All About the "That Girl" Aesthetic

What is the “that girl” aesthetic trend?

The "That Girl" trend encourages viewers to focus on self-improvement and wellness. Typical "That Girl" videos depict an idealized daily routine, including making a pristine bed, drinking green juice, eating avocado toast, following an extensive skincare regimen, working out, and journaling—all while basking in natural sunlight streaming through the bedroom window. A self-proclaimed "girl boss," “that girl” dedicates herself to achieving her dreams while also embracing a slower, more relaxed lifestyle. Despite this balanced approach, she maintains that anyone can emulate her success through sheer effort and by adhering to her straightforward daily routine. The trend emerged right around the time of the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, dramatically reshaped the $4.5 trillion wellness industry. This includes the rapid growth of online therapy, digital coaching, at-home fitness, and more. This dramatic shift has not only altered consumer behaviors, but also influenced the content that users now seek out and the influencers they aspire to emulate. Adopting a specific aesthetic can provide a sense of ease and belonging. Simply emulating someone else's style of dress, speech, and daily routine can help viewers feel like they’re "that girl."

Is the “that girl” trend actually toxic?

Some feel it can distort your self-perception and undermine your confidence. Many have pointed out that the content creators driving the “That Girl” aesthetic seem to showcase a very specific type of girl for their audience to aspire to. She is typically a thin, white woman with financial means, which may create an unrealistic view of how attainable this lifestyle actually is. Those with more money can more easily devote time to activities like journaling and exercising, and can afford the expensive groceries that supplement this curated aesthetic. Overall, many feel that the "That Girl" depiction fails to represent the diversity of women's experiences and backgrounds.

The “That Girl” aesthetic can quickly lead to burnout from trying to achieve perfection. "That Girl" mentality encourages women to constantly strive for perfection, which is an unrealistic and unsustainable expectation. Some may find that the pursuit of being "That Girl" can be exhausting and overwhelming. Inevitably, when life's challenges arise and things go awry, they are left grappling with feelings of shame, guilt, and disappointment.

“That Girl” Aesthetic Fashion

Workout sets Sets are a dream come true for “that girl” because she doesn’t have the time to be putting fancy outfits together—she’s too busy taking over the world! Since a lot of her time is dedicated to self-improvement and working out, matching workout sets are the perfect choice. What’s great about them is that you can do all of your working out in them, plus look cute enough to run some errands afterwards.

Leggings Leggings are an easy breezy way to be comfortable while still looking cute. They go with essentially, well, everything, and you can handle all of the tasks of the day with ease in a nice pair.

Sweatshirts Comfort is everything to “that girl” because she’s mostly focused on improving herself on the inside out. An oversized sweatshirt paired with a set of leggings is the best way to maximize comfort with a dressed down style. Errands, cleaning, hiking, shopping, you name it—it can all be done in a cute sweatshirt.

Tennis skirts When she needs to get a little dressed up but still look put together, “that girl” will often reach for a white tennis skirt. Whether she’s meeting up with the girlies or actually heading out to get her tennis game on, this look is polished, clean, and bright.

“That Girl” Aesthetic Interests and Hobbies

Healthy eating Intuitive eating encourages us to listen to our body's natural hunger cues, rather than adhering to strict dietary rules. This approach emphasizes focusing on foods that make you feel nourished and maintaining an overall balanced diet. This can help develop healthier, more sustainable eating habits.

Working out While a lot of “That Girl” accounts focus on looking a certain way, this aesthetic is more about how you feel than how you look. Encourage your focus inward, tuning into your own body and mind. Constantly comparing oneself to others, beyond guidance from a trainer or instructor, not only risks injury from improper form, but can also have a detrimental psychological impact.

Skincare The influencer scene is currently dominated by skincare, and for good reason. A consistent skincare routine can give you a "lit from within" glow that embodies the "That Girl" aesthetic. For those new to skincare, start with the basics. There are three main goals: cleansing, addressing problem areas, and hydrating. Cleansing is a simple step that's likely already part of your routine—a basic drugstore cleanser can do the trick. Next, target your specific needs with toners and serums from the wide range of options available. Finally, moisturizer is a crucial step for everyone, even oily skin types (just opt for an oil-free formula). Moisturizing helps slow down aging and maintain a healthy, fresh complexion.

Journaling “That Girl” is all about a great self-care routine, which includes journaling. Maintaining a self-care journal can be a powerful tool for prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By consistently reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in this journal, you'll gain valuable insights into the factors that support your overall health and the triggers that contribute to stress or anxiety.

Reading As “That Girl,” keeping your mind witty and sharp is part of the lifestyle. Reading reduces stress, helps you sleep better, and can improve your relationships.

How to Get the “That Girl” Aesthetic

Be confident. Confidence is the number one way to achieve this aesthetic. Even in the clothes she wears, "That Girl" always promotes self-love and admires her reflection. She openly shares her love and support for other girls as well. Moreover, they exude confidence in their daily lives. "That Girl" will never allow a man to disrespect them or make inappropriate comments.

Be positive. Girls who follow this trend are remarkably positive and exude warmth. The mantra "Girls Support Girls" is crucial for those who identify as "That Girl." It's essential to uplift and support other women, especially when they are facing challenges. Spread love, express gratitude, smile frequently, and share your positive energy on the internet.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. "That Girl" prioritizes taking care of her body and eating nutritious foods. Many of them regularly visit the gym to achieve their fitness goals. However, for those on a tighter budget, at-home workouts using helpful YouTube tutorials can be just as effective in getting the body you desire.

Focus on your career and goals. Women who embody the "That Girl" aesthetic are often highly ambitious and career-focused. They place a strong emphasis on their professional goals and are unwilling to let romantic relationships interfere with their personal pursuits. They tend to identify as feminists, exhibiting self-assurance, self-acceptance, and a celebration of their unique identities.