The “VSCO girl” aesthetic took the internet by storm, becoming a recognizable and often parodied subculture. But what lies beneath the surface of the oversized t-shirts, friendship bracelets, and signature sayings? What truly matters to these young women? Understanding the core values and concerns of VSCO girls requires looking beyond the surface-level trends and recognizing the generation’s aspirations and priorities.
Environmental Consciousness and Sustainability
At the heart of the VSCO girl ethos is a genuine concern for the environment. This is not merely a trend; it reflects a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our planet and a desire to make a positive impact.
Reducing Plastic Waste
A key element of this environmental consciousness is the commitment to reducing plastic waste. The ubiquitous Hydro Flask is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a symbol of rejecting single-use plastic water bottles. Reusable straws, often made of metal or silicone, serve the same purpose, replacing disposable plastic straws that contribute significantly to ocean pollution. This commitment reflects a broader awareness of the detrimental effects of plastic on marine life and ecosystems.
They actively promote and adopt practices that minimize their environmental footprint. Carrying reusable bags for groceries, using eco-friendly beauty products, and supporting brands committed to sustainable practices are all common behaviors. This desire to lessen their impact on the environment is a core value that drives many of their choices.
Supporting Eco-Friendly Brands
The VSCO girl’s environmentalism extends to the brands they support. They are drawn to companies that prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmentally friendly production methods. Brands that actively work to reduce their carbon footprint, use recycled materials, and support environmental conservation efforts are particularly appealing. This conscious consumerism demonstrates a commitment to aligning their spending habits with their values.
This preference for sustainable brands is not limited to clothing and accessories. It also encompasses beauty products, skincare, and even food choices. They actively seek out products that are cruelty-free, vegan, and made with natural ingredients, demonstrating a holistic approach to environmental responsibility.
Self-Care and Mental Well-being
Beyond environmentalism, VSCO girls prioritize self-care and mental well-being. This emphasis reflects a growing awareness among young people of the importance of taking care of their mental and emotional health.
Prioritizing Relaxation and Mindfulness
VSCO girls often incorporate practices like meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature into their daily routines. These activities are seen as essential for reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and fostering a sense of inner peace. They understand that taking care of their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health.
The focus on mindfulness also extends to their online presence. They are more likely to curate their social media feeds to include positive and uplifting content, avoiding accounts that promote negativity or unrealistic beauty standards. This conscious effort to create a supportive online environment reflects a commitment to protecting their mental well-being.
Promoting Body Positivity
The VSCO girl aesthetic embraces a more relaxed and natural look, often eschewing heavy makeup and perfectly styled hair. This emphasis on authenticity reflects a broader movement towards body positivity and self-acceptance. They are more likely to celebrate their natural features and embrace imperfections, rather than striving for an unattainable ideal.
This focus on body positivity also translates into a rejection of diet culture and restrictive eating habits. They are more likely to prioritize healthy eating habits that nourish their bodies and promote overall well-being, rather than focusing on weight loss or unrealistic body standards. This emphasis on self-acceptance and body positivity is a refreshing departure from traditional beauty ideals.
Creativity and Self-Expression
VSCO girls value creativity and self-expression. The VSCO app itself, known for its artistic filters and focus on genuine photography, is a key platform for this.
Photography and Visual Storytelling
Photography is a central element of the VSCO girl aesthetic. They use the VSCO app to edit and share their photos, creating a distinctive visual style characterized by muted tones, natural lighting, and a focus on capturing authentic moments. These photos often showcase their daily lives, travels, and experiences, offering a glimpse into their perspectives and values.
The emphasis on visual storytelling extends beyond the VSCO app. They also use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share their creative content, expressing themselves through photography, videography, and other forms of visual art. This desire to share their perspectives and connect with others through creative expression is a defining characteristic of the VSCO girl subculture.
Personal Style and Fashion
While the VSCO girl aesthetic has some defining characteristics, such as oversized t-shirts, scrunchies, and Birkenstock sandals, it also allows for individual expression. They use fashion as a way to express their personality and values, often incorporating vintage clothing, thrift store finds, and unique accessories into their wardrobes.
