Cottagecore, clean girl, hot Cheeto girl core… what does that even mean? In the age of TikTok and Instagram, Gen Z has turned self-expression into a shopping spree, quickly becoming known for their obsession with aesthetic trends, often broken down into “cores.” These labels reflect not just personal style, but an entire lifestyle, complete with clothing, products, and an attitude. But what happens when your self-worth depends on what “core” you identify with? Let’s take a closer look at how these micro-trends are reshaping identity and driving a dangerous cycle of overconsumption.
The ‘Core’ Culture: A New Age of Categorization
The rise of “core” aesthetics reflects a desire for categorization in an overwhelming world. Gen Z has quickly embraced everything from “hello kitty core” to “clean girl” and “cottagecore,” creating these neat little boxes to define who they are, or perhaps more accurately, who they want to be seen as. At first glance, these aesthetics might seem like only a way to express one’s personality through style. However, they quickly transform into something more insidious: a pressure to constantly conform.
The need to define yourself through a specific “core” aesthetic can feel restrictive, as each one comes with its own prescribed look, lifestyle, and set of values. For example, the “clean girl” aesthetic emphasizes minimalist beauty, expensive skincare routines, and designer items like the Stanley Cup. But here’s the catch: As soon as you invest in these items, they become part of a fleeting trend, and the cycle begins again. The next “core” will demand a fresh wardrobe and more purchases. This constant churn forces Gen Z into a never-ending loop of consumption, where new trends mean old things are quickly discarded.
Financial and Social Implications
Staying on top of micro-trends is not cheap. Even more concerning is the emotional cost: constant comparison. The edited images of influencers and celebrities who personify these aesthetics send the message that your worth is tied to how well you fit into these categories.
It goes without saying that the beauty industry plays a key role in promoting this consumerist mindset. Beauty companies target young women with products and routines that promise to transform their appearance and self-image, but at what cost? The pursuit of perfection—whether it’s through a 15-step skincare routine or going over budget on makeup—becomes a form of external validation. This obsession with outward appearances distracts from more meaningful pursuits and undermines the feminist ideals of self-expression, individuality, and self-worth.
Feminism in the Age of Aesthetics
Feminism teaches us to define ourselves beyond physical appearance, yet the rise of aesthetics like “clean girl” often puts the emphasis squarely on how we look. These trends create a narrow definition of beauty and style that excludes certain body types, skin tones, and financial realities.
This pressure to conform contradicts feminist values of inclusivity and self-determination. Rather than embracing diverse forms of beauty and self-expression, these trends reinforce a one-size-fits-all mentality that tells people they’re not good enough unless they fit into a specific box—one that is constantly shifting. For women, this is especially damaging because it forces them to measure their worth by beauty standards rather than their intellect, creativity, or unique qualities.
The Issue of Cultural Appropriation
While aesthetics like “dark academia” and “cottagecore” may seem harmless on the surface, they raise important questions about cultural appropriation. These trends often borrow elements from specific cultures or historical periods and repurpose them without context or respect for their origins. The commodification of these cultures strips away their deeper meanings turning them into products to make a profit—ultimately reducing complex cultural expressions into mere style choices for the sake of a trend.
The Need for Change
Aesthetics driven by micro-trends create power dynamics that marginalize those who don’t have the means to participate while elevating those who can afford to keep up. It’s time to rethink our relationship with these trends. Rather than falling under the pressure to buy into every new “core,” we should focus on fostering authenticity and creativity. The real power lies in defining ourselves—not through the things we buy or the aesthetics we adopt—but through the experiences we create and the people we become.
Why not create your own core? Look at women like Aliyah Bah on TikTok (@aliyahsinterlude) with her #AliyahCore. Most recently Doechii, who is making a new path for women in the rap industry. So, what should you take from this article? Embrace your quirks, explore your passions, and build a core that’s entirely your own. After all, your unique style isn’t just a trend; it’s the ultimate statement of self-expression.
