You're too young to remember, but before there were aesthetics, there were subcultures. The retro aesthetics of yore, subcultures were largely music and lifestyle-based, but they inevitably also extended to fashion styles. Trad Goths listened to goth music and wore all black leather and lace, Preps were perfectly put together in their pastel polos and boat shoes, Punks had wild hair and were decked out in plaid and studs like their favorite punk bands. 

Where we differ, 40 years later, is that the way you dress doesn't have to reflect the music you listen to, the friends you hang out with, or who you are as a person. We dress up for fun! Much less gatekeeping and accusations of being "posers" this way. With the meteoric rise of TikTok, you may have started hearing about and seeing a million different aesthetics, it seems like there's a new one every day. What's a coastal grandma? What makes girls "soft"? And what does Acubi even mean? I've got your back, here's a cheat sheet of the 21 most popular aesthetics in 2024. 

How to wear it: The most iconically 2014 Tumblr outfit is the American Apparel pleated tennis skirt, paired with ripped fishnets or sheer black tights, scuffed Dr. Martens boots, and a black cropped turtleneck

Johanna Kuchta, known for her distinct style and social media presence, has been a significant influence on the Tumblr aesthetic. Her look, characterized by an ethereal blend of grunge, vintage, and modern elements, resonates deeply with the Tumblr community.

Kuchta's ability to mix soft pastels with bold statement pieces and layered accessories encapsulates a vibe that's both nostalgic and fresh, inspiring countless Tumblr users to emulate her style in their personal fashion and digital expressions. Tumblr aesthetic, often seen in muted tones and carefully curated visuals, continues to thrive, reflecting a blend of personal expression and a nod to subcultural trends

Like the name says, Whimsical Goth is a goth aesthetic with a side of whimsy. Not as harsh or limiting as trad goth, whimsigoth allows for a certain softness, femininity, and playfulness. A very witchy aesthetic, the most recognizable inspiration for whimsigoth is the 90s cult classic The Craft.

Iconic elements : long hemlines, sheer fabrics, draping, crochet, bell sleeves, flared pants, ditsy florals on a dark background, celestial motifs, especially the moon

How to wear it: A sheer midi skirt or dress with a glittery celestial motif is your best bet here, paired with some chunky black leather boots. You can add an open knit or crochet bolero or sweater - bonus points if it has bell sleeves for the witchy vibes. Pile on the rings and at least one big cross necklace.

However baffling it is to those of us who have been subjected to oppressive office lighting, the younger generation is dying for pencil skirts, tight button-up shirts, and sexy heels, in a rendition of what they think an office job is like. If only. Inspo imagery you may see for this aesthetic includes Giselle's character in The Devil Wears Prada (obligatory viewing for any fashion enthusiast!), and current-day Prada.

Iconic elements : pencil skirts, cinched blazers, pumps, Y2K glasses, claw clips, white button down shirts, slim turtleneck sweaters, vests

How to wear it: This is one of the aesthetics that's easier to wear, since it's based on office wear. A dark grey skirt that's knee length or just below the knee with black kitten heels, and a blazer with a cinched waist captures the essence of this look. Don't forget the thin framed glasses!

Coastal Cowgirl has been "cooking" for a while, with Lil' Nas X and Orville Peck being huge influences in making country cool for gen Z, but it took Beyonce to put out her record-breaking country album in order to bring it to a fever pitch. While strongly and obviously inspired by classic country style, the coastal cowgirl is a more polished cowgirl from the city.

Iconic elements: cowboy boots, cowboy hat, blue denim, fringe, cotton, linen, brown leather accessories, turquoise jewelry

How to wear it: This is classic Americana styled in a modern way - natural fabrics, and natural colors. The most important are, of course, the cowboy boots, and, if you're daring enough, a cowboy hat. Don't wear those together if you want to avoid looking costume-y. The coastal cowgirl is more of a linen mini dress + cowboy boots kind of girl.

Glamorous, distant, and lowkey dangerous, the mob wife is all about old-school glamour potentially acquired with misbegotten funds. Where did you get the money for that huge chunky gold necklace? You'll never tell. The mob wife aesthetic is, of course, inspired by pop culture's favorite mobster entertainment - the Sopranos; or just women from Queens.

Iconic elements : vintage fur coat, pointy black heels, oversized sunglasses, long red nails, chunky gold jewelry, vintage black purse that you could have snatched from your cold dead grandma

How to wear it: Obligatory red lipstick, big hair, and never without animal print, the mob wife is not afraid of making a statement in broad daylight. Big sunglasses, all black outfit, and a vintage fur coat. Fur may be controversial, but it's the non-negotiable element of this aesthetic.

Any aesthetic on this list can be flirty, but coquette makes that a point in itself, with a sleek, soft, feminine, and sexy look. With inspirations in Lana del Rey's whole persona and the recent renaissance of ornate femininity after years of at-times oppressive, neutral minimalism, the coquette aesthetic prides itself in being unapologetically feminine.

Iconic elements : bows, pink, white, ruffles, lace, satin, pearl details, sheer blouses, mini skirts, corsets, knee socks, mary-janes

How to wear it: The challenge in the coquette aesthetic consists in playing with girlish elements without being childish. The coquette girl aspires to look like a romantic Old Hollywood siren with long, wavy hair, vintage nighties, and pearls. Add white socks and ballet flats for a modern look.

