clean girl aesthetic

The clean girl aesthetic is a polished, minimal look: slicked-back hair, glowing skin, barely-there makeup and simple gold jewellery. The goal is to look effortlessly put-together, as if you just woke up fresh and hydrated.

What is the clean girl aesthetic?

The clean girl look is about seeming natural and well-groomed rather than dramatically styled. It pairs a sleek bun with “no-makeup” makeup, dewy skin, brushed-up brows and glossy lips. Outfits are simple and neutral: fitted basics, matching sets, white trainers. The Conversation has described the look as best exemplified by Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid.

The clean girl look

• Hair: a slicked-back bun or ponytail with a centre part.
• Makeup: dewy skin, light blush, brow gel, lip gloss or balm.
• Jewellery: small gold hoops and simple chains.
• Clothes: neutral basics, tank tops, linen trousers, minimal accessories.

How to use clean girl

• “Slicked bun, gold hoops, iced coffee: clean girl starter pack.”
• “I tried the clean girl look but my hair refuses to be slicked.”
• “Her morning routine videos are so clean girl.”

Criticism

The trend has faced criticism for presenting styles long worn by Black and Latina women, such as slicked edges and gold hoops, as new and “clean” only when worn by others. Critics also note the look takes a lot of time and money to appear effortless.

Where clean girl comes from

According to Wikipedia, citing British Vogue, the look first appeared toward the end of 2021, and “clean girl” started showing up in Google Trends in 2022, when it spread widely on TikTok.

Related terms

• Old money aesthetic: tailored, inherited-wealth style.
• Quiet luxury: expensive, logo-free basics.
• Coquette: bows, lace and pastels.
• Mob wife aesthetic: the bold, glam opposite.

See more terms like this in our internet aesthetics guide.