The Messy Girl Aesthetic: Embracing Chaos, Confidence, And Carefree Style

We’re all familiar with the ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’. Right now, you’re picturing a girl who looks perfectly polished. She’s wearing natural makeup, neutral clothes, and a slick-back hairstyle. She’s just returned from her 7am pilates class and is drinking an Instagram-worthy health drink. 

First impressions of the ‘Clean Girl’ cause you to believe she is effortlessly beautiful and highly organized in every aspect of her life. However, as attractive as this lifestyle may appear, it can be expensive to maintain and requires more work than you think.

So, for the girls who do not resonate with the ‘Clean Girl’ or are lost in the search for their aesthetic … we welcome the ‘Messy Girl’! 

Goodbye Perfection, Hello Messy Girl

Do not panic —this is not a trend based on poor hygiene and untidy habits. The ‘Messy Girl Aesthetic’ is just more relaxed and prioritizes being yourself instead of chasing unattainable standards. It requires minimal effort and maximum fun.

Less Effort, More Fun

The ‘Messy Girl’ embraces her natural hair or wears simplistic styles that take no more than two minutes to achieve. In the daytime, she prefers to wear little makeup, just enough to embrace her natural beauty. However, at night time, think dark, smokey eyes, and a statement lip, because she thrives in the evening.

No Rules, Just Vibes

In terms of fashion choices, the ‘Messy Girl’ wears whatever she feels great in! That’s the best thing about this aesthetic — it’s super flexible with no rules or restrictions.

Lily Benson: The Ultimate Messy Girl Icon

A real-life example of the ‘Messy Girl Aesthetic’ is known and loved by many in the form of Lily Benson, who starred in the 2024 series of Big Brother. At 20 years old, Lily entered the show not only to seek revenge on an ex-boyfriend but to have fun! Unlike how it can affect others, the constant presence of cameras never influenced her to be anyone but herself. During her time in the Big Brother house, Lily was notoriously known for being messy, especially by her housemates, who made complaints daily about her bad habits. 

While on the show, Lily spoke about the unrealistic nature of the ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ and her intentions to break it. She may have kept the contents of her wardrobe on the floor, left out a few dirty dishes, and worn some old socks, but she won the hearts of many with her personality, unique quirks, and by being unapologetically herself.

On more relaxed days in the house, Lily wore un-styled hair, a natural face, and comfy clothes. But there were also many times that she rocked a trendy outfit with beautiful curls, representing the diversity of the ‘Messy Girl’. Those who embrace this aesthetic do not feel pressured to be perfect 24/7. They do whatever they want, whenever they want.

Lola Young’s ‘Messy’ Era

A recent development in the ‘Messy Girl Aesthetic’ stems from Lola Young’s song ‘Messy’, which has spent the past two weeks at No.1 in the UK singles chart. In her interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Lola kept things real when discussing her hit single. She stated, “‘Messy’ is a song that, like, seems to resonate because people can relate. It’s not everyday clean girl aesthetic. Do you know what I mean? Some days you haven’t washed your socks. […] You don’t need to wash your socks every day. It’s ridiculous.” 

The New ‘It Girl’ Energy

The ‘Messy Girl’ look is low maintenance. She’s less refined than the ‘Clean Girl’, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Entering the ‘Messy Girl’ era means being comfortable in your own skin, adopting a carefree attitude, and making time to do the things you love. She might just be the new ‘It girl’.