That’s A Slay! 30 Gen Z Fashion Aesthetics That Are Taking Over The Internet

Back in the day, there were only a few main fashion aesthetics like goth, preppy, and Y2K. Fast forward to 2024, and thanks to the power of Instagram and TikTok, there are countless style tribes. Pop punk is making a strong comeback, with stars like Olivia Rodrigo leading the way, while hashtags like #SoftGirl have amassed millions of followers. Now, anyone can find an aesthetic that fits, whether it’s the romantic coquette style or a “coastal grandmother” vibe straight from Diane Keaton’s playbook.

The Gen Z generation—born around the late ’90s to early 2010s—has taken the internet by storm, shaping fashion in bold, fresh ways. Their impact is most visible on TikTok, where trends are born overnight, and yes, skinny jeans and side parts were officially “canceled.” However, Gen Z has also revived many classic pieces, bringing back loafers, platform shoes, biker shorts, and even the kitten heels of the ’50s. With Gen Z being the largest generation today, it’s no wonder they’ve redefined fashion with a mix of nostalgia and innovation.

In a world where new microtrends pop up every week, Gen Z’s fashion influence is impossible to ignore. From brands like Urban Outfitters to Free People, these young trendsetters are exploring aesthetics that reflect their unique identities. Below, we dive into 30 must-know fashion aesthetics that Gen Z can’t get enough of in 2024—whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want to brush up on what’s hot right now.

What does Gen Z value?

1. Information-Driven: Gen Z is a highly informed generation, born with information readily available at their fingertips. They’re drawn to brands that actively engage and share transparent insights on social media, making informed decisions that align with their values.

2. Identity & Self-Expression: Fashion for Gen Z is all about defining their own style and challenging traditional norms. Rather than simply following trends, they aim to create them, expressing their unique identities through bold, personal style choices.

3. Commitment to Improvement: Gen Z places a high value on personal growth, which translates to conscious fashion choices. They are inclined toward ethical fashion, supporting sustainable practices and niche designers to make more responsible purchasing decisions.

4. Activist Ideology: Known for their activism, Gen Z expects authenticity from brands, calling them out if they fall short. They’re strong advocates for body positivity and size inclusivity, supporting brands that celebrate diversity.

5. Focus on Mental Health: Mental health and well-being are key priorities for Gen Z. They openly discuss mental health topics and embrace fashion that promotes self-care, comfort, and a sense of wellness.

6. Preference for Informality: Gen Z gravitates toward brands with a casual, authentic voice. They appreciate brands that foster a sense of community and prefer relaxed, comfortable attire that aligns with their busy, convenience-focused lifestyles.

List Of 30 Gen Z Fashion Aesthetics That Are Making Waves In 2024

In 2024, Gen Z continues to redefine fashion by embracing a vibrant mix of aesthetics, each expressing unique identities and cultural influences. From nostalgic throwbacks to modern minimalism, these aesthetics are more than just trends—they’re ways for individuals to embody values, moods, and lifestyles through clothing. With social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram driving a constant stream of style inspiration, these aesthetics reflect Gen Z’s love for self-expression, inclusivity, and creativity. Here’s a look at 30 fashion aesthetics dominating the scene this year, giving us all some serious style inspiration!

1. Barbiecore

‍Barbiecore draws from the iconic style of Barbie dolls, centering around pink hues and glamorous touches. With a revival driven by Greta Gerwig’s 2023 Barbie film, this aesthetic brings back ’90s and early 2000s vibes with miniskirts, plush tracksuits, vibrant makeup, and knee-high boots. Accessories are essential—think heart-shaped sunglasses, cute clips, and mini purses for the ultimate Barbie-inspired look.

2. Coastal Grandmother

‍Channeling the laid-back elegance of figures like Diane Keaton and Ina Garten, the coastal grandmother aesthetic is all about breezy, classic style. Originating on TikTok, this look includes nautical stripes, wide-brimmed sun hats, and airy, flowy clothes. Imagine a cozy afternoon with a book at a beach house, complete with pottery, scented candles, and a crisp cocktail.

‍3. Baddie

‍The baddie aesthetic started on Instagram and is inspired by influencers and the Kardashian-Jenner style. This bold look embraces high-end fashion, trendy hair and makeup, and a commitment to modern beauty. It includes subgenres like vintage, luxury, and even budget-friendly baddie styles, allowing everyone to channel their inner glam.

4. Clean Girl

‍With an air of effortless beauty, the clean girl aesthetic favors minimalist makeup, sleek hairstyles, and neutral-toned clothing. While it gives off a “barely there” beauty vibe, some criticize it for setting high standards and borrowing elements from diverse cultures. Still, it has captured TikTok with its polished, pared-back appeal.

5. Coquette

‍The coquette aesthetic celebrates femininity with a playful twist. Emerging from Tumblr, this style emphasizes delicate details like lace, mini skirts, and vintage accessories. Though once controversial, coquette fashion has evolved into a softer, empowered aesthetic, encouraging self-expression rather than fitting stereotypes.