This emphasis on personal style also extends to their DIY projects and creative endeavors. They often customize their clothing and accessories, creating unique and personalized items that reflect their individuality. This desire to express themselves through fashion and creative projects is a key element of the VSCO girl ethos.
Friendship and Community
The VSCO girl subculture emphasizes the importance of friendship and community. Building strong relationships and supporting one another are core values.
Creating Supportive Online Communities
VSCO girls often participate in online communities where they can connect with like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and offer support to one another. These communities provide a safe and inclusive space for them to express themselves, build friendships, and learn from others.
The emphasis on online community also extends to their social media interactions. They are more likely to engage in positive and supportive conversations, offering encouragement and validation to their peers. This commitment to creating a positive online environment reflects a desire to foster a sense of belonging and connection.
Value of Real-Life Connections
While online communities are important, VSCO girls also value real-life connections. Spending time with friends, engaging in activities together, and supporting one another through life’s challenges are all essential aspects of their relationships. They understand that strong friendships are vital for their emotional well-being and overall happiness.
The emphasis on real-life connections also translates into a commitment to supporting their local communities. They often participate in volunteer activities, support local businesses, and contribute to charitable causes. This desire to make a positive impact on their communities reflects a broader sense of social responsibility.
Social Justice and Activism
Increasingly, VSCO girls are using their platforms to advocate for social justice and raise awareness about important issues. This reflects a growing engagement among young people in social and political activism.
Raising Awareness about Important Issues
VSCO girls are using their social media platforms to raise awareness about a wide range of social justice issues, including climate change, racial equality, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. They share information, resources, and calls to action, encouraging their followers to get involved and make a difference.
This commitment to social justice also extends to their everyday actions. They are more likely to support businesses that align with their values, boycott companies that engage in unethical practices, and participate in protests and demonstrations. This desire to create a more just and equitable world is a driving force behind their activism.
Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity
VSCO girls are committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in their communities and online spaces. They celebrate differences, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for equal opportunities for all. They understand that creating a truly just and equitable world requires embracing diversity and challenging systemic inequalities.
This commitment to inclusivity also translates into a willingness to learn and grow. They actively seek out perspectives from diverse voices, educate themselves about different cultures and experiences, and challenge their own biases and assumptions. This ongoing process of learning and self-reflection is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
What is the historical context of the VSCO girl aesthetic, and how did it evolve from its initial association with the VSCO app?
The VSCO girl aesthetic emerged in the late 2010s, initially tied to the photo-editing app VSCO (pronounced “vis-co”). VSCO provided a platform for users to share artistic and filtered photos, often embracing a natural and slightly muted look. Early adopters favored a relaxed, beachy vibe characterized by soft lighting, earthy tones, and a sense of carefree living. This online aesthetic gradually translated into a recognizable offline style, driven by the app’s popularity among Gen Z teens seeking an alternative to highly curated and overly posed Instagram content.
The evolution extended beyond photo editing to encompass a distinct lifestyle and set of values. The aesthetic became associated with specific brands and material possessions, like Hydro Flask water bottles and scrunchies. More importantly, it began to reflect a certain social consciousness, with many VSCO girls advocating for environmental awareness and embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. This broader perspective distinguished the VSCO girl trend from purely aesthetic trends, imbuing it with a deeper cultural significance.
How did the VSCO girl trend become associated with environmental activism and sustainability?
The VSCO girl aesthetic quickly adopted environmentalism as a core tenet. The focus on reusable water bottles (like Hydro Flasks) and metal straws signaled a commitment to reducing plastic waste. Promoting reusable bags over plastic alternatives further solidified this image. The online presence of many VSCO girls often featured content related to ocean conservation and sustainable living practices, contributing to the perception of this trend as one that embraced eco-consciousness.
This connection to environmentalism likely stemmed from a broader Gen Z concern for climate change and environmental issues. The VSCO girl trend, with its emphasis on a relaxed and nature-oriented lifestyle, provided a visually appealing and accessible platform for expressing these concerns. By associating themselves with sustainable practices and advocating for environmental awareness, VSCO girls contributed to raising awareness about crucial issues, albeit sometimes criticized for performative activism.
