The Clean Girl Aesthetic, Decoded

The term “clean girl aesthetic” may have been recently coined, but the concept itself is a sartorial tale as old as time. That is to say, it’s merely minimalism at its best. If the trend has already been routed through your TikTok or Instagram feeds, rest assured that the core of the clean girl aesthetic isn’t as much about pretentiously clear skin and smoothie bowls as it is embracing a less-is-more mentality.

The clean girl aesthetic runs parallel to the French ideal in acknowledging that natural beauty only need be enhanced, not overpowered. Simple silhouettes, sleek basics, and strategic juxtaposition make up the backbone of essential yet effortless clean girl outfits. What’s more, a lot of your favorite summer 2024 fashion trends can be merged into the clean girl visual—shades of white and ivory, sporty staples, and crisp pajama pieces or breezy boxer shorts.

This and That

Create a subtle juxtaposition by contrasting delicate or feminine pieces with tomboy-esque, loose-fitting styles, like slouchy denim Bermuda shorts or billowy tailored slacks. Balance an oversized blazer with a simple slip dress or a matching set and a pair of sporty sneakers. A symptom of the clean girl aesthetic is comfort, so you can leave your skinny jeans and bodycon dresses back in 2010—where they belong (you’re welcome).

Borrow from your summer jewelry collection or invest in some staple accessories that will serve as evergreen add-ons. Sterling silver studs, chunky dome rings, and delicate gold chains all fit the bill and create the perfect amount of understated sparkle.

Low Profile

Of course, don’t forget a pair of shades. More so out of laziness than aesthetic pursuit, my stylish sunnies have masqueraded as a must-have accessory while doubling as an excuse for next-to-nothing eye makeup or a shield to hide evidence of a sleepless night. So do with that what you will, and lean into the gift of the low-maintenance a clean girl outfit grants.

Stay Neutral

Enhance a polished look by using bits of color sparingly, like adding a brightly colored JW Pei bag or pair of summer sandals against an otherwise neutral, muted ensemble. Save any loud patterns or excessive embellishments for another time and place, as they can easily derail the simplicity of this look.

Back to Basics

Anytime functional fashion is incorporated into a trend, there’s solace found—a collective sigh of relief from anyone who’s ever spent way too long carefully curating an outfit or invested in a much-too-trendy item that only made its way off the hanger once or twice. Luckily, the clean girl’s wardrobe will consist of mainstay basics and refined silhouettes that boast comfort as well as timeless longevity. And to get even more bang for your buck, you can easily merge your summer staples into fall with oversized coats and blazers or clean-cut denim.