Trend Overload Is Out, and the Clean-Girl Look Is In—These 7 Outfits Are Proof
If you've done your due diligence of scrolling through TikTok for an unpreceded amount of time, then you, too, might have noticed that a new aesthetic rightfully dubbed the "clean-girl look" is trending. Allow me to preserve your screen time, as I've done enough scrolling for the both of us to have a true understanding of the meaning of this new buzzword.
The clean-girl aesthetic is a vibe we're all familiar with at this point. Think slick-back buns, no-makeup makeup, an elevated minimalist wardrobe, and heavy gold jewelry. It looks like you're not at all trying, yet somehow, you look so put-together. And the best part is that if you fill your wardrobe with the right basics, you'll barely have to lift a finger when you get dressed in the morning.
Peek into the '90s for some style inspiration from Princess Diana or Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. You can also take the modern approach of copying Hailey Bieber's street style. I'll save you some time, though. The seven looks below popped up on my Instagram feed and immediately had me clicking save. They're easy outfits to copy and are right on the needle when it comes to getting the clean-girl look. Each piece below will give you outfits for days, so happy shopping!
Back in Business
This look is the epitome of clean-girl style. The hair is slicked back, and the outfit is so sophisticated without overstyling. Apparently, all you need in life is a black midi dress, oversize sunglasses, and a trench coat by your side.
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Halter dresses are certainly going to have their moment this summer.
If you're not already wearing oversize sunglasses, what are you doing?
Effortlessly Elevated
Clean girls know how to find basics that are next-level. Think cutouts where you least expect them or a twist to a classic white tee. You'll look effortlessly elevated when you choose pieces like this.
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The Traveling Clean Girl
European travels are on everyone's bucket list for this summer, and I think this just has to be the perfect outfit to wear to feel like you're in the South of France. Everyone needs a high-quality button-down and denim shorts anyway, so shop my favorites below.
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Fun fact: These are Who What Wear readers' favorite pair of denim shorts. Tested and approved by you all!
Coastal Granddaughter
If you have also heard of coastal grandma, then you would probably agree with me that any clean girl is basically her granddaughter. This look screams Nantucket, and I'm here for it.
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Running Errands
The clean girls who live on my Instagram feed are always on the run in low-res zoomed-in video shots, and this is the perfect look to wear for one. Slightly distressed denim and an open, oversize button-down should always be ready to go in your closet.
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Summer Uniform
I'm telling you this in all honesty: I'm wearing this outfit as we speak. It's my go-to when I don't have much time but want to look cute. When you have wide-leg pants and a white ribbed tank in your corner, you can't go wrong.
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Staying In
I used to forbid myself from wearing sweatpants, but now, joggers are my jam. Clean girls love any take on the athleisure aesthetic, so you'll have to give this look a try the next time you plan on sitting at home with a good book.
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Who What Wear editors unanimously agree that this is one of the best white button-down shirts.
Shop more items on the clean-girl shopping list:
Up Next: I Spent the Week Test-Driving My Summer Wardrobe—8 Easy Looks to Copy
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
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