If the Clean Girl aesthetic hasn’t yet appeared on your grid, think of someone you know who is doing absolutely great in life. Now, imagine that person as their outfit. The Clean Girl is maximalist when it comes to career goals (“that girl”), but minimalist when it comes to beauty and fashion. She generally wakes up early and goes to bed early. She journals every morning, meditates, and sticks to a skincare routine. She’s the dictionary definition of “calm, calm, and collected,” and her closet is stocked with comfortable yet sophisticated pieces.
“Many of today’s fashion It girls are proponents of the trendy aesthetic, but they weren’t the first. Black and Latina women have been doing it for ages, and the late Carolyn Bassett-Kennedy was arguably the first to champion the style in the ’90s.”[Bessette-Kennedy] “She’s mastered clean, yet sophisticated styling through staple pieces and a neutral color palette,” says luxury fashion and beauty influencer Victoria Barbara. “Her style is timeless and therefore relevant today: think sleek slicked back hair, chunky gold jewelry, and very natural-skinned makeup with a fresh finish.”
For even more inspiration, we’ve compiled a list below of the best tips from fashion experts on how to channel the clean-girl aesthetic in your everyday life.
A perfect balance between sporty and preppy
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Vegan fashion blogger Michelle Rothenburger of Harm-Free Fashion says her take on the clean-girl aesthetic is a mix of athleisure and preppy, exuding a sophisticated yet down-to-earth vibe: think black biker shorts with an oversized white button-down, khaki pleated pants, or Bermuda shorts with a white ribbed tank top and cardigan. When it comes to shoes, Rothenburger-Told told InStyle that she favors white tennis shoes, black ballet flats, or sleek, neutral-colored sandals.
Remember, simplicity can be sexy
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To embody the “clean girl,” Jessa Maddocks, founder of JessaKae, advises focusing on sexy, simple silhouettes like slip and wrap dresses, and experimenting with colors outside of a neutral color palette by leaning toward pretty pastels and simple patterns. Once you’ve got the foundation down, Maddocks tells InStyle opt for minimal gold jewelry, open-toed black stiletto heels, and, if you’re feeling daring, no bra. “That’s the clean girl having fun with friends on the town.”
Matching sets remain a go-to
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The Clean Girl is all about simplicity and convenience, and dressing in sets is part of that intent. According to lifestyle influencer and founder of Style Splinter, Katya Bychkova, this aesthetic includes everything from neutral athleisure sets to matching sweatsuits, skirt-and-top coordinating pieces, and two-piece suits. Styling the sets is just as easy: “I pair them with sneakers and a simple, logo-free shoulder bag,” says Splinter, citing a Mansur Gavriel mini crossbody and a tote from The Row as accessory inspirations.
Opt for an oversized blazer
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Blazers are a closet staple whether you’re pursuing a clean-girl aesthetic or not. That being said, Bychkova says she prefers structured yet oversized pieces for this particular style because these design details “elevate sporty pieces and make them more appropriate for any occasion.”
Don’t forget your sunglasses
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While the clean-girl aesthetic calls for minimal accessories, sunglasses are essential. Bychkova suggests opting for a versatile pair of sunglasses you can wear all the time: “From smaller frames that show off your brows to oversized models that make you look like you’re trying to escape the paparazzi.” Sunglasses can really help project your cool-girl mystique.
Choose Neutral Colors
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The clean girl aesthetic doesn’t favor bright colors or loud patterns, which is why stylists and influencers Liv Schreiber and Kennedy Bingham, aka Gown-Eyed Girls, recommend sticking to neutrals like black, white, brown, and tan. “Clean girls don’t wear loud colors or patterns,” says Schreiber.
Go for the Gold
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When it comes to accessories, adding stacked chains or chunky gold hoops to an ensemble gives the look “instant sparkle,” says fashion influencer and TikTok star Anna Sitar. Curve model and fashion influencer Ella Harikas agrees, naming Natalie B Jewelry’s Adina hoops and gold pieces from Etika as obvious favorites. “Paired with stacked bracelets and necklaces, gold hoops are a great way to create an occasion without trying too hard,” she adds.
Keep decoration to a minimum
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Kat Jamieson, fashion influencer and founder of travel app With Love From Kat, says she loves pairing a relaxed-fit, frayed-edge light denim jean with a classic white button-down shirt to add a bit of glamour to an otherwise mundane clean-girl outfit.
Opt for a straight leg rather than a skinny fit
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According to digital creator Athena Ng, mom jeans and pants are some of the best choices for this aesthetic.[These styles] “Narrow your waist to create a fuller silhouette,” she says, adding that high-waisted bottoms are also a clean-girl nod.[They’ll] It feels casual and chic at the same time.”
