Vanilla Girl Aesthetic Explained: the Soft Vibe Microtrend
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go for the vanilla girl look if you’re feeling…
down-to-earth
approachable
subdued
natural
classic
timeline & influencers
Early 2010s: The "no-makeup" makeup look and casual, relaxed personal style started gaining traction, led by fashion bloggers and young celebrities embracing a more natural appearance.
2015-2017: With the rise of influencers like Emma Chamberlain and Devon Lee Carlson, the pared-down vanilla aesthetic entered the mainstream. Their effortless California casual style resonated with Gen Z.
2018-2019: Terms like "vanilla girl" and "cream aesthetic" emerged on social media to describe this soft, neutral fashion and beauty trend. Inspired by influencers such as Matilda Djerf, Devon Lee Carlson, Brittany Xavier and Marianna Hewitt, popular brands began to ride the trend.
2020: The vanilla aesthetic boomed during lockdowns as people embraced comfy, cozy aesthetics. Neutral shades, minimal makeup, and lounge looks ruled social media.
2021-2023: The look maintained popularity post-pandemic as a backlash against the highly curated Instagram aesthetic. "Clean girl" trends like skincare and no-makeup makeup complemented vanilla fashion.
The Vanilla Girl Aesthetic Gift Guide & Outfit Inspo
Loose knit sweater (choose neutral tones like this short-sleeve white, Amazon, or oversize beige, Amazon)
Leggings (flare crossover waistband, Amazon)
Uggs short boots (Uggs classic ultra mini, Amazon)
Uggs slippers (Uggs scuffette, Amazon)
Knit sweatsuit (half-zip top & wide leg pants set, Amazon)
Knit pajama set (2-piece short set, Amazon)
Knit lounge set (2-piece sweatshirt and shorts, Amazon)
Facial serum (Glow Recipe niacinamide Dew Drops, Amazon)
Lip balm (Laneige lip gloss & lip mask, Amazon)
Lip gloss (Summer Fridays lip gloss trio, Amazon)
Similar Trends
The vanilla girl aesthetic refers to a look popularized on social media and named for its natural beige, ivory, and white color palate. The meaning can vary depending on context and interpretation but typically describes a simple, mainstream, or conventional look. While the term "vanilla" is often used colloquially to mean plain or ordinary, especially in contrast to bold or unconventional trends, the vanilla girl aesthetic is not plain but less curated and more natural, exuding cozy calm and a sense of peace and relatability.
The vanilla girl aesthetic became increasingly popular in the late 2010s and early 2020s, although it has earlier roots. The look is epitomized by a laid-back California style, featuring neutrals, knits, minimal makeup, and messy buns. Influencers like Emma Chamberlain have helped to popularize this trend. OG fashion influencer Aimee Song is also known for rocking this casual look, with undone hair and natural, glowing makeup.
In under a decade, the vanilla girl look transitioned from a niche style to one of the most influential aesthetics impacting fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. While some critique it as "basic," the vanilla girl aesthetic endures as an aspirational ideal of casual, comfortable cool for Gen Z. Its simplicity provides an antidote to maximalist trends.
Vanilla girl fashion keeps it neutral with classic shades and silhouettes that can blend with most other aesthetics | Unsplash
Get the Vanilla Girl Aesthetic: Natural Beauty and Effortless Style
The vanilla girl aesthetic of natural glamour and approachability resonate with fans of the calming, comfortable vanilla girl look and lifestyle. Vanilla girl looks lean into less makeup, muted color choices, and the appearance of minimal hair styling.
Fashion:
Classic and timeless: The wardrobe might include simple and classic clothing choices, favoring timeless pieces over trendy or avant-garde fashion.
Neutral colors: Neutral colors such as beige, white, black, and subdued pastels may be prevalent in the wardrobe.
Hair:
Long hair: Long hairstyles, often naturally dried or with waves, are a signature part of the vanilla girl aesthetic.
Low maintenance looks: Whether it takes time or not, the finished looks are flowing, beachy, and low-maintenance to contribute to the down-to-earth image.
Makeup:
Low-key and neutral: The makeup is often natural, with emphasis on a neutral palate and lightly glossed lips. Mascara and a subtle blush top off the look, reminiscent of the clean girl aesthetic.
Glowy skin: A glowing complexion is typically emphasized, with skincare routines that are used to create a moist highlighting to achieve a polished appearance.
Accessories:
Trendy items: Preferences here may align with popular or traditional choices such as the trendy water bottle du jour (e.g. Hydroflask or Stanley) rather than drawing attention with more unconventional options.
Scarves: Weather dependent, this aesthetic gives off a cozy vibe, often highlighted with big scarves and sweaters.
Nails:
A no-manicure manicure: Well-manicured nails, often kept trimmed and with a neutral toned polish, or simply a clear gloss for a natural look.
Shop the Look
