What Is the Clean Girl Aesthetic?
The clean girl aesthetic is defined by a fresh, effortless appearance. Yet, achieving this “effortless” look often requires significant effort and resources. Below are its main components:
Hair
Slicked-back hairstyles are essential, whether in a neat bun or a ponytail. These styles are often paired with a middle part and an ultra-smooth finish, achieved using products like gels and oils. Alternatively, when hair is worn down, it must be sleek and shiny, reflecting a “glass-like” texture.
Makeup
The makeup style is known as “no makeup” makeup. It involves products that conceal blemishes while maintaining a natural appearance. Glossy lips, perfect brows, subtle highlighter, and a touch of blush create the illusion of glowing skin. While it’s meant to appear natural, the process and products can be anything but.
Fashion
Clean girl fashion includes minimalist, well-fitted staples like white t-shirts, neutral-toned blazers, slip dresses, and boyfriend jeans. Accessories are understated, with gold hoops being a signature item. The goal is to look polished yet casual.
Lifestyle
The clean girl lifestyle extends beyond appearance, reflecting an idealized daily routine. This includes sipping matcha lattes, eating smoothie bowls, and decorating homes with minimalist décor. Every aspect, from morning rituals to interior design, is curated for aesthetic appeal.
Why People Find It Problematic
Although it’s marketed as inclusive and achievable, the clean girl aesthetic excludes many people. Let’s break down the criticisms:
1. Classism
Maintaining the clean girl look requires time and money. High-end makeup brands, expensive skincare routines, and designer clothes are often staples of this aesthetic. For those working physically demanding jobs, taking public transportation, or raising children, staying “clean” in this curated way is nearly impossible. The trend inadvertently glorifies privilege, making it inaccessible for many.
2. Fatphobia
The aesthetic heavily favors thinness. A quick scroll through #cleangirl content reveals an overwhelming lack of body diversity. Society’s association of thinness with “cleanliness” perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Fat women are often excluded from this trend entirely, sending a damaging message about worth and desirability.
3. Racism
The clean girl aesthetic predominantly highlights white women, despite its roots in Black and Latina culture. Slicked-back buns and gold hoops—staples of the aesthetic—were popularized by Black and Latina women long before this trend existed. However, when these styles are embraced by white women, they’re praised, while women of color often face discrimination for the same looks.
4. Ageism
This aesthetic prioritizes youth, celebrating fresh-faced, wrinkle-free appearances. Older women are rarely represented, reinforcing society’s obsession with youth and its dismissal of aging as undesirable. This further marginalizes older women in beauty and fashion spaces.
5. Unrealistic Expectations
The clean girl aesthetic is unattainable for most. It demands flawless skin, perfectly smooth hair, and wrinkle-free clothes—all while appearing effortless. For people with textured hair, acne, or limited time, this standard is not just unrealistic but harmful, amplifying insecurities.
Why We Love the Clean Girl Aesthetic
At Gloire, we see the clean girl aesthetic as a celebration of simplicity and self-care. It encourages individuals to take pride in their appearance and daily habits while embracing minimalism and elegance. The trend’s focus on neutral tones, polished looks, and wholesome routines aligns with a desire for balance and intentional living.
Moreover, the clean girl aesthetic’s popularity reflects a broader cultural movement toward appreciating understated beauty and thoughtful choices. For many, it’s an empowering way to express themselves, promoting confidence and self-assuredness.
The Takeaway
At Gloire, we appreciate the clean girl aesthetic for its celebration of simplicity, elegance, and self-expression. However, we also understand why it has faced criticism, as societal trends often come with complexities. By recognizing these perspectives, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding dialogue about beauty and self-presentation. Trends like the clean girl aesthetic should inspire individuality and confidence, rather than enforcing rigid standards.
