aesthetics

The heads of three women with dark skin float against a yellow void. Most of them are disconnected from their bodies, free floating -- except for one whose hand holds a sparkling orange drink -- against an ethereal rainbow glow with transcendent looks on their faces, creating a sublime effect.

The Soft Girl Era & it’s Popularity Amongst Black Women

Allegra Walker, University at Albany - SUNY

The Soft Girl era is not just a trend about aesthetics or fashion — it's a movement of empowerment and self-affirmation for Black women.…

March 9, 2024

In an article about online aesthetics, vines entangle a person's hand while they hold their phone and scroll through images.

Online Aesthetic Stifles Individualism

Anne Bannon, Scripps College

Preserving identity in the age of TikTok.…

September 20, 2023

In an article about Gen Z's fashion sense, a young girl sorts through a rack of clothes.

Gen Z’s Style Defies Definition

Katherine Hollis, New York University

Through their focus on activism, aesthetics and self expression, Generation Z's fashion has warped into curated chaos.…

May 22, 2023

An illustration of personal items like a mirror and brush arranged to fit the messy minimalism aesthetic.

What Is Messy Minimalism and Why Does It Work?

Julia Concepcion, Virginia Commonwealth University

It might be time to give up the idea of perfection. This trend helps you prioritize what you really need to find your inner joy.…

March 24, 2023

In an article about summer fashion trends, an image of a girl shopping.

6 Summer Fashion Trends Worth Investing In

Kaitlyn Anderson, Cornell University

To avoid being ensnared in constantly changing trends, build a summer wardrobe with items that are worth the investment.…

June 22, 2022

In an article about aesthetics, two people evoking two different 'aesthetics'

Why ‘Aesthetics’ on Social Media Are Overrated

Amandine Shadia, The University of Arizona Global Campus

Trends like cottagecore and dark academia can be fun, but they can also be stifling.…

February 14, 2022

Fall 2021 Fashion Trends: Sophisticated, Saucy and Saturated

Briana Byus, Biola University

Say good-bye to hot girl summer! It's time to transition our closets for the upcoming season.…

September 1, 2021

5 online small businesses to check out for dorm room decor

5 Online Small Businesses To Check Out for Aesthetic Dorm Room Decor

Salma Heram, George Washington University

With the upcoming school year approaching quickly, now's the perfect time to start shopping for fun decorations to spice up your personal space!…

August 8, 2021

Doja Cat is illustrated in space-themed attire and colors to demonstrate the aesthetic of her recent music videos.

Doja Cat’s Artistry Demonstrates the Value of Aesthetic

Sydney Smith, University of Pittsburgh

With the singer's recent release 'Planet Her' comes a renewed focus on captivating styles, something that has been lacking from mainstream pop as of late.…

August 4, 2021

AAn illustrated hand holds a receipt displaying the hefty prices of self-care acts such as bubble baths, taking breaks and self-reflection.

Self-Care, Once a Radical Act, Has Been Bastardized by Social Media and More

Sydney Smith, University of Pittsburgh

Despite having philosophical, revolutionary and political roots, the focus on caring for oneself has morphed into another mode of consumption. How did this happen?…

June 16, 2021

Dark Academia Is More Than Just an Aesthetic — It’s Building a Community

Haven Worley, University of Rochester

The fashion trend and subculture is rekindling an eagerness to learn after going viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.…

November 12, 2020

An illustration of a bunch of mood boards for an article on them.

Why You Should Create a Mood Board

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

Making a visual interpretation of your dreams and goals can be inspiring and motivating.…

November 9, 2020

The Return of 2000s Aesthetics Is Unsurprising in an Age of Uncertainty

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

The era of Britney Spears and Juicy Couture is back, and it's a perfect complement to the social turmoil being experienced by Generation Z.…

June 30, 2020

Illustration by Francesca Mahaney of a cottage in an article about cottagecore

Cottagecore Is Gen Z’s Way of Coping With a Hectic, Modern World

Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

Instead of yearning for big city life, young people are finding an escape by imagining a more pastoral, idyllic lifestyle.…

May 20, 2020

vaporwave style photo of a car behind balcony bars

Vaporwave Might Be Dead, but Its Ghost Continues To Haunt Pop Music

Ian Nordin, University of Texas at San Antonio

Whether you think the genre is long gone or still thriving, it continues to influence artists like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator.…

March 20, 2020

6 Aesthetic Poetry Books to Add to Your Shelf

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Because we all want to at least look like we’re intelligent.…

July 12, 2019

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aesthetics