Written and styled by Alexis Loftis

Photos of Alex Wiley, Precious Gibson, and Alexis Loftis by Britney Spangenberg

Edits by Ian Street

In the past, the “rules” of fashion have always stated: don't wear clashing, colors, patterns, textures, or garments; however, Gen Z is throwing that idea out of the window and taking a new approach to fashion. The “weird girl aesthetic” is a recent trend that is best described as unbounded maximalism. 

This trend will never go out of style because there is no specific way to dress as a “weird girl”, you can make it completely your own. The “weird girl aesthetic” is attempting to escape from fashion categories such as fairycore, gorp-core, and others. It is meant to be all about you and what you want to do. The main inspiration for this fashion trend can be cited back to the Harajuku youth-style movement of Japan in the 2000s. To see this style in action, check out the 90s magazine “Fruits” to see how some of these teens style themselves. It features a lot of fun clashing patterns, funky hats, colored leggings, chunky shoes, and over-the-top accessories.

A big brand that is now taking inspiration from the “weird girl” and Harajuku aesthetic is Heaven by Marc Jacobs. The brand targets teenagers and young adults by using popular celebrities to market and model their clothes for their campaign. Anyone – even celebrities – can wear the “weird girl aesthetic.” There are truly no limits. Some influences of Harajuku on Marc Jacobs’ website include graphic baby tees, colorful platform shoes, graphic designs on the pants, and a two-headed teddy bear graphic seen on many of their bags, shirts, and jewelry.

One big question still remains –  is the “weird girl aesthetic” anti-fashion? Well, the whole point of fashion is for people to be allowed to wear what they want and to wear something that makes them feel good. This style does reject trends but also welcomes them at the same time. It has its own experimental way of combining current fads and things considered “out of fashion.” But in all honesty, there is truly nothing weird about not wanting to follow the rules when it comes to your style!