Types of aesthetics: the list
An aesthetic is a named visual style with its own colors, textures and references. Below are 10 of the most popular, each with its palette and a page that explains it in full. Not sure which one is you? The aesthetic quiz picks one in about two minutes.
All 10 aesthetics side by side
The quickest way to tell similar styles apart is to compare them on the same few things.
| Aesthetic | Mood | Colors | Must-have piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark academia | Scholarly, moody | espresso, walnut, forest | Tweed blazer |
| Cottagecore | Cozy, gentle | linen, sage, dusty rose | Puff-sleeve prairie dress |
| Coquette | Romantic, feminine | ballet pink, lace white, rose | Satin hair bow |
| Clean girl | Fresh, polished | oat, latte, caramel | Fitted ribbed tank |
| Old money | Timeless, refined | navy, ivory, camel | Cashmere crewneck |
| Minimalist | Calm, simple | white, light grey, stone | Plain white tee |
| Y2K | Playful, shiny | bubblegum, baby blue, lilac | Baby tee |
| Grunge | Raw, rebellious | washed black, flannel red, army green | Flannel shirt |
| Boho | Free, earthy | terracotta, mustard, olive | Tiered maxi skirt |
| Streetwear | Bold, casual | black, white, signal red | Oversized hoodie |
Styles people often mix up
Dark academia vs old money. Both love wool, loafers and classic tailoring. Dark academia is moodier and a bit worn, as if you live in a library. Old money is crisp and well kept, as if you live at the tennis club.
Clean girl vs minimalist. Both keep things simple. Clean girl is a beauty look first, built on glowing skin, gold jewelry and a slick bun. Minimalist is a way of owning fewer things, and it works in black and grey as well as beige.
Cottagecore vs boho. Both are soft, natural and floral. Cottagecore is the tidy farmhouse kitchen, with gingham and puff sleeves. Boho is the traveler's tent, with fringe, layered rugs and lots of jewelry.
Coquette vs Y2K. Both love pink. Coquette is romantic and vintage, with lace, bows and pearls. Y2K is playful and shiny, with chrome, butterflies and low-rise jeans.
Grunge vs streetwear. Both are casual and a bit rebellious. Grunge is thrifted and worn in, rooted in 90s rock. Streetwear is fresh and graphic, rooted in skate and hip-hop, and built around clean sneakers.
Other aesthetics you will hear about
The internet has names for hundreds of styles, and many are close cousins of the 10 above. A few you will see often:
- Light academia: dark academia's sunnier twin, in cream, beige and white. If you like it, read dark academia.
- Fairycore: cottagecore with more magic: moss, mushrooms, gauzy fabrics and wings. Start with cottagecore.
- Soft girl: pastel, cute and sweet. It overlaps with coquette and Y2K.
- Goth: an older subculture with its own music, in black lace, velvet and silver. Its everyday cousin online is often grunge.
- Preppy: polos, cable knits and pleated skirts. It is the younger, sportier sibling of old money.
- Scandi: pale wood, white walls and soft textiles. It sits close to minimalist.
Want help working out which one fits you? Our guide on how to find your aesthetic walks through it step by step.