If you’re a TikTok addict like me, you undoubtedly have heard of the “clean girl aesthetic” trend. For those that don’t know, the “clean girl aesthetic” consists of a few things: a slicked back bun or braid, perfectly tanned skin, and abundance of gold jewelry (with big hoops!), monotone/baby pink matching sets, a Stanely Cup in hand, and an unattainable expectation of perfection.
Oftentimes these girls live in homes and dorms that are the definition of immaculate, and their diet consists of only clean, organic food.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love the idea of “clean girl aesthetic”. I love a good matching set and a cute hairstyle—because when you look put together, you feel put together. However, there is a side of this aesthetic that perpetuates the idea of perfection—how one looks, acts, eats, and even lives—and there so lies the problem.
Like many college girls my age, I struggle with perfectionism in all aspects of my life. So, when I see these TikToks that promote unrealistic expectations, it ends up doing more harm than good. Although I have tried to live a consistent “clean girl aesthetic” lifestyle, life tends to be very unpredictable. Between classes, exams, clubs, and friends, sometimes my attempt at a “clean girl aesthetic” looks more like a “messy girl” one.
There are days when my bed isn’t made, and my nails aren’t done. There are even days where I get ready in fifteen minutes and quite literally look like a hot mess. And while, for the most part, I do try to eat very healthy, occasionally I have those days where Chick-fil-a or a chocolate bar calls my name—and that’s okay.
Perhaps this is the exact reason Alix Earle has become such a sensation. From her messy room to her skin imperfections to her fast-food late-night cravings, she breaks down the illusion of perfection and instead, shows her followers someone who is real, someone they can relate to. This doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have her “clean girl aesthetic” days—because she certainly does—but she also has her “messy girl” days, and that is equally great.
I’ve come to realize that no one is perfect, and something on social media may not always be the reality. Even though these girls may look like they live this lifestyle so effortlessly, chances are they’re just like me and Alix, and have days where a “clean girl aesthetic” goes out the window. With that being said, I have decided to live by a new aesthetic: the “me aesthetic”—one that does not fit in a singular mold. Some days may look more “clean girl aesthetic”, other days I’ll channel my inner “messy girl aesthetic”, and I may even have days that I showcase a “cool girl aesthetic” or an “academic grind aesthetic”. Regardless, I won’t strive for perfection based on what I see on my TikTok feed.
So, the next time I see a “clean girl aesthetic” video, I won’t scroll past it or dislike it. In fact, I’ll probably watch the whole thing and marvel at such a lifestyle. However, I’ll remember that there is no such thing as perfection, and that the best type of aesthetic/lifestyle is one that is authentically me.