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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