How to get TikTok’s weird girl aesthetic

Shop the maximalist trend beloved by TikTok and Bella Hadid
image Gotham / Getty
words Sophie Lou Wilson
Gorpcore, balletcore, goblincore, cottagecore… If you’re tired of TikTok’s neverending churn of cores, we don’t blame you. What if you want to experiment with fashion without signing up to every microtrend? Enter: the ‘weird girl aesthetic.’
The name itself was popularised thanks to a viral tweet from the account @kaiageber earlier this year that drew attention to celebrities and influencers like Bella Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, Dua Lipa and Emma Emhoff increasingly adopting purposefully clashing, maximalist modes of dress. While the trend has been described as “weird” or “anti-fashion,” 1.2 million TikTok views show that it’s gained a stamp of approval from the mainstream.
The eclectic aesthetic is a fresh take on dopamine dressing, favouring mixed textures and colourful patterns rather than the former’s emphasis on bright hues. It’s heavily influenced by Japanese Harajuku fashion’s rainbow colour palettes and maximalist ruffles. Brands like Marc Jacobs’ Heaven, Collina Strada and Chopova Lowena are spearheading the look with kitsch accessories, clashing prints and chaotic layering.
At its core, the weird girl aesthetic is an expression of bold individuality, so it might seem counterintuitive to offer a guide for how to get the look. That said, there are certain staples that every self-professed weird girl has in her wardrobe. From textured knits and patterned beanies to kitsch shoulder bags and clashing graphics, shop our weird girl edit below.
BLUE BELLE
Channel the weird girl aesthetic with this tiered midi skirt which adds a unique maximalist edge to any look. Style with an oversized chunky knit, colourful sunglasses and a knitted hat to complete the look.
DREAM IN GREEN
The weird girl aesthetic is the latest dopamine dressing trend, so the brighter the better. This fur trimmed coat from Elsie & Fred is a true head turning statement piece, designed with irreverence in mind.
SWEATER WEATHER
Incorporating elements of DIY knitwear trends, the weird girl aesthetic favours oversized jumpers, crochet and ripped sweaters. With bold stripes and chain details, this lurid green Ragged Priest jumper is just the ticket.
RAVE READY
Evoke the colours of a nightclub light show with AGR’s gradient print shorts. Cargos are a weird girl staple and this rainbow-hued pair are the ultimate kooky piece to add to your wardrobe.
CLOWN ERA
It doesn’t get more kitsch than this vintage gold clown charm. Everyone loves an esoteric accessory.
THE GLOVES ARE OFF
A large part of the weird girl trend is about accessorising with the unexpected. Emo-inspired fur trimmed plaid gloves? Why the hell not!
LIKE AN ALIEN
Tiny sunglasses have endured through the sci-fi, Y2K and weird girl trends. This lime green pair have been spotted on Billie Eilish, another style icon who isn’t afraid to experiment.
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