The VSCO girl phenomenon isn’t just another internet trend; it’s a reflection of how digital culture shapes the identities of teenagers, specifically Gen Z.
But what exactly makes a “VSCO girl,” and why did it take over TikTok feeds everywhere?
Let’s break down the basics, and more importantly, dive into what made this aesthetic stick.
What Is a VSCO Girl?
A “VSCO girl” refers to a teenage girl whose style and interests align with the aesthetics popularised on the VSCO app—a photo-editing platform that emphasises curated, cohesive feeds.
Think oversized T-shirts, scrunchies, and a laid-back yet calculated vibe. According to Seventeen, the VSCO girl embodies a “beachy-cool, laid-back vibe of an effortless California girl.”
The trend isn’t just about looking relaxed; it’s about meticulously curating a carefree look.
Yet, this style isn’t limited to fashion—it’s a mindset. These girls champion eco-conscious products, with a particular love for their sticker-laden Hydro Flasks. As one TikTok user quipped, “If it’s not metal, I don’t want it.”
Aesthetic or Meme?
The VSCO girl aesthetic is a perfect example of how an internet subculture can blur the lines between admiration and mockery.
On the one hand, these teens emphasise sustainability with their metal straws and reusable water bottles.
On the other, their efforts are often mocked through phrases like “sksksk and I oop,” which became synonymous with the stereotype.
“The trend caught fire because it was easy to parody, yet surprisingly specific,” notes Vox.
The idea of the VSCO girl is both a genuine subculture and a meme. The style is a throwback to the “Tumblr girl” or even the “basic girl” of the past.
Yet, the speed at which it evolved, thanks to platforms like TikTok, made it feel distinctly modern.
In a world where being “basic” was already an insult, VSCO girls became the latest target of good-natured internet ribbing.
The VSCO Starter Pack
What’s in the official VSCO girl starter pack? According to the internet, you’ll need:
- Oversized T-shirts: Preferably long enough to cover your shorts.
- Scrunchies: On your wrist, in your hair, or just as accessories.
- Hydro Flask: Stickers are mandatory; saving the turtles is optional but encouraged.
- Pura Vida Bracelets: Because what’s a VSCO girl without a wrist full of colourful threads?
- Crocs or Birkenstocks: Comfort is key, but in that effortlessly cool way.
The look is simple, yet it’s become an entire identity. As Vox puts it, the appeal lies in the “expensive to achieve and laid-back in practice” aesthetic.
Why Did the Trend Catch Fire?
Part of the VSCO girl appeal lies in its inherent contradictions. It’s an aesthetic that pretends not to try, but there’s a lot of effort involved in looking effortlessly cool.
VSCO girls “live and die by the starter pack”—it’s about owning the right brands and looking like you don’t care about fitting in. But the reality? They care a lot.
TikTok’s role in popularising this trend can’t be overstated. Videos of VSCO girl parodies—complete with dramatic offerings of scrunchies and lectures on saving the environment—made the trend impossible to ignore.
In these clips, viewers play the passive role, getting “educated” on how to be a true VSCO girl, whether they wanted to be or not.
Is It Just a Passing Fad?
While the VSCO girl trend peaked in 2019, its influence lingers in the digital space.
As the Google Trends data shows, the term “VSCO girl” may have cooled down, but the concept has left a lasting mark on how Gen Z navigates their identities online.
The term has even become a way for teenagers to poke fun at themselves.
As one 16-year-old told NBC News, “I’ve never really labelled myself as a ‘VSCO girl’ until it really became a trend, and I thought, ‘Oh, I guess I’m a ‘VSCO girl’ now!’”
The Lasting Impact: A Reflection of Gen Z
In a way, the VSCO girl isn’t just a trend; it’s a mirror reflecting broader shifts in youth culture.
It embodies the desire for authenticity while navigating the pressures of social media.
Sure, you might laugh at a VSCO girl offering you a scrunchie and saying “sksksk,” but there’s something undeniably relatable about wanting to stand out while fitting in.
As digital culture continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the internet loves to elevate, dissect, and ultimately parody youth subcultures. The VSCO girl is just the latest, but she won’t be the last.
Whether you find the trend endearing, annoying, or just plain confusing, it’s been a wild ride watching how a simple aesthetic turned into a full-blown cultural phenomenon.
