If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media, you’ve likely encountered the “Clean Girl” aesthetic. Sleek buns, minimal makeup, glowing skin, monochrome outfits, and an effortlessly polished look—this trend has captivated millions. At first glance, it seems like a wholesome, aspirational lifestyle that encourages self-care, mindfulness, and simplicity. But like many trends, it also has its pitfalls.

The Appeal of the “Clean Girl” Aesthetic

For many, the “Clean Girl” aesthetic represents an ideal of self-care and organization. The emphasis on skincare, wellness routines, and a clutter-free lifestyle can be incredibly beneficial. It encourages:

• Healthy Habits
• Minimalism
• Self-Presentation
• Social Media Inspiration

The Problematic Side of the “Clean Girl” Aesthetic

However, like any aesthetic, it can become problematic in various ways:

• Perfectionism Pressure: The idea of always appearing “clean” can add unnecessary stress. Real life is messy, and beauty is not defined by whether you have an oil-free complexion or a precisely curated wardrobe.
• Financial Barriers: The products associated with this trend—high-end skincare, designer loungewear, and organic wellness items—can be expensive, making the aesthetic feel unattainable for many.
• Narrow Beauty Standards: People who favor bold makeup, alternative styles, or a more relaxed approach to beauty may feel unseen or even judged. The pressure to conform to a singular ideal can be harmful to self-expression and self-acceptance.
• Mental Health Impacts: Constantly striving for a “perfect” aesthetic can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even body dysmorphia. When self-worth becomes tied to an external standard, it can create feeling “less than” and self-doubt, rather than self-love and empowerment

Developing a Healthy Look—On Your Terms

If you’re looking for a way to embrace self-care without the pressure of perfection, our wellness coach, Allison Occkial (Follow her on Instagram @wellnesswithally) offers a refreshing perspective. On her social media, she shares how to build healthy habits while recognizing that life isn’t always perfect. Some days, you may be exhausted or unable to check everything off your to-do list—and that’s okay. Wellness should be about flexibility, self-compassion, and small, meaningful steps toward feeling your best. Allison suggests three strategies to try at home:

1. Creating basic non negotiables. These are minimums you do for yourself on a daily and weekly basis.  They are the small, almost “too easy” things you do (or can do) to continue feeling & looking your best. An all or nothing mentality is so common right now. “If I can’t do it exactly how I want, or normally do, then I won’t do anything”. But having that negative mindset only backfires & makes you feel even MORE discouraged later.

So, some examples of these “non negotiables”?
Ask yourself, “what are some really simple things I can continue to do that don’t take a lot of effort/thought, but will give me some “wins” and motivation?”

• • • Hitting a step goal & movement throughout the day
    • Water intake (bring your bottle everywhere)
    • No fast food or junk food/snacks
    • Had protein at every meal
    • Pack your lunch for work
    • Getting in mini workouts (20 min)
    • Going to bed/waking up at the similar times

2. Mantras & affirmations:  When you have to pivot or things don’t go according to plan. When we are stressed, our thoughts & attitudes can turn negative and be all encompassing. Plus, it can be hard to break out of the spiral – but pausing to reframe & choosing a statement to get us in a better headspace can help.

Acknowledge the hard, but pivot to what you CAN do and control.

Some of my favorites?

• • • “I am doing my best given my circumstances”.
    • “This is hard, but I am capable and can get through hard things”.
    • “I may not have control over X, but I can control X”.

3. Include other ways of self care beyond aesthetic Examples are:

• • • Cooking meals with nourishing foods
    • Prioritizing sleep
    • Getting in movement and/or exercise
    • Breath work (like deep belly breathing)
    • Being out in nature & fresh air
    • Having down time

Remember, good health is not just about how you look, but also how you feel & function, from the inside out. The more you take care of your internal health, the better off your aesthetics will be naturally!

Confidence Comes in Every Aesthetic

The most empowering aesthetic is the one that makes you feel seen, confident, and comfortable in your own skin. The key is to engage with trends in a way that feels authentic to you rather than letting them define your worth.