Is the "Clean Girl" Still Relevant? An Evolution of TikTok's Most Enduring Aesthetic

      Clear skin, matcha in hand, and a basic white T-shirt cropped just above the waist are defining elements of the "clean girl" aesthetic. Emerging in 2021, this niche microtrend became one of the early social media movements that successfully transcended algorithms with its philosophy of sleek buns, minimal makeup, and structured skincare routines. This trend is not new to you, nor will it be for a while. So, in this rapidly changing trend environment, why has the clean girl aesthetic remained relevant?

      What is the Clean Girl Aesthetic? As the name implies, achieving the clean girl aesthetic revolves around curating a look that conveys a hyper-groomed image. Outfits usually encompass Levi's 501 jeans or athleisure from Alo or Adanola, appearing as though freshly taken from a dry cleaner’s garment bag. Hair should be smooth and free of flyaways with the aid of a smoothing wax and Olaplex’s popular No. 7 Bonding Oil. Makeup is minimal—if worn at all—and must always include some form of hydrated, glossy lip, often provided by Rhode Beauty’s Peptide Lip Treatment.

      In the period right after the pandemic, our focus on hygiene clarified why this theme flourished. The shift moved from the Y2K styles of brands like Blumarine and Diesel to a cleaner look, projecting an aura of effortless perfection. Although Hailey Bieber has never officially claimed the title of a clean girl, her beauty and fashion style has become the go-to model. But time has a way of making us forget. As our collective preferences changed from "glazed doughnut" skin to a more realistic look that indicates a lived-in experience—think pimple patches hiding breakouts, soft blur makeup lightly applied to cheekbones, remnants of last night’s eyeliner—how has the clean girl aesthetic maintained its presence?

      Is the Clean Girl Aesthetic Trending in 2025? If TikTok trends serve as any indication, the clean girl aesthetic is not as hot as it was in the early part of the decade. However, its influence still lingers. In 2025, cultural relevance comes from a sense of relatability. To be influential, one must connect with the masses rather than appearing superior to them. This shift has led personalities like Kylie Jenner—who previously dismissed filler accusations—to share details about her breast augmentation and Addison Rae to candidly express her ambitions for fame in her debut album and promotional material, echoing the nostalgia of old Tumblr pages.

      A prime example is Charli XCX’s 2024 album, Brat, which features aggressive club beats with lyrics detailing self-paparazzi moments, wild parties, and generational trauma. The visuals embraced disorder with leather micro-shorts, distressed ribbed white tank tops, and untamed hair styled with dance floor sweat and dry shampoo. Given this context, it might seem like the clean girl aesthetic faded as we traded iced lattes for ice-cold martinis. However, this is a misinterpretation; the aesthetic has transformed and evolved into a more contemporary version.

      How to Achieve the Clean Girl Aesthetic in 2025? Observing current dressing trends, many still echo the clean girl aesthetic. Consider the concept of quiet luxury. Although slightly more sophisticated, both aesthetics emphasize polished minimalism, albeit with different interpretations of elegance and aspiration. As fashion progresses towards Chloé's bohemian styles and the "sleazy" vibes of the late 2000s and early 2010s, the original clean girl model is becoming increasingly irrelevant.

      To be a clean girl in 2025 is to embrace the core elements that made the trend appealing, but with a heightened sense of self-awareness. Rather than showcasing perfect, blemish-free skin implying a "woke-up-like-this" look, clean girls are now acknowledging the elaborate and sometimes demanding routines they've adopted to achieve a fresh appearance.

      Fashion-wise, the fundamentals remain similar, with the addition of accessories like bag charms that allow for personal expression. Instead of a singular clean girl uniform, trend adopters are now experimenting more and diverging from a defined template. You’ll still find classy neutrals and timeless silhouettes, but they may adopt a playful, vintage vibe with the inclusion of polka dots, lacy slips, or even capri pants. "Crunchy scents" such as Chanel’s Chance or Glossier You, along with skin tints and jewelry from Mejuri, will remain essential.

      Do not believe these trends are ephemeral. This refined take on the clean girl aesthetic is likely to persist well into the latter half of the decade; it may just take longer to pinpoint when these styles make their appearance.

      Shop Clean Girl Aesthetic Staples

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      Laura Margo Recycled Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

      The foundation of a true clean girl look starts with a crisp white T-shirt. Leset's Laura Margot style strikes the perfect balance—neither too boxy nor too fitted