How to Wear the Clean Girl Aesthetic - InStyle

If by some chance the Clean Girl Aesthetic has yet to grace your grid, think of someone you know who has their life completely together. Now, imagine them as an outfit. Maximal in regards to their career goals ("That Girl"), the clean girl is minimalist when it comes to beauty and fashion. Generally, she's early to rise and early to bed. She journals and meditates every morning, and also performs her skincare routine religiously. She's the dictionary definition of "cool, calm, and collected," and her closet consists of pieces that are simultaneously comfortable and sophisticated.

While many of today's fashion it-girls are proponents of the trending aesthetic, they aren't the first. The late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was perhaps the look's original poster girl back in the '90s. "[Bessette-Kennedy] mastered clean yet sophisticated styling through staple pieces and a neutral color palette," says Victoria Barbara, a luxury fashion and beauty influencer. "Her looks are relevant today because they are timeless. Think, polished hair in a slicked-back bun, chunky gold jewelry, and very natural skin makeup with a dewy finish."

For more inspiration, we rounded up a list of fashion experts' best tips on how to channel the clean girl aesthetic in your everyday life, below

Balance Something Sporty With Something Preppy

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Vegan fashion blogger Michelle Rothenburger of Harm Free Fashion says that her interpretation of the Clean Girl Aesthetic involves pairing athleisure with something preppy, giving off a vibe that's sleek but down-to-earth. Think black biker shorts with an oversized white button-down, khaki pleated pants or Bermuda shorts with a white ribbed tank top and cardigan. As far as shoes go, Rothenburgertold tells InStyle she gravitates toward white tennis shoes, black ballet flats, or sleek neutral-colored sandals.

Remember That Simplicity Can Be Sexy

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To channel "clean girl," JessaKae Founder, Jessa Maddocks, advises focusing on a sexy, simple silhouette, like a slip or wrap dress, and experimenting outside a neutral color palette by leaning into pretty pastels or uncomplicated patterns. Once you have your foundation, Maddocks tells InStyle she'd reach for minimal gold jewelry, a black open-toed stiletto, and, if she's feeling daring, would opt to go bra-less. "That's the Clean Girl having fun with her friends on the town."

Matching Sets Remain a Go-To

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The Clean Girl is all about simplicity and convenience, as is the intention behind wearing a matching set. According to lifestyle influencer Katya Bychkova, founder of the Style Sprinter, anything from an athleisure set in matching neutrals to a matchy-matchy sweatsuit, co-ord with a skirt and top, or two-piece suit falls under the umbrella of this aesthetic. Styling the set is just as effortless. "Add sneakers and a simple, logo-free shoulder bag," Sprinter tells us, citing Mansur Gavriel's mini crossbody and The Row tote as her sources of accessory inspo.

Oversized Blazers Are a Model-Off-Duty Mainstay

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Blazers are a closet staple whether you're channeling the Clean Girl Aesthetic or not. That being said, Bychkova says something structured but oversized is preferred for this particular look, as these design details "elevate sporty items and make them more appropriate for any occasion."

A Solid Pair of Sunnies Is a Must

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While the Clean Girl Aesthetic calls for minimal accessories, sunglasses are essential. Bychkova suggests selecting a versatile pair to have on your person at all times, "from smaller frames that show off your brow, to oversized models that look like you are trying to escape from the paparazzi." They'll really help bring home that cool-girl mystique.

Neutral Colors Reign Supreme

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The Clean Girl Aesthetic doesn't subscribe to vibrant color palettes and wild patterns, which is why stylists and influencers Liv Schreiber and Kennedy Bingham, aka Gown Eyed Girl suggest sticking to neutrals: black, white, brown, tan, and the like. "You will never find the clean girl in any loud colors or patterns," says Schreiber

Gold Jewerly Is a Clean Girl Favorite

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When it comes to accessorizing, adding a few layered chains or chunky gold hoops to an ensemble can make the look "instantly shine," says fashion influencer and TikTok star Anna Sitar. Curve model and fashion influencer Ella Halikas agrees, listing the Adina Hoops by Natalie B Jewelry and any gold piece from Ettika as clear favorites. "Along with layering bracelets and necklaces, gold hoops are the best way to look the part without trying too hard," she adds.

Keep Embellisments Minimal

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Fashion influencer and founder of the With Love From Kat Travel App, Kat Jamieson, says she loves pairing a relaxed fit, light denim jean with a frayed edge with a classic white button-down. It adds a bit of flare to what would otherwise be a run-of-the-mill Clean Girl outfit.

Choose Straight-Leg Over Skinny Fits

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According to digital creator Athena Ng, mom jeans and trousers are some of the most prominent options for this aesthetic. "[These styles] cinch in the waist and create a floaty silhouette," she says, adding that high-waisted bottoms have the Clean Girl's green light, too. "[They'll] have you feeling casual and chic all at once."