6. Soft Girl

‍Soft girl, or “softie,” is all about embracing pastels, floral patterns, and heart motifs. A blend of VSCO, kidcore, and e-girl influences, it taps into a nostalgic ’90s and 2000s vibe. It’s a cozy, cute style for those who love a gentle, slightly preppy look.

7. Kuromicore

‍Based on the Sanrio character Kuromi, Kuromicore merges goth and kawaii aesthetics with dark hues, pleated skirts, and skull prints. The style brings a feminine edge to punk-inspired looks, often paired with Kuromi plushies and devilish details like piercings and tails for an adorable yet edgy vibe.

8. Vanilla Girl

‍The vanilla girl aesthetic is minimalist, favoring beige tones, natural makeup, and simple, soft outfits. While widely embraced on social media, it has been critiqued for lack of diversity. In response, new aesthetics like “chocolate girl” are emerging to broaden the appeal and inclusivity of minimalist styles.

9. Lo-fi

‍Inspired by the ‘90s music culture, the lo-fi aesthetic blends vintage elements with muted colors, warm lighting, and thrifted pieces. Lo-fi fashion embraces a “worn-in” feel, using textures and colors reminiscent of old photos or tapes, giving a nostalgic touch to everyday looks.

10. Maximalism

‍Maximalism is about embracing bold colors, eclectic patterns, and a no-rules approach to personal style. Young creators on TikTok champion this aesthetic, each putting their own unique spin on it by layering styles and piling on accessories. For maximalists, more is definitely more!

11. Sad Girl

‍Originating from Tumblr, the sad girl aesthetic is a dark, moody style characterized by goth influences, dark clothes, and a grungy vibe. Though some see it as romanticizing sadness, others view it as a way to visually express the complexities of life and emotions.

12. Twee

‍Reminiscent of Zooey Deschanel’s New Girl wardrobe, twee is a vintage-inspired style with playful touches. Rooted in early Tumblr culture, this aesthetic brings back the ’50s through ’70s with its colorful tights, Peter Pan collars, loafers, and skirts, making it a nostalgic and quirky way to dress.

13. Dark Academia

‍Academia fashion is scholarly, inspired by collegiate and professorial styles. With various sub-styles like romantic or pastel academia, the aesthetic includes tweed blazers, glasses, and pleated skirts, celebrating literature, art, and a love for learning in one’s wardrobe.

14. Plazacore

‍Plazacore takes cues from Upper East Side fashion icons like Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf and the Eloise book series. It’s all about luxury and sophistication, with items like pearl necklaces, gingham, and Peter Pan collars that give a nod to classic preppy style with a modern twist.

15. Whimsigothic

‍A blend of nature, surrealism, and a touch of witchy vibes, whimsigothic is all about dramatic, dark attire with mystical elements. Think Tim Burton-inspired style with boho undertones, featuring layered jewelry, star patterns, and moody lighting to capture a Gothic yet whimsical look.

16. Weird Girl

‍For those who love mixing and matching, the weird girl aesthetic embraces an offbeat style. Inspired by Japan’s Harajuku street fashion, it’s a blend of ’90s graphic tees, ’70s knitwear, and ’00s track pants. This aesthetic is quirky and eclectic, celebrating uniqueness and standing out from the crowd.

17. Brat Girl

‍While Millennials grew up idolizing Barbie, Gen Z has embraced the Bratz doll aesthetic—thanks largely to British pop sensation Charli XCX and her album Brat. With its neon green cover and nostalgic songs about playful flirting and wild nights, Brat inspired a fresh aesthetic that celebrates a “hot mess” vibe. Brat Girl Summer is for those who lean into their bold, chaotic side with unapologetic flair. This aesthetic embraces glitter, mesh tops, low-rise mini skirts, leopard print camis, chunky leather platform boots, and, most importantly, vibrant lime green—lots of it.

18. Y2K

‍Distinct from the Brat Girl aesthetic, the Y2K look is about making early 2000s fashion accessible for everyday wear. Think of futuristic, monochromatic vibes with touches of metallic: casual tees, glossy crop tops, cargo pants, and platform sneakers. Velour and rhinestones are also staples, capturing the glitz and glam of the era. Despite Gen Z’s shift away from fast fashion, brands like Shein still cater to the Y2K trend with rhinestone tanks, plated mini skirts, and co-ord sets. Forever 21 also has affordable options under $20, making this style easy to try on without major commitment. And don’t forget the tiny sunglasses—a must-have accessory to complete the look.

19. Kidcore

‍Just as the name suggests, Kidcore is all about embracing the playful, nostalgic essence of childhood. This aesthetic highlights vibrant, rainbow colors, and whimsical prints inspired by classic brands like Barbie, Nickelodeon, and Beanie Babies. Kidcore fashion brings back the joy of dressing with a sense of fun and carefree style.

20. E-Girl

‍E-girls draw inspiration from anime, often featuring dyed hair (usually in front streaks) and striking, stylized makeup that accentuates their eyes and rosy cheeks. Many add small hearts or freckles for extra charm, though some skip the makeup entirely. The signature look includes hair clips, mesh tops, chokers, and silver jewelry, creating a highly "online" vibe. Though gaming culture is part of the aesthetic, you don’t need to be a Twitch star to rock the look—but it doesn’t hurt!

