm, winter whites. It's a delicate blend of minimalist makeup, comfortable and chic clothing, and a lifestyle that screams luxury and comfort. Characterized by a preference for neutral tones like cream, beige, and white, the Vanilla Girl is marked by an understated elegance and a penchant for cozy comfort.
Drawing inspiration from the 'clean girl' aesthetic, the 'Vanilla Girl' aesthetic also emphasizes simplicity and minimalism. However, it adds an element of coziness and homeliness, making it the perfect aesthetic for the colder months.
The Vanilla Girl Look: Fashion and Makeup
The Vanilla Girl fashion aesthetic is all about donning different shades of the same color in a pared-back style. It's about embracing cable knit jumpers, neutral-toned scarves, and oversized cream coats. The Vanilla Girl's wardrobe essentials include a neutral palette of clothing, minimalist makeup for a barely-there look, scented candles, and cozy bedding.
When it comes to makeup, the 'Vanilla Girl' look is minimalistic and natural. It's all about enhancing your natural beauty using soft, neutral tones. A radiant complexion, subtle eye makeup, and a dab of lip gloss are the key elements of this look.
Celebrities Embracing the Vanilla Girl Aesthetic
The Vanilla Girl aesthetic trend has not just conquered social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, but it has also found its way into the glamorous world of celebrities. Style icons like Olivia Palermo, Kim Kardashian, and Meghan Markle have been spotted sporting creamy clothes that beautifully capture their softer side, demonstrating the mainstream appeal of the aesthetic.
Controversy Surrounding the Vanilla Girl Aesthetic
Despite its popularity, the 'Vanilla Girl' aesthetic has been met with some criticism. One of the chief concerns is that it seems to favor white, blonde women, thereby excluding women of color. The name 'vanilla', synonymous with whiteness, and the examples used to illustrate the trend, seem to imply that it's only for "pretty, thin, white women."
Addressing the Issue of Inclusivity
While the vanilla girl aesthetic has been criticized for its lack of inclusivity, some TikTok users have made a conscious effort to make the trend more inclusive. For instance, Aiyana Ishmael, an editorial assistant at Teen Vogue, started her own trend: the "chocolate girl" trend.
The Vanilla Girl Trend: An Ode to Minimalism
In a year dominated by maximalism, the 'Vanilla Girl' trend offers a refreshing change. It represents the antithesis of the 'weird girl' look and embraces a more is more, over-the-top aesthetic, which saw different prints, colors, and textures styled together in looks that purposefully mismatched.
Embracing the Vanilla Girl Aesthetic
If you're interested in emulating the 'Vanilla Girl' aesthetic, the key is to invest in pieces that embody the look. Cream slip skirts, white knit jumpers, and beige scarves are all staples that will serve you well for years to come.
Rise of the Vanilla Girl Trend
With more than 650 million views on TikTok, the hashtag #vanillagirl has cemented its popularity on the social media platform. However, the trend does have limitations. It's often seen as promoting a specific type of beauty, usually featuring thin, white women, thereby excluding anyone who falls outside this narrow perception of beauty.
The Vanilla Girl Trend: A New Aesthetic Evolution
The Vanilla Girl aesthetic trend can be seen as a new evolution in the aesthetic trends that have dominated social media platforms. It's a softer, romantic, and more feminine style that incorporates light, earthy, and cream tones.
Social Media's Role in the Vanilla Girl Trend
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram, have played a significant role in popularizing the 'Vanilla Girl' aesthetic. From fashion bloggers to influencers and celebrities, many have embraced this style and are sharing their unique interpretations.
The Vanilla Girl: A Trend Here to Stay?
While trends come and go, the 'Vanilla Girl' aesthetic seems to have a staying power that sets it apart. Its focus on comfort, luxury, and minimalism resonates with many, making it a trend that might just be here to stay. However, it's important to remember that beauty is diverse and inclusive, and no single trend should define or limit our perception of beauty.
