The Aesthetic Takeover
By Jada Alfred
Like every other average Gen-Z college student, my preference of fashion and lifestyle aesthetic changes almost as quickly as my favorite song. Not everyone can execute the aesthetic that has captured their attention within the month or week it does, but it is important to understand how these quickly shifting choices affect our personal style as a whole. Whether it be cottagecore or dark academia, this new trend of aesthetic categorizations has been integral in understanding how we perceive ourselves and understand our self expression through these classifications. It’s worth reflecting on why these specific groups have captured our attention, and whether we can eventually understand them on a deeper level than their visual appeal. At the root of every cultural aesthetic is the fantasy of having a specific lifestyle; normally one that is out of reach.
Cottagecore encapsulates the feeling of living in a forest away from the hustle and bustle of modern society. It has the fantastical elements of a simple life with flowers in your hair and a tiny house under a canopy of trees. The allure clothing-wise comes through floral corsets, flowy dresses, puffy sleeves, and earthy colorways. Those who are drawn to this specific aesthetic may take an interest in crafting their own clothes, writing and poetry, and nature in general. A way to incorporate cottagecore into your life may be to spend time away from our many screens and take a more tactile approach to life. Perhaps it’s time to literally take your wardrobe into your own hands with a sewing machine or crochet booklet.
Moving out of the forest, the dark academia aesthetic is rooted in a more urban or college town setting. Its fantasy is all about the appearance of being intellectual and focuses heavily on education and the arts. Dark academia has an affinity for Oxford and the Ivy League, evoking the status and mindset of prestigious schooling. It’s well-suited for autumn, with its long blazers, plaid pants, and tan shades. People’s interest in cottagecore and dark academia may have a little to do with our obsession with social media.
Internet subcultures formed around “aesthetics” can provide inspiration for both fashion and offline interests. Photo credit to the author.
Aesthetic culture is used as a creative escape from the stressors that come with daily performance, whether that be through social media, internships and jobs, or everyday mental health struggles. They challenge all of us to take our lifestyle choices to the next level and to find new ways of categorizing our personal styles.