In recent controversy, people are splitting at the boom of living by aesthetics. Aesthetics are specific “vibes” that revolve around certain aspects such as clothing, products, colors and people. Specifically, “Aesthetics is a core design principle that defines a design’s pleasing qualities. In visual terms, aesthetics includes factors such as balance, color, movement, pattern, scale, shape and visual weight. Designers use aesthetics to complement their designs’ usability, and so enhance functionality with attractive layouts,” said Interaction Design Foundation. Aesthetics have been trending for a long time now, but have recently been brought to light when people think it’s being overdone.
I scroll through TikTok with supposed “clean girl” guides and hauls, while the comments freak out about not just “living life,” and I see where they are coming from. Living to a strict “vibe” seems constricting, as if pretending to be something you are not. To some extent, it’s silly to fall for brand deals and targeted demographics due to capitalism. In the last few years it’s been normalized to purchase a new wardrobe just to accommodate these trends. Overconsumption has been at an all-time high as consumers will purchase pieces to align with their aesthetics just for it to go out of style in a month. Capitalism wins as trends create more products, it goes out of style and then a new trend arises and the pattern repeats itself. Social platforms don’t help towards the situation either, for this is where these trends start. It’s not a coincidence that you get a TikTok hyping up a new product followed by an advertisement for the same thing. But on the flipside, it is hard to see why people are so mad, they complain about the creators just living their lives, but are continuing to post and complain about other people’s. There’s nothing wrong with following a trend, but perhaps there is when creating waste through overconsumption.
I do see how some may be mad about constant changing trends. One day someone may be Y2k and the next day identify as an uptown girl. But that’s all the fun in it.
When walking through LHS’s halls it’s interesting to see everyone portray fashion in their own way. Everyone’s personality changes, and their fashion changes as well, so it only makes sense to be able to identify that style with a title. Nobody should have to stick to one style or one norm. One day I might want to dress in something someone would call clean while the next I look more like I’m aiming for streetwear.
School is a great place to show off your fashion and it’s inspiring to see goth and coastal styles in one glance. I also find it unnecessary to judge someone for the style they identify with, everyone is different and their likes differ as well. That is the wonderful thing about aesthetics. Fashion is like a game or competition, it’s not always something to take lightly and there is almost always inspiration behind it.
It’s easy to look over one’s fashion choices when it could actually tell you so much about a person. According to Player: The Psychology of Aesthetics and Style, style isn’t just about aesthetics it’s also about identity. The choices we make represent us whether it be how we dress, decorate our homes or even what car we drive. I encourage people to engage in their personal aesthetics and style. When dressing in the morning, look in the mirror and if you see someone you want to see, it doesn’t have to be “on brand” for yourself, but what you find pleasing to see, you are doing it right. Fashion isn’t always going to be comforting and simple, fashion can be a statement, and if you find the need for it do not hesitate. Trends are for people to enjoy and take part in, never judge yourself or other people for wanting to take pleasure in it. Fashion is ever changing and open to suggestions, you can mold and shape into a way that represents you. Aesthetics are just one of the many ways to do that. So don’t do that clean girl dirty.
