Pinterest and Instagram have become the fairy godmothers of Gen Z fashion, conjuring up one viral wardrobe trend after another. Whether your mood board leans towards formal, chic shirts paired with boots, cutesy short dresses and colourful hair barrettes, or pastel maxi dresses with elegant sandals, these five Gen Z fashion aesthetics—fuelled by Pinterest and Instagram—are sure to inspire a wardrobe revamp.
Corporate Chic / Office Core
Inspired by formal workwear and sharp styling, this aesthetic is dominating influencers’ ‘Get Ready With Me’ reels. To channel the look, reach for suits or blazers and crisp formal shirts in white, beige, pinstripes or subtle prints. Add a touch of polish with dainty pendant necklaces, minimalist earrings, an analogue watch, and a sleek, structured handbag. Hair worn straight or in a tidy bun completes the polished vibe.
Dark Academia
Perfect for literature lovers who spend their afternoons in cosy cafés with a hefty novel and lo-fi beats playing in the background, this look draws from classic academic style. Build your outfit with dark-toned tweed blazers, turtlenecks, vintage blouses, coats, and plaid trousers or skirts. Accessorise with mufflers, scarves, woollen stockings, boots, and a roomy tote bag (for your books and journal, naturally). Let your hair fall in loose waves or curls to soften the overall mood.
Coquette
The quintessential K-pop idol look, Coquette is all about sweet, feminine charm with a hint of glam. Embrace soft pastels or warm hues in mini dresses, lace tops, short cardigans, and ballet flats, kitten heels or Mary Janes. Elevate the look with bows, ribbons or barrettes in ponytails or plaits, add pearly or beaded statement jewellery, and finish with a cherry-pink cheek and lip tint. The result? An irresistibly cute and elegant aesthetic.
Cottagecore
Ideal for countryside getaways or picnic afternoons, this romantic style channels vintage, rural charm. Think flowy dresses, puffed sleeves, peasant blouses, midi skirts, and breathable cotton or crochet fabrics in soft earth tones or creamy shades. Complete the pastoral look with patterned sandals, floral headbands, straw hats, or loose, romantic braids for a fairytale finish.
Clean Girl
Minimalists, this one’s for you. The clean girl aesthetic celebrates understated elegance through simplicity and freshness. Build your look with cool, muted tones—white, baby blue, mint, lavender or turquoise. Opt for tank tops, sleek bodysuits, oversized shirts, tailored trousers, minimalist hoodies, leggings or baggy jeans. Keep accessories pared back: white sneakers or loafers, classic tote bags, fine jewellery, a slicked-back bun or high ponytail, and barely-there makeup with glossy lips and subtle eyeliner.