What are some common criticisms leveled against the VSCO girl trend, and are they justified?
One common criticism of the VSCO girl trend is its perceived superficiality and consumerism. The emphasis on specific brands and products, such as Hydro Flasks, scrunchies, and Birkenstock sandals, led some to view the trend as a shallow pursuit of material possessions rather than a genuine commitment to its purported values. Critics argued that the aesthetic overshadowed any real understanding or engagement with the underlying issues, like environmentalism.
Another criticism focuses on the performative nature of the trend. Some argued that VSCO girls were primarily motivated by gaining social media attention and projecting a certain image, rather than making genuine lifestyle changes. The use of the trend as a platform for superficial activism and virtue signaling was also noted. While these criticisms hold some validity, it’s also important to acknowledge that the VSCO girl trend introduced many young people to environmental concerns and sustainable practices, even if their engagement wasn’t always perfect.
How did the VSCO girl trend impact the broader social media landscape and influencer culture?
The VSCO girl trend contributed to a shift in social media aesthetics, promoting a more natural and less curated look compared to the highly edited and filtered content that dominated platforms like Instagram. The emphasis on authenticity and a “no makeup makeup” look challenged the prevalent beauty standards. This shift encouraged other social media users and influencers to embrace more relatable and less polished content, influencing the overall aesthetic of various platforms.
The trend also affected influencer culture by highlighting the potential for using social media for social good. While criticisms of performative activism persist, the VSCO girl trend demonstrated that influencers could engage with social and environmental issues and attract a following that cared about these topics. This, in turn, pushed other influencers to incorporate similar messages into their content, leading to a broader discussion about social responsibility within the influencer landscape.
How did the VSCO girl aesthetic influence fashion and beauty trends among teenagers?
The VSCO girl aesthetic significantly impacted fashion and beauty trends among teenagers by promoting a relaxed and comfortable style. Oversized t-shirts, denim shorts, and casual footwear like Birkenstocks or Vans became staples in teen wardrobes. The emphasis on natural fabrics and earthy tones further shaped fashion choices, influencing the popularity of brands known for their sustainable and comfortable clothing.
In terms of beauty, the VSCO girl trend championed a minimalist approach. The “no makeup makeup” look, characterized by tinted moisturizer, lip balm, and minimal eye makeup, became highly popular. This trend encouraged teenagers to embrace their natural features and prioritize skincare over heavy makeup application. The focus on sun protection, often demonstrated through the use of sunscreen and hats, further reinforced the emphasis on healthy skin.
What is the current status of the VSCO girl aesthetic, and how has it evolved or faded in recent years?
The VSCO girl aesthetic, as a distinct and widely recognized trend, has largely faded from its peak popularity in the late 2010s. The intense media attention and widespread adoption arguably led to its decline, as its core elements became overly mainstream and somewhat cliché. As with many internet-driven trends, the VSCO girl aesthetic was quickly replaced by newer, more novel styles and subcultures.
However, the influence of the VSCO girl trend can still be observed in contemporary fashion and lifestyle choices. The emphasis on sustainability, natural beauty, and comfortable clothing has continued to resonate with many young people. Aspects of the aesthetic, such as oversized clothing and a focus on eco-friendly products, have been incorporated into other trends and remain relevant in a broader context.
Beyond the stereotypes, what lasting positive impacts can be attributed to the VSCO girl trend?
Despite the criticisms and eventual fading of the trend, the VSCO girl phenomenon had some positive lasting impacts. It introduced a generation of young people to the importance of environmental awareness and sustainable living practices. The emphasis on reusable products and conscious consumption, even if imperfectly executed, contributed to raising awareness about plastic pollution and climate change.
Furthermore, the VSCO girl trend promoted a more natural and authentic aesthetic in a social media landscape often dominated by unrealistic beauty standards. The focus on skincare, minimal makeup, and comfortable clothing encouraged teenagers to embrace their individuality and prioritize self-care. This shift toward authenticity and body positivity, while not solely attributable to the VSCO girl trend, was certainly influenced by its widespread popularity.