Dictionaries define "ethereal" as being otherworldly, unique, above this plane of existence, and almost fantastical in appearance. And that is exactly what this aesthetic means to achieve. Dreamy, feminine, and especially elegant, the ethereal look often finds inspiration in fantasy, mythology, and Greek and Roman marble statues.

Iconic elements : light, dreamy colors like white and pastels, long hemlines in langurous, drapey fabrics like satin, silk, or lace, sheer beauties like gauze or tulle.

How to wear it: An everyday ethereal look can be achieved by opting for monochrome fits and soft, heavy fabrics to elongate the silhouette, create the impression of fluidity, and lean into the statuesque vibe, and through subtle draping and intricate details. Embroidery, beading, pearls, and lace accents can all be employed sparingly for a nod to the aesthetic without looking like a very formal gown.

The plant mom aesthetic is very effortless, in that it leans into its mesiness, whether it's hair, makeup, or the outfit. Very inspired by artists and hipsters, it's not that the plant mom doesn't care, it's that she values polish less than her more put-together counterparts. Comfortable, slouchy, laid back, uncomplicated, the plant mom aesthetic is very inspired by 80s fashion, and has a slightly unisex bend.

Iconic elements : Graphic t-shirts, denim overalls, and botanical motifs are du jour, as are earth tones and natural fabrics. Linen, cotton, denim, corduroy, and knit sweaters.

How to wear it: Plant Mom is not an overly polished aesthetic, so you can get away with a cozy, voluminous sweater with a pair of denim overalls, preferably cuffed. The socks should be colorful. Finish off the look with Vans or Birkenstocks and a tote bag with a plant motif or from an indie book store.

A style of music, a subculture, a movement long before it became an aesthetic, grunge is synonymous with rebellion. It rejects capitalism and the curated, Instagrammable Soft Girls and Coquettes and instead opts for a messy, chaotic, undone, unisex vibe. Obviously, Nirvana, Garbage, Hole continue to be major sources of inspo, as this aesthetic is strongly informed by 90s fashion. If ever in doubt, just think WWCLW? (What Would Courtney Love Wear?)

Iconic elements : plaid, flannel, denim, wool, chunky boots, dark, drab colors, an intentional "unflattering" or unisex look, dark makeup, messy hair, distressing, unraveling seams and knitwear

How to wear it: Unisex Grunge means almost invariably a plaid flannel shirt with baggy jeans, and maybe Converse. If you're leaning more Courtney than Kurt, then a slip dress or a 90s inspired velvet dress with fishnets, and docs fit the bill.

Inspired by a return to a simpler, more bucolic life in nature, away from the demands and horrors of modern life, this aesthetic is all about comfort, volume, and easy femininity. An echo of its 80s predecessor and vintage holy grail, Gunnesax, Cottacore is often seen as a more “modest” aesthetic suitable for anyone who doesn’t necessarily want to show a lot of leg or cleavage, but still wants to look cute af. 

Iconic elements: puff sleeves, ruffled hems, smocking, tiered skirts, square necklines, closed necklines, oversized collars, bows, ditsy floral patterns, pastel colors & light, gauzy fabrics

How to wear it: You don't have to wear a dress to be cottagecore, but the most obvious route is a midi dress with smocking and puffy sleeves. But a frilly white, floral, or gingham blouse - again with puffy sleeves - paired with wide-leg jeans and a basket worn as a bag can also be a more modern-leaning cottagecore. 

Seems like this generation is dying to experience bare cracks and exposed midriffs, because Y2K is back in all its bedazzled glory. After what felt like decades of joyless normcore, Y2K sure looks enticing because it's FUN, and in unstable times in history, we tend to get our fun where we can. In this case, it's Mean Girls-esque outfits. Flip phones, bellybutton piercings, and purse dogs all make ideal accessories. 

Iconic elements : baby tees, low rise jeans, small bags, cargos, tiny sunglasses, rhinestones, hair gel, colorful accessories, puka shells, faux fur, corset tops

How to wear it: A baby tee with a cheeky slogan paired with a lowrise pleated mini skirt will never, ever go wrong. Shoes should be either very chunky or minimal and low profile - flip flops! Baggy jeans are also du jour. Good thing flip phones are back so we can fit them into our tiny purses.

Coastal Grandma is not about being bold, subversive, or standing out, but all about comfort and leisure. The Coastal Grandma is not trying to look hot, she wants that rich middle-aged woman life. Icons for this aesthetic include Martha Stewart (after she came out of prison for embezzlement), and Diane Keaton in...well, any movie after the year 2000. The vibes are laid back, unproblematic, and comfortable.

Iconic elements: rattan and straw accessories, high-coverage hats, linen and cotton, Breton stripes, a large bank account

How to wear it: The Coastal Grandma wears a lot of light colors - whites, off-whites, creams, light blues. Think private beach in Martha's Vineyard. An oversized white linen button-down shirt worn untucked over a pair of drawstring linen pants and espadrilles. We want a look that's polished, but practical and unfussy - the most comfortable of aesthetics.

Coconut Girl Aesthetic Room Decor

In 2024, fashion aesthetics continue to evolve, blending nostalgia with modern flair across 21 diverse styles. From the throwback charms of the 2014 Tumblr Aesthetic to the serene vibes of Coastal Grandma, each aesthetic offers unique elements to express individuality. Dive deeper into these trends by exploring related blog posts on aesthetics to keep your style fresh and informed.