There are so many different subcultures of style that have been cropping up on TikTok and gradually into instagram. It can be hard to keep track of them all – especially as someone who prefers a more refined, polished sense of style. However, one of the most talked about styles as of lately has been the Clean Girl aesthetic. As it turns out, this particular subset is getting put under the microscope and many are pointing fingers saying it is not inclusive to women of color and those who identify as non-binary.
So as someone of color, I am here to give my take on the trend. The Clean Girl aesthetic should not be just one type of person who supposedly goes to yoga in the AM, eats a balanced diet every meal, and occasionally tops off the night with a glass of chardonnay. Regardless of our background, we can all strive to be healthy, happy and can approach fashion with a minimal mindset no matter what our race or gender is. In fact, I love how others are challenging this movement with hashtags like #CleanLookBlackGirl and #LatinaGirlAesthetic.
So here is my take on the Clean Girl Aesthetic as a WOC.
Key Pieces to Channel the Clean Girl Aesthetic (From a WOC)
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The Matching Yoga Set
As previously mentioned, matching yoga sets are simply a way of life for those who wholeheartedly want to embody the “Clean Girl aesthetic” mindset. When you are constantly juggling attending a workout class, stopping at the farmer’s market, and meeting up with friends, it is best to have an outfit that can do it all. Thus, cute, matching workout sets are a life savior as you can modify for all of the aforementioned activities. Plus, if you shop in sets, it makes getting dressed for the day even easier which is always a plus. To dress up your activewear sets for beyond the yoga studio, you can throw on a shacket, moto jacket, or even a blazer.
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Normcore Inspired Sneakers
Of course, one would need a pair of sneakers to style with a variety of matching yoga sets. To fit in with the minimalistic vibe that the #CleanLookBlackGirl (and other relevant variations) represents, stick to neutral based trainers so you can get more bang for your buck. In particular, purveyors of this style love styles such as the New Balance 574 – which is equal parts dad shoe and normcore. Over the years, my favorite lace ups have been the Asics Gel sneakers (currently part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022) and I have worn them both with casual fits and more formal looks! Cannot recommend these enough.
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Other Fashion Gear
Beyond just athleisure workout clothing, there are a variety of other fashion pieces that would fit into this sense of style. The key is to stick to anything with basic and simple. To give you an idea, minimal style lovers adore classic pieces with just a touch of trend. For example, sweatshorts, modern crop tops, and oversized button up shirts – all of which can be worn by anyone who happens to take a liking to this look.
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Clean Girl Aesthetic Accessories
To complete the package, I pulled together some of the most must-have accessories. Just from a hydration standpoint some of the most handy-dandy tools are a water bottle so you can achieve your necessary daily water intake, to matcha sets (the caffeine of choice for all ‘clean humans’), and high-speed blenders. Beyond there, other must-have gear includes a yoga mat, chic sunglasses, and jumbo hair clips.
