Budget-Friendly Vanilla Girl Outfit Ideas Everyone Can Wear
The newest fashion trend to sweep through Tiktok like wildfire is the vanilla girl aesthetic.
But what exactly is the vanilla girl trend?
One can think of the vanilla girl aesthetic as clean girl (read all about that aesthetic here) meets coastal grandma. The color palette is neutral (and revolves around vanilla, cream, beige, off-white, etc.), the fabrics are cozy (think linen, cotton, and faux fur), and the cuts are loose.
Max Mara channels this aesthetic beautifully and one need only look to the styling of pretty much every one of their runway shows to see the vanilla girl trend has serious staying power.
If your closet is currently void of neutral items, pop over to your local thrift shop or onto ebay in search of some dreamy vanilla-y goodness to add some staple pieces to your capsule wardrobe. Minimalism (aka vanilla girl) is always on trend, so any closet additions will serve you for years to come.
Let these fit ideas serve as inspiration and prove that this trend can be achieved on a budget (the majority of the items I’ve styled below were thrifted).
Fit Idea #1 | Vanilla Sweater Vest + Camel Teddy Coat + Butterscotch Cropped Pants
Don’t think because the trend is called “vanilla girl” that you need to dress in head-to-toe cream.
While that is one take (and I show you how to create a monochrome look below), your fit doesn’t have to be all vanilla-toned.
Why not add a little cinnamon spice, butterscotch, or caramel swirl to your vanilla girl by way of a cozy Teddy coat?
I suggest getting a size or two larger than your normal coat size for the ideal oversized fit that will bring some Hollywood glam to your vanilla girl.
On trend, with a coziness factor off the charts.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
DUCK BOOTS | Matt & Nat
TEDDY COAT | Will’s Vegan Store
PURSE | Stella McCartney (current styles by Stella McCartney)
SUNGLASSES | Thrifted Etnia Barcelona (current styles by Etnia Barcelona)
All other outfit items bought preloved.
Fit Idea #2 | Greige Sweater + Oatmeal Cropped Pants + Beige Long Puffer Vest
Is there a fit a long puffer vest can’t elevate?
In fact, it’s the ultimate piece to capture this aesthetic, thanks to its high coziness rating and flattering silhouette.
Go for one in beige, elephant grey, or camel for the most versatile styling (and for more long gilet fit inspiration pop over to my recent article).
Other key items for the vanilla girl are a chunky knit sweater and a pair of vanilla, biscuit, or oatmeal-colored linen pants.
A pair of slacks with the perfect ankle crop not only look fabulous with black chunky or heeled boots, but they also give us petite girls some extra height.
And a neutral-toned crocheted bag is the cherry on top of this minimalistic and sophisticated color palette.
Every detail of this fit is coastal grandma approved.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
LONG PUFFER VEST | Save the Duck
SWEATER | Thrifted J Crew (find one on ebay)
CROCHETED PURSE | Thrifted The Sak (current styles by the Sak)
‘90S PURSE | Peta + Jain (current styles by Peta + Jain)
CHUNKY BOOTS | Lovjoi
SUNGLASSES | Thrifted Georgio Armani (similar by Georgio Armani)
All other outfit items were thrifted.
Fit Idea #3 | Monochrome Vanilla Girl
Still not quite sure how to approach this aesthetic?
A monochromatic outfit is always an easy and safe route to take.
Gather up all your off-white, vanilla, straw, and ivory pieces and combine them into the perfect layered look that’s ready for spring weather.
The overall aesthetic is oh so Jennifer Lopez in Maid in Manhattan.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
BEIGE LOAFERS | By Blanch (similar by Allkind and Will’s Vegan Store)
PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)
SUNGLASSES | Thrifted Max Mara (current styles by Max Mara)
All other outfit items purchased secondhand.
Fit Idea #4 | Oversized Beige Polo Shirt Worn as a Dress + White Tennis Shoes
How can you carry the vanilla girl aesthetic into summer?
Easy, with an oversized polo shirt that you wear as a dress. (And for more t-shirt-as-a-dress styling ideas, give this post a read).
Even simpler to style than a monochrome fit, this is an ideal look to take you from the boardwalk to brunch.
Wear your “dress” with white tennis sneakers for ultimate walkability or espadrille wedge sandals for rom-comcore vibes.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
WHITE SNEAKERS | Beflamboyant use code HARMFREEFASHION for 10% off
POLO SHIRT | Thrifted men’s Burberry polo shirt (find one on ebay)
PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)
SUNGLASSES | Thrifted Ray-Bay Aviators
Jewelry bought preloved.
Final Thoughts
The vanilla girl style can be summed up as minimalistic neutrals meet monochromatic chic, for an elegant and timeless color palette worthy of every capsule wardrobe collection.
We can all stand a good wardrobe refresh every now and then, and how better to get a clean start to the new year than with palette-cleansing vanilla?
And by supplementing the vanilla girl pieces you already own with preloved gems, you can easily achieve this aesthetic on a budget.
Dap on some vanilla bean essential oil to both look and smell the part. 🍦
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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 the vanilla girl trend?
One can think of the vanilla girl aesthetic as clean girl meets coastal grandma. The color palette is neutral (and revolves around vanilla, cream, beige, off-white, etc.), the fabrics are cozy (think linen, cotton, and faux fur), and the cuts are loose.
Which movies and tv shows can you watch for vanilla girl clothing inspiration?
For some vanilla girl outfit ideas, be sure to check out The Watcher, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Maid in Manhattan, Raising Helen, Two Weeks Notice, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and She’s All That.
How can you achieve the vanilla girl fashion trend if you’re on a budget?
The vanilla girl aesthetic is not only about designer and expensive clothes, so it can easily be achieved when you’re on a budget. Some budget-friendly tips for channeling this aesthetic are first seeing what neutral-colored pieces you already have in your closet that would work for this style. Then, if you need to add new items to your wardrobe, hit the second-hand market. I styled all of the looks throughout this article with pieces that already existed in my closet and the majority of them were purchased preloved.
Where did the vanilla girl trend come from?
Like most fashion trends these days, the vanilla girl trend originated on Tiktok.
Related Posts:
- Clean Girl Aesthetic | 5 Clothing Must-Haves & Outfit Ideas
- Rom-com Core Outfit Ideas to Pin to Your Style Board in 2023
- Light Academia Outfit Ideas + All the Essentials You’ll Need
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a kind comment! 💛