Thanks to social platforms like Instagram and TikTok, a myriad of fashion aesthetics are growing in popularity. On one hand, many nostalgic trends are seeing a resurgence, including Y2K or ’90s grunge, but they’re often given a contemporary twist to meet today’s evolving styles. On the other hand, new aesthetics are taking over, catering to a wide range of tastemakers.
Take, for example, Barbiecore, a trend Valentino helped usher in when Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli unveiled his fall 2022 ready-to-wear collection. The catwalk boasted numerous head-to-toe pink separates, gowns, bags, and platform sandals: designs that have dominated red carpet style as of late.
In fact, just this past weekend, we witnessed a parade of Barbiecore-aesthetic clothes on Anne Hathaway and Ariana DeBose, among other stars, at Valentino’s couture show. Yet, the aesthetic also holds power off the red carpet. Hailey Bieber, Khloé Kardashian, and Lizzo are some of the celebrities making it mainstream, endorsing the trend in pink corseted minis.
Consider also the rise of the coastal-grandmother aesthetic. A relative newcomer to the fashion scene, the trend encompasses easygoing closet staples that conjure up images of a life lived along coastlines. Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, and Martha Stewart have all been declared coastal-grandma style icons. And with its embrace of simple white button-downs, bucket hats, and totes, the aesthetic is proving its staying power.
Of course, you don’t have to follow every trend, but if you’re in the mood to switch up your rotation, there’s plenty of style inspiration available. If you aren’t clear on all the different aesthetics, keep reading for a starter list and some of the aesthetic outfits you’ll need to achieve the trends.
