Um, What’s a “Vanilla Girl”?

Over the past year, we’ve seen an influx of trends that have to do with both frostiness and sweetness (see: the popularity of the “glazed donut” manicure and the “cold girl” trend). With fasjion and beauty taking inspo from both the colder weather and desserts, it’s only natural that TikTok has managed to find a way to tie it all together to create the “vanilla girl” aesthetic, which includes vanilla ice cream-inspired outfits of cozy knits in off-white colors. The trend is surprisingly straightforward—but what exactly is the point?

Like the “pink pilates princess” trend (yes, really), the vanilla girl is just a mishmash of two larger aesthetics, this time the “clean girl” and coquette trends. It borrows the clean, effortless vibes and emphasis on an organized, luxurious lifestyle from the clean girl aesthetic, while pulling from the feminine, cutesy side of coquette looks. And it makes sense that it’s coming to fruition now, as there’s a cozy element to the trend that makes it perfect for the harsh winter season.

Like most TikTok trends, the vanilla girl is a divisive one—your reaction may be that you’re utterly inspired or filled with disdain. Personally, I love the idea of an all-white outfit, but to create an entire wardrobe—and identity—around one specific color seems a bit sad to me, as opportunities to wear things like vibrant greens and hot pinks fall by the wayside.

Now, I’m not trying to tell you to avoid dressing like a vanilla girl at all costs—I want to remind you that you are not an aesthetic but an individual. So, if dressing like a vanilla girl today and then trying on cyber girl tomorrow seems up your alley, then, by all means, go for it. But don’t feel like a failure if you can’t go full-vanilla all the time.