How to Create Your Own Aesthetic

Graphic by Claudia Johnson

These days, it seems all fashion is fed to us in cohesive, curated aesthetics with catchy names. While of course, you don’t need to cram your style into a neatly labeled niche box, it can be fun to feel just as intentional and polished as every second video on your ‘For You’ page. Here are five ideas to get you started on your back-to-school style rebrand. 

Stick to Secondhand

Many popular aesthetics focus on looks that have to be cultivated over time. Pieces look more personal and stylish when worn in. You can speedrun this process with preloved pieces. Go thrifting, scour through garage sales, eBay, Depop and Poshmark listings and consider hand-me-downs from friends and family members. Consider a clothing swap with a group. Secondhand pieces are more sustainable and feel more personal and unique. 

All right, you’ve set a weekend date to go thrifting. But where? 

Be Intentional with Color

A color scheme makes style cohesion much easier. Of course, you don’t need to stick to a specific palette or get your colors analyzed for the price of a paycheck, but think about what colors you love, wear most and are easiest to pair together for a seamless look. However, don’t discount mismatching and pops of contrast as well. They can be just as stylish if done thoughtfully. 

Interested in color analysis? Check out “My Journey with Color Theory and Sustainability.”

Consider a Uniform

Blokettes wear skirts with soccer jerseys. The old-money aesthetic requires a trench coat and trousers. Think of some staple pieces you can always pair together for an instantly recognizable and on-brand look. Do you always wear a long skirt with a tank top, an oversized sweater and jacket or are you a more low-key jeans and a t-shirt loyalist? Starting with one or two straightforward pairings makes getting dressed less overwhelming and creates a solid foundation to branch off of. 

Choose Some Staple Accessories

Many aesthetics have signature accessories: sunglasses, bucket hats, Vivienne Westwood pearl necklaces, and even shoe choices and hairstyles. It’s hard to separate the clean girl from her slicked-back updo or imagine dark academia without chunky loafers. What accessories always match your uniform and show what you love?

Express Your Interests

Most importantly, choose pieces, colors and styles that reflect your interests and hobbies. Each aesthetic has a lifestyle you can point to, so think about what part of your personality you want to shine through. Think of favorite books, bands, shows, sports and other hobbies. What pairs well with your lifestyle and what is most functional for it? Staying true to yourself and what you love helps you feel more comfortable in your style and is always the most authentic. 

*All pictures are courtesy of Pinterest.com*