21. VSCO Girl

‍Named after the photo-editing app, the VSCO Girl look is all about casual, easygoing essentials: white sneakers or Birkenstocks, high-waisted jeans or shorts, oversized tees, and, of course, a Hydro Flask in hand. Add in a messy bun, scrunchies, and seashell jewelry for that effortlessly cool, laid-back vibe that’s equal parts basic and beachy.

22. Grungecore

‍Channeling the spirit of late '80s and early '90s rock, Grunge-core draws from the style of bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Think layers of plaid, mesh, and mixed prints, with combat boots and chunky choker necklaces completing the look. Marc Jacobs’ iconic 1992 Perry Ellis collection also influenced this aesthetic, as it captured the gritty style of the Pacific Northwest music scene.

23. Normcore

‍Normcore is all about blending in with simple, basic outfits that are the opposite of trend-driven. The aesthetic celebrates everyday, unfussy clothes that aren’t flashy—think Jerry Seinfeld’s signature low-key style. In Normcore, the simpler and more nondescript the outfit, the better it captures the aesthetic’s spirit.

24. Art Ho

‍Emerging on Tumblr, Art Ho became a movement of creative self-expression, particularly within Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Although the term "ho" can be provocative, co-creator Mars described it as a reclamation meant to uplift and empower people of color in the movement. The Art Ho look is often tied to artsy, DIY fashion with a mix of art-focused accessories and collages.

25. Coconut Girl

‍The Coconut Girl aesthetic feels like a perpetual beach vacation, with pieces like bikinis, lightweight layers, crochet tops, and ocean-inspired jewelry. Anything you’d wear by the sea fits the bill, and for extra style points, carrying an actual coconut is a fun touch.

26. Tomato Girl

‍The Tomato Girl aesthetic embraces Mediterranean-inspired fashion characterized by playful, dreamy silhouettes and vibrant red accents. This look is sweet and whimsical, making it a perfect canvas for matching makeup. Enhance your Tomato Girl vibe with a coordinating red lip or blush for a cohesive appearance.

27. Streetwear

‍Gen Z streetwear is heavily influenced by the hip-hop, sports, and rave cultures of the '90s and early 2000s. It's about personal expression, blending various styles, and advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and equity in fashion. A classic Gen Z streetwear ensemble features oversized garments like custom tees, baggy pants, hoodies, and chunky sneakers. Brands like Nike have recognized this trend and cater to young people's tastes, securing their spot among Gen Z's favorite labels.

28. Gender-Fluid Fashion

‍Leading the charge in the gender-fluid fashion movement, Gen Z champions inclusivity and flexibility regarding gender norms. This trend challenges traditional ideas of masculinity and femininity by offering clothing options that are free from gender constraints. Gender-fluid fashion promotes individual self-expression and dismantles the binary approach to style.

29. Frazzled English Woman

‍The Frazzled English Woman aesthetic is the perfect style for fall. Emerging on TikTok around 2022, this trend channels the casual looks of heroines from early 2000s British romantic comedies. Think characters like Renee Zellweger in Bridget Jones's Diary and Kate Winslet in The Holiday. With the resurgence of Y2K and retro styles, the Frazzled English Woman look has become a key fall and winter fashion statement. It embodies an effortless chicness that feels a bit rushed or awkward, conveying the message, “I didn't try too hard, but I still look great.”

30. Old Money

‍Historically, fashion has often drawn inspiration from the elite and powerful figures, with icons like Cleopatra, Marie Antoinette, and Marilyn Monroe setting trends. Today, younger generations aspire to capture the essence of "old money" style. This aesthetic often aligns with minimalism and is sometimes confused with Dark Academia, though they are distinct. While Dark Academia resides in libraries, Old Money has a more refined presence, like on the tennis court. Key elements of an Old Money outfit include simple yet high-quality, on-trend pieces, avoiding baggy jeans and flares in favor of a more understated elegance.

Conclusion

In 2024, fashion continues to evolve with Gen Z leading the way, embracing diverse aesthetics that reflect their individuality and cultural influences. From the whimsical charm of the Tomato Girl and the nostalgic vibe of Kidcore to the bold statements of E-Girl and Streetwear, these trends offer fresh ways to express personal style. This generation's focus on inclusivity and self-expression challenges traditional fashion norms, creating a vibrant landscape where anyone can find their unique voice through clothing. The interplay of retro and contemporary influences showcases the dynamic nature of fashion, proving that what once was old can always be reinvented.As we look ahead, it's clear that these 30 aesthetics are more than just fleeting trends; they represent a cultural shift towards greater acceptance and exploration of identity. Each style carries its narrative, inviting wearers to engage with their personal stories and the world around them. Whether you're drawn to the carefree spirit of Brat Girl Summer or the elegance of Old Money, there's an aesthetic that resonates with everyone. Embrace these trends and celebrate the creativity they inspire, as fashion becomes a powerful medium for connection and expression in our ever-changing society.