The “vanilla girl” aesthetic has officially taken over TikTok this season. Filled with skincare products, glossy makeup looks, and fashion neutrals, the aesthetic is a minimalist’s paradise. It’s comforting and warm, exactly what we all needed this winter. From the gold jewelry to the fluffy loungewear, the vanilla girl look is one of elevated relaxation.
With 147 million views and counting, the #vanillagirl on TikTok has blown up. The hashtag is full of fashion inspiration pics, gift ideas, and how-tos on becoming a vanilla girl.
The new aesthetic has been compared to the “clean girl” aesthetic from earlier this year, which was controversial, to say the least. Some users are hesitant to hop on the trend due to the perfectionistic quality of “clean girl.” It also tended to focus on thin white women, excluding women of color. It also promoted the consumption of expensive skincare and wellness products to “fix” flaws in its audience. Yikes.
However, users who have embraced the vanilla girl aesthetic have made moves to set it apart from “clean girl,” including a more diverse set of inspiration photos and popular, inexpensive dupes to luxury items. Aesthetics should be inclusive, y’all!
As we approach the holidays, some of us may be scrambling for last-minute gifts for family and friends. So if you know any vanilla besties in your life (not in that way, get your head out of the gutter!), these gift ideas are perfect for them this holiday season. Or, alternatively, you can shop this look yourself — up to you!
- Perfume
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urban outfitters True to the name, every vanilla girl needs her signature sent. These perfumes will get her smelling incredible (Urban Outfitters, $26).
- Chunky Sweater
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altar’d state A chunky sweater is the winter staple that we all want and need. There are so many creams and neutrals that you can find (Altar’d State, $70).
- Fluffy Blankets
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pottery barn Help your bestie cozy up their dorm room with a fluffy blanket! You can never have too many as a college student (Pottery Barn, $30).
- Fuzzy Slippers
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Nordstrom Vanilla girls execute the effortless lounge look perfectly. Help them elevate their dorm life with these fluffy white slippers (Nordstrom, $55).
- Lounge pants
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aerie Another cozy staple this winter is a good piece of loungewear, and Aerie has some of the most comfortable matching sets. But watch out, because they sell out crazy fast (Aerie, $45).
- Candle
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bath & body works RAs, please don’t come for me. Most dorms don’t allow candles, but if your bestie is home for the holidays, she will definitely appreciate one (Bath & Body Works, $27).
- Pearl Necklace
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caitlyn minimalist Pearls are back, and I’m here for it. The vanilla girl in your life will love the gold and pearl jewelry look (Caitlyn Minimalist, $24).
- Pearl Earrings
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ana Luisa These gold pearl earrings are another jewelry staple to elevate your look (Ana Luisa, $55).
- Puffer Jacket
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Hollister This puffer jacket is a winter essential that every vanilla girl needs in her life (Hollister, $49). It’s on my wishlist, but I don’t gatekeep.
- Claw Clips
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Amazon The claw clip girlies are always on a different level of put together. Vanilla girls are all about neutrals, and these clips will top off any great outfit (Amazon, $12).
- Body Wash
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AMAZON Another vanilla fragrance staple, Philosophy’s body wash is a fan favorite that won’t break the bank (Amazon, $21).