Pastel colors, fluttering butterflies, and warm fluffy clouds – this trend is one of the biggest on TikTok, and it’s here to stay. It takes its inspiration from the early 2000s and traditionally feminine ensembles, like lip gloss, tennis skirts, and cutesy crop tops. With love for pastels, flowers, and butterflies, this trend highlights some of the cutest parts of the nostalgic era and puts a modern twist on it. If you want to update your aesthetic or want to find out how to dress in this style, keep reading. We’ve collected the cutest soft girl outfits you are going to love!
What is a Soft Girl Aesthetic?
This trend is more than just a stylistic choice – it’s a lifestyle and reclamation of a hyper-feminine style. The super cute subculture began forming nostalgic elements of the Y2K and 90s styles, including tennis skirts, hair clips, and shoulder bags. Think Bratz dolls, soft and fluffy clouds, and plenty of pinks. From soft and buttery blue and lilac t-shirts with a lettuce hem to a pair of mom jeans with butterfly embroidery, there are many ways you can wear this trend every day. The soft girl aesthetic is more than just a trend, though. It is also a proud statement that showcases the beauty of typically ‘feminine’ styles and embracing the softer things in life.
Soft Girl Outfits
Dresses
Delicate and hyper-feminine, these soft girl dresses are cute and floaty. This style is the perfect option for a warm spring day with pastel colors and sweet prints (think strawberries, flowers, or gingham). You can style it with a cardigan of the same shade, a 90s-inspired bucket hat, or on its own. Finish the look with a pair of chunky white sneakers for a neutral and casual feel – this is a staple of a soft girl’s closet! Finally, add a string of pearls and a baguette bag for the complete aesthetic.
Trousers
Every trend takes something from the past, and the same can be said for soft girl trousers. Wide-leg cords and mom jeans are some of the most prominent options for this aesthetic, as it cinches in the waist and creates a floaty silhouette. High-waisted denim or slacks will have you feeling casual and cute all at once. Keep the look fluffy and like marshmallows by choosing pastel colors like baby pink or lilac. Pair them with a crop top in the same shade – you can take it to the next level by matching all of your accessories to the hue for a totally monochromatic look.
Skirts
The soft girl aesthetic has many influences, but a core figure in the style department is Cher Horowitz from Clueless. The 90s-inspired tennis skirts are major in this sub-genre, either in a pastel plaid, with a dainty pattern, or in classic white. You can style this item with almost anything and feel cuter than pie. A staple in this aesthetic’s wardrobe is a cropped cardi – choose one in a complementary light shade, like lemon or sage. You can match it with a bralette – try finding one in the same color as your skirt for a cute twist. Finally, add your favorite pairs of sneakers and a barrette to your hair, and voila. Trust us when we say you’ll be a total Betty in one of these outfits.
Tops
Cardigans
The humble cardigan has become a true statement piece in the soft girl style. Worn alone or with a crop top underneath, this piece of clothing is a versatile option that belongs in everyone’s wardrobe. This trend sticks primarily to pastel shades, and there are many ways you can mix and match clashing colors and still look incredible. Find the knit with a funky pattern or as block colors – don’t be afraid to combine varying designs, as it’s all a part of the aesthetic. Alternatively, you can use the outerwear as a way to complement a monochrome outfit – it adds the perfect finishing touch.
Soft Girl Hats
Much like the outfits worn by the soft girl aesthetic, hats are an important accessory to showcase your style. Light pastel colors are the key element – you can find them in baby pink, lemon, or lavender. Choose from the classic bucket hat or berets – these are the most popular choices and look super cute with almost any outfit. You can find them with a fuzzy texture or classic fabric in various shades and styles. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to add a couple of cute patterns like hearts or cherries. It’s a great way to elevate your summer or winter wardrobe with a fun and girly twist.
Soft Girl Bags
As with much of the soft girl aesthetic, the accessories are a key element of the 90s and Y2K style. Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Prada championed this trend 20 years ago, but the mini handbags have made their way back. Shoulder bags in pastel colors will have you channeling your inner Bratz dolls, and you can style them with any outfit. Match the bag to the entire ensemble or mix and match with contrasting hues like watermelon pink and mint green. It’s an item that belongs in everyone’s wardrobe, thanks to its versatility and timeless design.
