10 Mega-Popular Style Trends That Gen Z'ers Invented, Rebranded, Or Brought Back (That Are Genuinely Fascinating)

Yes, I'm in my "soft girl" era...

2023 was a fun time to be on the internet, not just for the memes of it all, but for the popular Gen Z ~aesthetics~ I learned about along the way. I truly didn't think we could top cottagecore, but alas. I surely have no idea what the new trends of the year will be, but here are the Gen Z aesthetics of 2023 that I — though I don't fully understand them all — will be glad to support in 2024 because people (especially girls) are allowed to enjoy things:

TikTok: @pyangtastic / @angelf00dcakes / Via tiktok.com / tiktok.com

1. Coastal Grandmother

Instagram: @annehatheway / Via instagram.com

The coastal grandmother aesthetic is simple yet quietly luxurious — casual but elevated. The term has been tagged over 600 million times on TikTok, and it became so popular that celebs like Anne Hathaway had to show off the fit. As the name of this style suggests, it's giving Martha Stewart residing in a seaside cottage with no cares in the world aside from the ocean breeze tussling your hair. You basically want to look like you're rich and retired.

2. Soft Girl

TikTok: @mrsmckennabarry / @kimberly.cat / Via tiktok.com / tiktok.com

If you've ever heard someone say, "I'm in my soft girl era," this aesthetic is what they're referring to. Although, I'd be more surprised if you didn't know about this style, considering it has over three billion tags on TikTok. However, this aesthetic is more than just pastel colors and cutesy accessories — it's also about femininity, self-care, and just romanticizing your lifestyle. In a world that's so fast-paced and unrelenting, I truly don't think it's a crime to want a slow and intentional "soft girl morning." In fact, let me go make a matcha after this and put on some jazz.

3. Dark Academia

Reddit: u/FerdiAnanas / TikTok: @sittingontheedge / Via reddit.com / tiktok.com

Of all the aesthetics on this list, Gen Z's grip on dark academia was something I did not expect. If I were to put together a dark academia Pinterest board, you'd find pictures of museums, dimly-lit libraries and university hallways, lots of candles, and the spires of a gothic building. Fashion-wise, people who indulge in the dark academia aesthetic gravitate toward muted or dark-toned cardigans, blazers, dress shirts, loafers, and own many pairs of trousers. Kind of like if you were in the cast of Newsies.

4. Frazzled English Woman

Universal / Robert Kamau / GC Images

OK, this might be the most debatable aesthetic on this list, but I swear to you, IT'S A REAL THING. This is such a specific aesthetic — so specific that it makes sense? It's basically Gen Z's take on what women used to wear in 2000s rom-coms, like Keira Knightley or Kate Winslet. This aesthetic is all about "messy" layering, not-so-perfect hair, scarves, and minimal makeup. Basically, it's like you wake up 10 minutes before your shift at a publishing company, and you're hurriedly getting ready. Also, Colin Firth is your love interest. 

5. Clean Girl

Instagram: @sofiarichiegrainge / Via instagram.com

The "clean girl" aesthetic took over 2023 like no other, and it might have to do with celebrities like Sofia Richie-Grainge helping to popularize the style. The "clean girl" look suggests minimal makeup, hair-out-of-your-face hairstyles, and a minimalist wardrobe. Of course, this style has been around forever and will always be a classic look, but the "clean girl aesthetic" is what the kids are dubbing it these days. Oh, did I mention the over 15 billion tags it has on TikTok??

6. Old Money/Quiet Luxury

The CW

Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl is the literal definition of this aesthetic. The old money aesthetic — also known as "quiet luxury" — is more of a fashion trend where your clothes should just ooze wealth and class without them being too over-the-top and ostentatious. Quality over quantity is everything with this style, and there's an obvious plus-one if one of your ancestors founded a powerful business that got passed down the family line. (Lucky you!)

7. Balletcore

TikTok: @primasballerina / @hayleycallen / Via tiktok.com / tiktok.com

Balletcore is like the big sister of the soft girl aesthetic because she's still girly and cutesy but also classy and athletic. Inspired by ballerinas, balletcore emulates attire dancers would use for practice, such as leg warmers, flats, bodysuits, skirts, bows, and ribbons. 

8. Y2K

TikTok: @outfitaccount_fits3 / Via tiktok.com

Y2K fashion making a comeback is still so bizarre to me because 2000s fashion was so ugly (respectfully). I simply don't understand the appeal of wearing studded belts, overly baggy jeans, trucker hats, and puka necklaces in this day and age. Also, I REBUKE the return of low-rise jeans. This is me just being a hater, but I am also equally amazed by how some people can pull the Y2K aesthetic off so effortlessly and look good. Maybe I'm part-hater and part-jealous, but Gen Z really rode the Y2K train. 

9. Fairycore

TikTok: @bambi.faerie / @alltheferalfawns / Via tiktok.com / tiktok.com

Similar to cottagecore, fairycore is whimsical, nature-centered, and exudes springtime energy. The difference between the two aesthetics is that cottagecore has more simple-farm-life vibes, whereas fairycore has enchanted-forest-magic-beings vibes. With that in mind, fairycore is about styling yourself in a way that inspires wonder in an almost ethereal way. When it comes to fairycore fashion, you can expect billowy dresses and blouses, pastel colors, floral accents and designs, and other nature-inspired elements. 

Honestly, I feel like fairycore has risen thanks to BookTok. IYKYK. 

10. Last but not least — Fruit Girl

TikTok: @tatianajaegger / @milkydew / Via tiktok.com / tiktok.com

I've no idea where the concept of being a "fruit girl" came from, but I'm honestly not mad or bothered by it. This aesthetic just compares your style and personality to fruit, and I just think that's the most wholesome thing in the whole wide world! For example, if your favorite color is yellow and you live for warm weather, you could be a "mango girl." You could also call yourself a "durian girl" if you really wanted to stand out from the crowd, but maybe that's not the best choice of yellow fruit. 

I can't believe all of these aesthetics took center stage at some point in 2023, but at the same time, I totally can. I'm anticipating 2024 will have a couple of returning styles but will also birth some new niche aesthetics, and honestly? I'm seated. I love seeing other people rock their own styles and live their best lives, so I will be supporting them. What do you think about all these aesthetics? What do you predict will be the next trends? Let me know in the comments!