Previously recognized as a philosophical discipline concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty, the word aesthetics has evolved into a common colloquialization today. This modernized and non-academic perception of aesthetics has become more influential than academic aestheticians can ever hope to be. Popularized by social media platforms such as Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram, aesthetics has taken on its own unique meaning. Its subcategories each flaunt a personal voice and individuality and are as different as the next. Still can’t get your head wrapped around the concept? Here are some of today’s most iconic aesthetics.
1. Cottagecore
An aesthetic that romanticizes rural or farmhouse living and all the nature surrounding it. Cottagecore is a lifestyle based on the idea of technological minimalism, and it idealizes traditional forms of craft such as pottery and crochet. Also associated with nature, the Cottagecore aesthetic promotes early twentieth century attire in light shades of color—idealizing rural life as was before.
2. Academia
Think pressed white collars layered under school sweaters and coffee shops late at night—this aesthetic romanticizes the idea of literature and the general passion for learning. Academia is also an aesthetic that is reminiscent of European old-money families, thereby including hobbies and interests such as classical music and chess, among others. Like many other aesthetics, this trend takes inspiration from previous eras and generations which is a very common variation among the other types of modern aesthetics.
3. Emo
Divided into several species and subspecies such as e-people (e-boys and e-girls), this aesthetic is based on the idea of having a dark side, a “Hyde” if you will. Although currently used to describe TikTok users, e-girls’ recognizable uniform of edgy colors and chains can be dated back to Tumblr and Pinterest app users in the early 2010s. Fishnets, eyeliner, and dyed hair are all trademarks of this aesthetic. E-boys, on the other hand, have risen in popularity with male TikTok users, and though their attire and trademarks are the same with e-girls, e-boys place emphasis on ideas and items such as depression (sadboi), black nail polish, and curtained hair. Altogether summarized in the word “edgy,” the Emo aesthetic has popularized and romanticized a version of Grunge, Goth, and Animecore and has taken various ideas from each to create an entirely new variation.
4. Retro
Also taking inspiration from the past—although, from more recent decades—the Retro aesthetic can be divided into many different species of aesthetics, such as Y2K (The year 2000), Vaporwave, and Vintage. Essentially divided into variations that depend on the decade from which they were spawned from, practitioners usually idealize a period in history and take great inspiration from such, be it in their attire, electronics, furniture, or music taste. This aesthetic has two forms: a lifestyle variation that takes inspiration from different decades in all areas (i.e., Y2K) and a visual or auditory one which places a twist on several iconic and defining characters of an era (i.e., Vaporwave). Because of this deviation from more current fashion trends such as Streetwear and Techwear, this aesthetic intersects with Alternative or Alt Genre—the Y2K variation in particular. Some additional trademarks of this aesthetic involve art as well. Art Moms and Plant Moms are some subgenres of the Retro aesthetic, though the latter involves some Cottagecore themes.
5. Soft
A hybrid between the VSCO trend and the Vintage aesthetic, soft girls and soft boys, and their subspecies (i.e. kawaii soft irl and dark soft irl) also include aspects of the e-people variation. Girls prefer light yet relatively modern clothing (if not vintage), and are a popular theme among today’s youth. Soft boys, however, prefer a much more vintage and neutral feel to their clothing; however, others do prefer dressing with more pastel colors. Moreover, the same can be said for women with some females preferring to dress in a more lowkey style compared to the light pastels this aesthetic is usually associated with. Others do prefer involving elements such as kawaii into this taste; however, the majority prefer a more basic look.
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