Clean Girl Aesthetic | 5 Clothing Must-Haves & Outfit Ideas
The clean girl aesthetic is all about keeping the color palette neutral and the silhouette sleek. This means minimal makeup (no-makeup makeup), pulled-back hair, and minimalistic tones. Simply put, it’s a modern take on minimalism.
Jewelry is kept simple and might consist of some delicate gold necklaces and gold hoops or huggies.
As far as shoes go, white tennis shoes (the pair I’m wearing throughout the post is by the vegan brand BeFlamboyant), black ballet flats (find the best vegan versions in my ballet flats guide), or sleek neutral-colored sandals all work well here.
Below, I’ve created three different looks, from five must-have clothing items (that were thrifted pieces already in my closet).
I use the same base items and accessories for each outfit (’90s jeans, tank top, nylon ’90s-style purse, white tennis shoes, gold jewelry, and black-framed sunglasses) and I wear them with different layering items to give you three unique styling ideas.
Here are my five essential clothing items every girl needs to master the clear girl aesthetic.
Clean Girl Aesthetic Must-Haves #1 + #2 | Neutral-Colored Tank Top & Straight-leg Jeans
This army green tank top and pair of vintage jeans serve as the base for my three looks.
Both of these items are must-haves because they’re classic pieces that are super simple to style or wear on their own.
The clean girl aesthetic doesn’t have to get any more complicated than this: neutral-toned tank top and jeans. Beautifully basic, yet effortlessly chic.
Clean Girl Aesthetic Must-Have #3 | White Oversized Button-up
An oversized button-down shirt (to be easily found in the men’s section of your local thrift shop) is a must-have for the clean girl look.
They’re super versatile and thus perfect for layering over everything from bike shorts to a swimsuit and Bermuda shorts.
They’re thin and lightweight, making them the perfect piece to keep the sun off your arms on hot summer days.
You can also change up how you style it by wearing it open, partly buttoned, or knotted at the belly.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
WHITE SNEAKERS | Beflamboyant use code HARMFREEFASHION for 10% off
PURSE | Peta + Jain (current styles by Peta + Jain)
SUNGLASSES | Polaroid (current styles by Polaroid)
Clean Girl Aesthetic Must-Have #4 | Grandma Cardigan
Another must-have item for this aesthetic is the beloved grandma cardigan.
For the most versatility, select one in a neutral shade such as oatmeal, white, cream, or off-white.
Not only will it help you master this aesthetic but it’s integral for all your coastal grandma looks as well.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
WHITE SNEAKERS | Beflamboyant use code HARMFREEFASHION for 10% off
PURSE | Peta + Jain (current styles by Peta + Jain)
SUNGLASSES | Polaroid (current styles by Polaroid)
Clean Girl Aesthetic Must-Have #5 | Trench Coat
Last up, I’ve styled my straight-leg jeans with a classic-style trench coat in olive green. The less common color choice makes for a more unexpected combination than your iconic khaki trench but it still holds true to the aesthetic.
A trench coat helps to pull any look together and gives the entire outfit that extra bit of polish and an air of Scandinavian chic.
To keep with the clean girl style, select a trench in a neutral color and steer clear of anything too flashy.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
WHITE SNEAKERS | Beflamboyant use code HARMFREEFASHION for 10% off
PURSE | Peta + Jain (current styles by Peta + Jain)
SUNGLASSES | Polaroid (current styles by Polaroid)
Final Thoughts
Once you understand the basics of the clean girl aesthetic, it’s a style that’s easy to put together from pieces that are already in your wardrobe (or your partner’s 😉).
Thanks to the neutral color palette and combination of classic and timeless items, almost (if not all) the pieces can be styled interchangeably. So mix and match to your heart’s content.
Need more inspiration? Some additional outfit ideas might include black bike shorts with an oversized white button-up; khaki pleated pants or Bermuda shorts with a white ribbed tank top and layered with a grandma sweater for cooler days; or straight or wide legs jeans with a black cropped tube top.
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As always, happy styling!
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Michelle Rothenburger
Michelle Rothenburger is a vegan fashion blogger whose work has been featured in such publications as Marie Claire, InStyle, Woman & Home, and Vilda. Find out more by reading Michelle’s full story (from bullied to fashion influencer) and feel free to send her a personal message.
FAQs
What is clean girl aesthetic?
The clean girl style is all about keeping the color palette neutral and the silhouette sleek. This means minimal makeup (no-makeup makeup), pulled-back hair, and minimalistic tones. Simply put, it’s a modern take on minimalism.
What do clean girls wear?
Clean girls wear minimal makeup, keep their hair fresh and clean (often pulling it back into a tight bun), and choose classic pieces in minimalistic tones.
How do you get the clean girl aesthetic?
You get the clean girl aesthetic by keeping the color palette neutral and the silhouette sleek. The goal should be to look effortlessly put together with nothing flashy or over the top. Think modern minimalism.
What are some must-have clothing items for the clean girl aesthetic?
Must-haves include a white oversized button-up shirt (perfect for layering over everything from bike shorts to a swimsuit and Bermuda shorts), a white (or any other neutral color) tank top, a grandma cardigan, a trench coat, khaki pleated Bermuda or wide-leg trousers, and black bike shorts. These pieces not only make the perfect clean girl outfits when styled together but they are also super easy to mix and match with other neutral-toned clothing already in your closet.
What are some clean girl outfit ideas?
Some clean girl outfit ideas are styling black bike shorts with an oversized white button-up; wearing khaki pleated pants or Bermuda shorts with a white ribbed tank top and layered with a grandma sweater for cooler days; or sporting straight or wide legs jeans with a black cropped tube top.
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Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a kind comment! 💛