If you are over the ‘clean girl aesthetic,’ try something a bit more chic and realistic
BY BETH MUNRO-MORRIS — arts@theaggie.org
As the new year unfolds, so too does the familiar urge to reinvent ourselves. It’s that time once again to revisit neglected intentions and create a version of ourselves that is polished, poised and, above all, impeccably dressed. So, as we dive into the winter quarter, the burning question remains: Which microtrend will redefine your wardrobe this year?
Many trend-conscious consumers flock to TikTok or Pinterest, endlessly scrolling to see which wardrobes the hottest influencers are showcasing. But what if we looked beyond the fleeting influence of “nepo babies” and instead drew inspiration from a more timeless source: cinema.
Enter the “Frazzled English Woman” aesthetic — a style pioneered by iconic British film characters such as Bridget Jones, from the film of the same name, and Kate Winslet in “The Holiday.” It’s an aesthetic that celebrates realism over perfection, embracing the chaos of everyday life whilst maintaining a subtle air of elegance. Here’s how to pull it off in just seven steps:
Invest in timeless staples
Transcend fleeting microtrends, and your wallet will thank you. Think knit sweaters, tailored coats and chunky scarves. You don’t need a closet full of designer pieces to nail this aesthetic. Instead, fill your wardrobe with quality fabrics like wool, cotton and cashmere that stand the test of time — and also trends.
Layer, layer, layer
With the cold weather creeping in, why not embrace the art of layering? This aesthetic thrives on the practicality of throwing together cozy pieces. Between classes, extracurriculars and the occasional late-night study session, who has time to curate the “perfect” outfit? Pile on your favorite knits, coats and scarves and you’re good to go.
Mix colors
Toss color theory out of the window, and play around with mismatched patterns. In the world of the “Frazzled English Woman,” even navy and black can coexist. Why waste time coordinating colors when you could be studying for a midterm — or better yet, sneaking in an extra 10 minutes of sleep?
Re-wear outfits
Celebrate the lived-in look — whether it’s the jeans you can’t seem to take off or the sweater you wear for the fourth day in a row, the more lived-in, the better. Who wants to stress over a new outfit every day when you’ve got papers to write and exams to cram for?
Wash clothes only when necessary
Coffee stains aren’t just allowed but encouraged. Embrace the messy side of femininity and let your clothes tell a story. Grab that shirt off your bedroom floor and wear it with pride (no one likes doing laundry anyway).
Accessorize
Don’t overlook the power of accessories — they turn clothes into an outfit. A leather bag with perhaps a few keyrings, a casually draped scarf or even a mug that you clutch on your way to class all add that effortless flair. If you’re feeling daring, pair this with smokey eye makeup and a faux cigarette. The best accessories always feel like they’ve been added accidentally, just like the rest of your look.
Embrace your ‘main character energy’
“The Frazzled English Woman” may seem a little tousled and frantic, but she carries an undeniable self-assuredness. Channel the quiet confidence of your favorite film character and move with purpose. Whether you’re rushing out the door with a coffee in hand, running late for class or riding your bike through the rain, own it. Mess is part of the appeal.
So forget about curating the perfect Pinterest-worthy outfit and welcome the glorious chaos of real life. Own your disheveled self, because often, the best dressed is the person who’s too busy to care. After all, if Bridget Jones can win over her dream man in granny panties, you can certainly handle a few missed laundry days and still ace this quarter.
Written by Beth Munro-Morris — arts@theaggie.org
