i get questions sometimes on this site, as well as tiktok, how i developed my “style” or what my “aesthetic” is. to be honest, i don’t have an aesthetic and never have. i thrift 90% of what i own - and i never know what i am going to find when i go into the thrift store. i don’t buy a specific item for a specific aesthetic or to fit a certain style - i just thrift things that i love. i do style my home based on the items i thrift - my kitchen is food, retro, with some pink - my living room is gothic - my bedroom is kawaii -ish BUT everything in home included thrift things, witchy items, pink things, and things that overall bring me JOY! i see so many “trends” of styles like “clean girl” - it’s nice to get inspiration from trends, but your most authentic self is worth so much more. #cluttercore#eclectic#cluttercoreaesthetic#maximalist#maximaliststyle#maximalisthome#maximalistdecor#aesthetic#nonaesthetic#shareyourthoughts
2024/9/15 Edited to
... Read moreYou know that feeling, right? Scrolling through social media and seeing everyone perfectly categorized into an 'aesthetic' – clean girl, cottagecore, dark academia... and then there's you, wondering, 'Do I even have one?' For the longest time, I felt the same way. But what I've realized is that not having a single, defined aesthetic isn't a flaw; it's a superpower! It’s about embracing what truly brings you joy, not what fits a trend.
If you're like me and identify with 'no aesthetic, just vibes,' welcome to the club! This approach is all about liberation. It means your style, whether it's your wardrobe or your living space, is a true reflection of your personality, not a Pinterest board. For instance, my home is a perfect example: my kitchen has a playful, retro vibe with pink accents and a cluttered countertop featuring a spice rack and pink utensils, while my living room delves into gothic and witchy decor with a beaded curtain and coffin-shaped shelves. Then you step into my bedroom, and it's full of kawaii-ish items like pink plushies and a heart-shaped box! It's a journey of collecting what resonates, not curating for a label.
So, how do you cultivate this 'no aesthetic' magic?
First, embrace thrifting! Seriously, 90% of my beloved possessions are thrifted. You never know what gems you'll find – a vintage lamp, a quirky piece of art, or even a vibrant shower curtain for your bathroom that screams *you*. It's a treasure hunt, and each find has a story. This is where you uncover those truly unique pieces that aren't mass-produced, making your style genuinely one-of-a-kind.
Second, mix and match fearlessly. Don't be afraid to combine elements that don't traditionally 'go together.' My living room, for example, beautifully blends gothic decor with numerous plants hanging from the ceiling, creating a lush, mystical atmosphere. And yeah, I've got a pentagram rug right next to a display cabinet filled with curiosities! It’s about creating harmony through juxtaposition. Look at my walls, covered with an eclectic collection of jars, dried flowers and herbs, and even small pictures and postcards. It’s maximalist, yes, but it’s my maximalist.
Third, focus on 'joy triggers'. Instead of thinking, 'Does this fit my aesthetic?', ask yourself, 'Does this make me happy?' If a funky colorful sticker for your washing machine or a cute fox tail for your wall brings a smile to your face, then it belongs! This mindset shifts your focus from external validation to internal satisfaction. Even my cats have their own cat climbing structure and a moon-shaped scratching post – because happy cats, happy home!
Finally, remember that trends come and go, but your authentic self is timeless. While it's fun to draw inspiration from things like 'clean girl' trends, true style comes from within. It’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your space and your clothes. So, ditch the pressure to define yourself. Embrace the beautiful mess, the curated chaos, the 'no aesthetic, just vibes' lifestyle. It's truly liberating to build a world around you that's uniquely, wonderfully yours.
I feel like this is an aesthetic. It’s just not one of the main few that are over represented.