STYLE PERSONA

Words: Leila Petersen | Images: Aart Verrips + supplied

For decades, fashion insiders have extolled the benefits of having a wardrobe full of basics. The perfect fitting jeans, the versatile white shirt, the reliable pair of loafers, the effortlessly cool leather jacket; but sticking to only your basics as a complete look can become monotonous, boring, and lacking personal flair - something that should not be happening in the age of TikTok and Instagram.

In fact, these social media platforms are challenging the norm and are contributing to the rapid acceleration of the trend cycle, creating room for more creative and diverse subcultures.

An in-depth exploration into TikTok’s fashion division, and you’re bound to stumble upon the wild and wonderful world of ‘core’ aesthetics. While the usual 'It' pieces are shared en masse and widely understood as being of the moment, core aesthetics are far more niche and extend beyond a few key pieces, often encompassing an entire mood that can dictate a particular way of living.

Whether you want to tie yourself to a specific aesthetic or dabble in many - depending on your mood - there is no denying how much fun you are able to have with your clothing and accessories as a way to tell a story. Channelling these trends opens the door to a whole lifestyle - sometimes as a way to mimic a life you may not have 100 percent access to currently. You may live in a small town but can channel the 'French girl chic' as if you had a flight into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport the next morning, or channel your inner Maddy Perez from Euphoria - the world is your oyster.

Although these aesthetics are always changing, there are few that seem to be popping up a lot on social media.

We break down these looks and highlight what they are all about, as well as the people channelling them best:

THE MOOD: Classic, clean, simple, and effortless.

MODUS OPERANDI: A fashion tribe who are rejecting the noise and clamour of clashing prints and accessory overload and are instead, embracing a more contemplative approach to dressing.

DAILY MANTRA: Less is more.

THE MASTERS OF MINIMALISM: Olsen Twins

Presenting itself in a variety of guises over the years - think Coco Chanel's sporty separates, Calvin Klein's '90s greyscale, and Philo-era Celine - minimalism, in essence, is all about taking away the flash and clutter. While the aesthetic favours ease, elegance and a neutral palette, this by no means suggests minimalist plays it safe.

Thanks to the designs of cult brands such as The Row, Jil Sander, Lemaire, and Gabriela Hearst, who are fronting minimalism 2.0, the trend now also includes draped silk dresses, voluminous tulle creations, chunky knits, midi skirts and sculptural finishing touches.

For purists, this minimal approach does not end there though. Minimalists also celebrate the basics when it comes to their beauty routines and homes. Embracing multi-purpose products and a simplified regime, the trend for minimalist beauty is rooted in a desire to enhance one’s natural beauty without overwriting it.

When creating a classic minimalistic interior, it's all about the base colour. Subdued hues rule here - from biscuit to grey and every ecru-inspired tone in between. Clean, fresh-looking, and inspiring a sense of calm, this aesthetic posses a particular contemporary nature, which evokes both a youthfulness and avant-garde nature.

THE MOOD: Inspired directly by the fashion and cultural trends of the late ‘90s to mid-2000s

MODUS OPERANDI: An interesting blend of tech and pop culture, Y2K fashion is typically quite futuristic with a slightly retro edge. Think shiny materials, chunky sneakers, pleated skirts, baguette bags, colourful sunglasses, bubblegum pink clothing, and velour tracksuits.

DAILY MANTRA: That’s hot!

STYLE LEADERS: Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears and Destiny’s Child.

It’s time to dust off your Von Dutch trucker because the early-2000s style is coming back with a vengeance! Supremely distinctive, this sought-after era has been reintroduced in the form of nostalgic shows and throwback accessories making its way into the zeitgeist again.

First ignited by Gen Z’s when they began rocking bootcut jeans and silk scarves as tops on TikTok, we saw the aesthetic pop up on the runways too, where labels like Blumarine have debuted ruffled minidresses, blingy belts, and low-slung denim

The aesthetic highlights the infamous tech glitch and features some early-aughts trends that have resurfaced including corsets, low-rise jeans, candy-coloured hair clips, and micro-mini skirts. And it seems like the Y2K revival has not made a smashing comeback but is here to stay with the the trend gaining momentum on the streets as well with stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, and more have been dusting off their best Y2K wears and giving them a new, modern feel.

THE MOOD: Fashion that reflects darker emotions, albeit with a sensual, if not sexy, touch that gives the gothic look a whole new twist.

MODUS OPERANDI: Dark colours, pops of plaid, cross necklaces, and plenty of metal-inspired choices.

DAILY MANTRA: Dressing for the dark side.

STYLE LEADERS: Megan Fox, FKA Twigs

Although the term 'gothic' as a clothing style might evoke head-to-toe black and kohl eyeliner, the modern goth is more likely to take inspiration from ultra-glam “hot goth girlfriends” such as Kourtney Kardashian and Megan Fox. Channelling all the dark and spooky elements of gothic fashion, modern goth puts an emphasis on sex appeal.

From lace-dashed dresses and bodysuits to luxed-up leather and lacquered platforms; these sensually demonic styles were not only seen on these stylish icons but versions of the aesthetic were seen on the runways of Rick Owens and Yohji Yamamoto too.

While the aesthetic goes well beyond the basic all-black outfit - although the neutral is for sure key when it comes to nailing this look - the most important factor, however, is all the details: think PVC material, platforms, corsets, chokers, lace and then most importantly, makeup. A great way to experiment with graphic eyeliner shapes, paint on deep, vampy lips and smoke out your eyes, there’s no denying that goth makeup looks can also look incredibly cool.

THE MOOD: Anything that reminds you of prep school or a fancy university serves as a staple for this aesthetic.

MODUS OPERANDI: Outfits are being driven by classic pieces, like tailored trousers, pleated skirts reminiscent of a prep school uniform, plaid or tweed separates and a modern pair of loafers.

DAILY MANTRA: I have a Masters in style.

STYLE INSPIRATION: Gossip Girl (reboot), Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph lauren

The typical pillars of education have been disrupted over the last couple of years. The way we learn, graduate, and share knowledge has pivoted and as a result, a digital subculture that’s been around for years is thriving with a renewed fervour; academia or collegiate.

An aesthetic dedicated to the scholarly, these styles are influenced by learning. While pleats, polos, and academic polish has defined this aesthetic in the past, the present iteration - which still favours time-honoured essentials like the blazer and loafer - sees these silhouettes given a fresh update in the form of oversized, masculine cuts and platform heels.

What draws people most to this style?

It's the timelessness that this sophisticated style projects, and the sense of polish and put-togetherness that it imbues on its wearer.