How to Achieve the Clean Girl Aesthetic: A Complete Guide

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The 10-step skincare routine walked so the clean girl aesthetic could run. 

This TikTok-born trend is all about combining glowy skin, slicked-back hair, and sleek, minimalist style into one polished, camera-ready package. Whether you’re an influencer channeling the clean girl look to promote hoop earrings or a down-to-earth thrifter styling your Sunday coffee run, this aesthetic is as endearingly effortless as they come. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the elements that define the aesthetic and show you how to build a clean girl outfit that feels true to your personal style. 

What’s the clean girl aesthetic?

The heart of the clean girl aesthetic is polished minimalism that looks effortless—think tight, glossy hairstyles, glowy skin with natural makeup, and simple accessories like gold hoops. It-girls like Hailey Bieber and Zoë Kravitz have championed the look everywhere from Instagram feeds to red carpets, turning it into a modern classic. 

On the beauty side, the clean girl aesthetic usually features a neat bun or ponytail, a swipe of blush, glossy lips, and perfectly groomed brows. For styling, wardrobe essentials like neutral-toned basics and simple silhouettes create a minimalist look that feels fresh, polished, and easy to wear. 

Of course, it’s important to remember that no trend is perfect. Some critics have called out the clean girl aesthetic for promoting narrow beauty standards, often favoring Eurocentric features and leaving out diverse body types and skin tones. Conversations around classism, racism, ageism, and fatphobia have challenged the trend’s inclusivity. 

At ThredUp, we believe true style is about self-expression, not fitting a mold. While clean girl products and outfits make for great inspiration, the real magic happens when you adapt trends to celebrate your unique identity. Embrace the elements of the clean girl aesthetic that resonate with you and leave the rest behind—because feeling good is always better than fitting in. 

How to get the clean girl look: 9 outfit ideas 

Ready to tap into the clean girl aesthetic? These nine outfit ideas channel the vibe perfectly, from slicked-back hair and gold hoops to glossy lips and that fresh, well-rested glow. 

1. Polished coffee run 

Start with a classic white tank, slicked-back hair, and oversized tortoiseshell sunnies. Add tailored beige trousers and a camel trench, and you’ve got an outfit that feels minimalist and intentionally polished. Finish the look with gold hoops, a structured leather bag, and crisp white sneakers. Bonus points if you’re carrying an iced matcha or green juice. After all, clean beauty starts with hydration. 

Pro tip: Get more out of basics like white tanks by building a capsule wardrobe—a curated collection of pieces you can mix and match to create endless looks. 

2. Model off-duty 

Channel off-duty model energy with a boxy black blazer, a white baby tee, and relaxed straight-leg jeans. Pull your hair into a slick ponytail, then dab on a touch of blush and clear lip gloss—and don’t forget the sunglasses when you head out for the day. This just-ran-into-Hailey-at-Nobu look feels even more effortless when paired with simple sneakers and minimal accessories. 

Pro tip: Invest in elevated staples that go with everything—think understated designer bags and polished pieces from the top quiet luxury brands. 

3. Luxe lounge set 

The shortcut to effortless polish is smooth, straight hair with a middle part and a matching ribbed knit set (neutral tones only, please). Throw on some gold jewelry, sleek ballet flats, slim sunglasses, and a shoulder bag. Finish with a glossy lip and glowy skin for a vibe that says, “I woke up like this.” Who needs loaded-on makeup when simple beauty does the job?

Pro tip: Choose sets made from eco-friendly fabrics by sustainable clothing brands that prioritize planet-friendly fashion. 

4. Monochromatic magic 

Dressing head-to-toe in one neutral color—like pale taupe, cream, or greige—instantly feels clean and modern. Try a high-waisted midi skirt, an oversized sweater, and pointed-toe mules. Style these pieces with glossy lips and brushed-up brows, then let your skincare do the rest of the talking. A small crossbody bag in the same tone adds dimension without disrupting the palette. 

Pro tip: Keep monochromatic outfits interesting by adding contrast through texture, like ribbed knits with smooth leather or a silky bag. 

5. Sporty, but make it fashion 

A white button-down layered over black biker shorts is peak clean girl aesthetic. Tuck the front, roll the sleeves, and pull your hair into a slicked-back bun for extra polish. Accessorize with gold hoops and the thinnest chain necklace you can find—bonus points for glossy lips and fresh, dewy skin. 

Finish this outfit with a nylon shoulder bag or a mini sport backpack. Both options are practical while still feeling sleek and intentional. 

‍Pro tip: Want to make things a little more professional? Throw on a tailored suit blazer for an instant style upgrade. 

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6. Barely-there brunch look 

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‍Slip dresses in soft satins and breathable cottons are texture gold for the clean girl trend. Choose a dress in a minimalist neutral like bone or blush, then drape a cardigan over your shoulders. Add a bit of gloss and blush, fluff up your brows, and slip on strappy sandals to feel more brunch-ready than ever. 

Pair this look with a dainty shoulder bag—patent leather or a soft pastel adds just the right hint of contrast. 

Pro tip: Thrifted silk is your best brunch friend. It’s affordable, sustainable, and seriously luxe—a win for your wallet and the environment. 

7. Parisian-inspired neutrals

Channel effortless French-girl style with a lightweight striped knit, a beige midi skirt, tan sandals, and oversized sunglasses. Add gold jewelry, tie a silk scarf in your hair, then add the pièce de résistance: a structured rattan or leather-trimmed satchel that says you just wandered off the sidewalks of Saint-Germain. 

‍Pro tip: This look works best when you keep things feeling easy and undone. Knot the scarf loosely and cuff your sleeves to nail that “didn’t even try” clean girl energy. 

8. Weekend wellness girl 

Throw on a neutral activewear set with a cropped puffer and ankle socks for errands, yoga, or wherever the weekend takes you. Tie your hair back in a pony or a bun, securing it with a sleek claw clip. Oversized headphones, gold hoops, and barely-there makeup complete the look. 

This clean girl outfit pairs perfectly with a sporty belt bag to keep your hands free. Add white sneakers and you’re ready to roll, whether you’re headed to the grocery store or meeting friends for a boba run. 

9. Luxurious casual 

A soft oatmeal cashmere sweater, ivory jeans, and tan loafers create a vibe that says you’re rich in skincare and time. Add a leather belt and a classic watch, then tuck your hair behind your ears with a clean middle part. 

Your makeup should stay sheer and glowy, like you just stepped out of a facial. Finish with a minimalist crossbody bag or a vintage top-handle purse to anchor the look and dial up the quiet luxury. 

Pro tip: Stick to two or three neutrals to keep the outfit feeling clean and elevated. Too many tones can muddy the clean, easy polish you’re aiming for. 

Find preloved clean girl essentials on ThredUp

Whether you’re building your wardrobe around the clean girl aesthetic or just looking to add a few fresh staples, ThredUp makes sustainable shopping effortless. From minimalist blazers to neutral knits and slip dresses, you’ll find secondhand treasures that fit the trend—without the designer price tag. 

ThredUp is home to over 55k brands at up to 90% off retail, with thousands of preloved items dropping daily. And with our Style Chat feature, it’s easy to visualize how pieces come together to match your clean girl vibe and unique style.

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