Although it became comfortable to lounge in sweats at home thanks to COVID-19, the increased amount of downtime fostered an itch to mix things up. Day after day spent in the same room made the art on the walls grow dull, and the unworn clothes in the closet felt taunting. Pulling an outfit together or buying new posters seemed a bit more elaborate than it used to.

How would you describe your personal style? Your aesthetic? Perhaps you’re drawn to warm color palettes over cool color palettes. Or, silky-soft textures over rough fabrics. You know that feeling when something catches your eye; all you can think is oh yeah, that’s right up my alley, compelling you to add a fifth identical piece to your collection. For me, the curse is blue jeans — I just can’t stay away. Predictable creatures, aren’t we?

Aesthetics “have become a dominant part of culture and fashion,” Cosmopolitan shares. We want to feel confident and make our spaces illuminate that energy. Instagram and TikTok are the go-to places to stay up to date on the latest trends and “online vernacular.” From “a neon moment” to “tie-dye vibes” and “retro feels,” Vogue documents it all. 

Remember, there’s no need to have just one style or one aesthetic. What if that look goes out of vogue? Would you still like it even if it wasn’t popular? 

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Y2K fashion has made a head-turning comeback, characterized by low-rise jeans, cargo pants, black leather jackets, and cut-off vests. The aesthetic has blown up and brought back nostalgic pieces from the early 2000s. Posters from movies like Clueless, 13 Going on 30, and Fight Club are likely to be found on the walls of these trend-lovers’ rooms. 

Another look utilizing fashion staples is Grunge. Fishnets, black chunky boots, mesh, prints and band tees highlight the so-called teenage angst. Music feeds our souls and satisfies our moods as well. Pop icon Olivia Rodrigo’s style fosters a place for her “messy emotions to live under her goody-two-shoes exterior,” notes Teen Vogue. Find mini skirts, pigtails, and gunmetal jewelry being inspired by the singer.

Normcore is the aesthetic “defined by normal-looking clothes.” Of course, it is fun to feel unique and make heads turn with every outfit, but sometimes less is more. The simple, minimalistic style defies being loud or trend-driven. Solid, neutral colors are at the heart of normcore. Rooms decorated with this aesthetic are likely to have faux green plants, showcase natural light and feel airy. 

Myriad aesthetic elements offer something for everyone, making it easy to dip your toes into any style. Investing in trendy items may seem wasteful as they come and go at lightning speed, but everything always comes back around. With that in mind, stylistic choices are fluid and encourage us to experiment. Why confine ourselves to merely one look? Aesthetics are like lookbooks, displaying possibilities and acting as inspiration for us to draw from.