Is The “Clean Girl” Aesthetic Ruining Individuality?
Written by Kai Voorhees
I have heard people say the “clean girl aesthetic” is “ruining creativity” or enforcing conformity. When I first heard this, many questions came to mind. What is the “clean girl aesthetic” and why does it seem to be so controversial on certain parts of the internet?
The “clean girl aesthetic” is an aesthetic based on taking care of yourself and looking “clean”. It showcases natural makeup, neutral colors, and having a neatly organized space. If you search up “clean girl aesthetic” on almost every single social media platform, you will find many results. “Clean girl workout,” “clean girl morning routine,” and “clean girl makeup routine” are very popular results.
I remember when this idea first went viral. Originally, it was known as the “that girl” aesthetic. I used to watch videos like “how to be ‘that girl’” showcasing organized spaces, neutral colors, and natural makeup. I thought it was so effortlessly chic. I don’t remember when people started calling it the “clean girl aesthetic”. However, it does fit the theme of the aesthetic way better in my eyes.
Some people claim this aesthetic is enforcing conformity. This is because most of the videos you can find on socials almost always look the same. Monochromatic colors are the star of these videos. Beige, white, and gray are almost the only colors in these videos. Also, people want to fit into this aesthetic. They see these minimalistic routines and throw out all their pink lip glosses, green eyeshadow, and anything fun they may have that doesn’t fit the aesthetic. People say that people are starting to look the same due to their minimalist outfits, and makeup. Since they all take inspiration from celebrities like Hailey Bieber or influencers enforcing the aesthetic, they all tend to use the same products and techniques. Some think this is why this aesthetic is ruining individuality. One woman (@chelseadelago) on Instagram made a video saying “I desperately need you young girls in your 20s to start posting and living life again because I’m really getting tired of seeing all the matcha; pilates and the ‘come get ready with me’s”.
I have never tried living like a “clean girl”. So I do not really have an opinion on it. However, we have all seen trends and aesthetics fade away. I would like to mention that if you do not like this aesthetic, it will be replaced with something else in a year's time. The question is: what do you think about this aesthetic?
Sources:
https://www.newsweek.com/moms-message-20-somethings-chasing-clean-girl-aesthetic-praised-11518446
https://www.newsweek.com/i-mastered-clean-girl-aesthetic-3-steps-1857734
Posted on May 27, 2026