Aesthetically yours
Originally popularized through social media apps like Tumblr and Pinterest, aesthetics provide the visuals for a lifestyle that usually focuses on the appreciation of a niche interest, subculture or archetype. Through new applications like Tik Tok and Instagram, the concept of aesthetics have once again reached popularity with the masses, taking the world by storm with their visual appeal. Here’s a guide to various styles of aesthetic, created with the assistance of information from Aesthetics Wiki and Tumblr.
Light Academia
Imagine a Parisian strolling down the streets of a cobblestone French street, a leather satchel on one arm, capturing their surroundings with a reusable film camera. With key colors ranging between shades of beige and cream and a focus on Classical and Renaissance workmanship and design, this Eurocentric aesthetic is exactly that. Light academia is centered around the appreciation of aesthetics common in European art, history and architecture. Its basic elements are exemplified in pop culture through movies like “Dead Poets Society” and “The Theory of Everything.” Revolving around the stereotypical aspects of a liberal arts major, day-to-day leisurely activities inspired by light academia include visiting indie coffee shops, writing poetry and spending countless hours in places like libraries and bookshops.
Cottage Core
For those who wish to go back to the simple, traditional days of agricultural life, with sunny fields of flowers and picnics for days, Cottagecore is the ultimate aesthetic. Its agrarian concept, originating from the early days of the popular blogging app Tumblr, stems from the tranquil, ethereal ambiance that nature is often associated with. Cottagecore-style attire generally includes simpler, loose-fitting clothing in natural, pastel shades and paisley and floral patterns. Its influence and inspirations can be seen in films like “Little Women,” Studio Ghibli’s hit animation “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and songs like Mitski’s “Strawberry Blond.”
Art Mom
Originally an online movement to encourage and raise awareness for creative freedom among people of color, Art Mom is now a general aesthetic for those with a love of art, creativity and cultural appreciation. Like Light Academia, the aesthetic focuses a great deal on art and design, but is centralized around contemporary styles. Distinctive Art Mom fashion include Fjallraven Kanken Bags, mom jeans and graphic tees. Art moms can also be seen sporting socks with famous artworks displayed on them, like Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” paired with colorful Converse or Vans. Some popular art mom influences include the timeless Hollywood classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and the more recent “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.”
Angelcore
Encompassing all the Western motifs of divine beauty and imagery of angels, Angelcore is an ambient aesthetic with an emphasis on long, flowing clothing, roses and pastel blues and pinks. European art like “Peace” by Ludwig Knaus and the work of William-Adolphe Bouguereau greatly influenced the aesthetic. Clothes following this style are usually made of sheer material and paired with ballet flats in sublime colors like white and gold. Some singers with music influenced by this aesthetic include Lana Del Ray, Billie Marten and Holly Henry, with their dreamy vocals and romanticized lyrics.
Bohemian
With roots in the hippie style, the Bohemian Aesthetic is known for its loose, colorful clothing and intricate designs. The concept was first introduced in the 1960s, and was recently repopularized by brands like Urban Outfitters and Free People. The style consists of timeless motifs like floral prints, maxi dresses, fedoras, and other beachy, loose clothing. Boho chic style is very prevalent at festivals like Coachella. The musical “Mamma Mia!” and “Sea of Love” by Cat Power have heavy bohemian influences.
