Spring Is All About The 'Soft Girl' Style. Here's How To Dress The Part
If you've spent much time on social media over the past few months, you've probably noticed a new trend emerging. More and more young women are adopting the "soft girl" aesthetic. #softgirl has over 2 billion views on TikTok and has been used almost 2 million times on Instagram.
The "soft girl" aesthetic has emerged as a trend that's expected to make waves this spring. The phenomenon is defined by a commitment to all things girly, pink, and fluffy. Figureheads of the movement include Elle Woods from "Legally Blonde" and Cher Horowitz from "Clueless." One aficionado described the appeal of the look as being "unapologetically feminine and girly" in a piece for Evie Magazine. And another fan of the aesthetic even told Refinery29 that it helped her prioritize her well-being without forcing her into stereotyped dress codes.
These are all profound reasons for adopting the look, but above all, people who don this style all share a desire for something fun and expressive. Let's take a look at a few examples of how to modify your look and achieve the 'soft girl' aesthetic.
Opt for a cozy pink cardigan with a matching headband
Perfect for everyday wear, this soft girl look is simple and chic. Pair a cozy pale pink cardigan with a matching headband, a fitted black miniskirt, a pair of black tights, and a pale quilted bag. We love how the detail of the delicate white lace collar on this cardigan makes the outfit a little more girly without being too over-the-top. This look is ideal for a brunch date or even a casual day at the office.
A big hair bow is a dreamy soft girl accessory
This dreamy look features a floaty mini dress with a blurred floral pink print. With its chiffon drop sleeves and open back, this gorgeous dress is perfect if you're trying to achieve the soft girl look. The giant white hair bow adds a focal point to the look and makes it extra feminine, while the lace-up white sandals add a touch of drama. Try emulating this look for a summer picnic or a visit to the botanical garden.
Puffy sleeves are a must
This pale pastel blue midi dress is nothing short of breathtaking. With its oversized puffed sleeves, smocked top, and floaty skirt, it's fit for a princess — and what could be more soft girl than that? We recommend looking for tops and dresses that have this style of statement sleeve paired with a feminine smocked top to really give you the ultimate soft girl look for picnics, birthday parties, or barbecues in the summer.
Cozy pink is perfect for a lazy weekend
Looking for a few low-key soft girl outfit ideas? We love this monochromatic all-pink knit outfit. The fitted ribbed knit skirt paired with the cozy boxy pink sweater makes for a wonderful everyday look that is not only fashionable but also incredibly comfy. Complete the outfit with a pair of sandals or even white sneakers if you're going for a more casual riff on the soft girl look. Wear an all-pink knit set on your next lazy Sunday running errands or grabbing coffee with your friends.
A fluttery sleeve is ideal for the summer months
Fluttery sleeves are an absolute must if you're trying to achieve the soft girl aesthetic. Look for pieces that have this pretty, floaty sleeve style to add some girly glamour to your wardrobe. This style is ideal for date nights, theater performances, or evening events. Take inspiration from this Instagrammer and accessorize your look with a pair of dramatic dangly earrings to draw the eye to dress up the look for the evening.
Bows on the shoulders add a feminine touch
This pretty smocked pink floral dress is the epitome of soft girl style. It's delicate and unapologetically girly with feminine details like the bows on the shoulders, the ruffle on the neckline, and the ruched bodice. Paired with accessories like the tiny gold locket and girly earrings, this outfit epitomizes the soft girl look. Try wearing a dress like this for daytime events in the summer, like a lunch date, a shopping trip, or a summer vacation outing.
Soft girl doesn't always mean pink
While many influencers opt for pink for their soft girl looks, it's not the only color that fits with this aesthetic. This pastel green look offers a great alternative if you're tired of all the pink. This look features a cropped button-up cardigan and a pleated plaid mini skirt, along with a wide white headband. This scholastic style is definitely channeling Cher Horowitz from "Clueless." Wear this outfit to class or to the library.
Dress up for an event with a pink mini dress
This soft girl-meets-"Bridgerton" look really is the stuff that floaty pink dreams are made of. This pink mini dress features a sheer chiffon tutu-like fabric on the skirt and the sleeves. The empire waistline gives the dress Regency-era feel. Be a little extra and pair the dress with a dramatic pair of long white gloves and white hair ribbons. Take inspiration from this look for afternoon tea parties or fancy brunches.
This soft girl makeup tutorial will leave you with a pretty pink glow
Once you've filled your wardrobe with soft girl-inspired pieces, you can turn your attention to your makeup routine. Soft girl makeup is, unsurprisingly, soft, delicate, and subtle. The goal is to create a pretty, dewy look that compliments your feminine outfits. This tutorial features a natural base, a touch of concealer, subtle brushed eyebrows, soft beige eye shadow, a pink blush, glossy pink lips, and a flick of mascara.
Embrace the soft girl aesthetic into every aspect of your lifestyle
If you want to make the soft girl aesthetic a part of your life, you can go beyond your wardrobe and your makeup. This video shows how you can incorporate the soft girl movement into your everyday life. Embrace being girly with your morning routine. Indulge in your skincare, invest in some cozy, loungewear pieces, and fill your home with feminine touches, like pink flowers, magazines, and girly decor.