The "That Girl" aesthetic consists of an individual who takes care of themselves and puts an emphasis on wellness in all aspects of their lives (mental health, fitness, nutrition, interpersonal relations, etc.)[1]. It is most often targeted to women, although not exclusive to women.
History
editThe social media trend “That Girl” first originated on TikTok in 2021, by user Angelxadvice who shared their objectives for the new year; eating more fruit and vegetables, as well as reading more books. It was only in Spring of 2021 that the term gained popularity, and became the norm for fitness, wellness influencers a like. Content regarding this aesthetic is seen on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest through various formats including short form videos, extended vlogs, curated Pinterest boards, etc.
The vlog component is especially popular, as it can demonstrate the ideal day of a “That Girl”, bringing in the “day in my life” compellation videos. It can also focus on a specific part of the day, either with a detailed morning routine, night routine or fitness routine.
Morning Routine
edit“That Girl” morning routine begins at the crack of dawn, with routines typically beginning at 5 AM. The reason behind this philosophy being that waking up early allows for more personal time before day-to-day obligations (school, work). Favored activities practiced in the morning include; affirmations, meditation, journaling, stretching, exercise and consuming a healthy well-balanced breakfast.
Night Routine
editThat Girl nighttime routine has various components. Much like the morning routine, it must be exercised at a slower pace and properly enjoyed. Some activities proposed during this relaxation state include; journaling, reading, yoga, meditation, skincare, or connecting with loved ones. That Girl individuals are also encouraged to avoid using technologies an hour before bed to avoid blue light as it can disturb the sleep cycle. Adherents to the trend have an earlier bedtime, ranging from 8:30pm to 10pm to get in a proper amount of sleep, regardless of waking up earlier than the norm.
Health Habits
editFitness Routine
editPopular forms of fitness within this trend are often sports that can be practiced alone, or in pairs. Yoga, Pilates, Walking (see Hot Girl Walk[2]) and Running were first associated to the trend in 2021, as accessibility to gym spaces were restrained due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Swimming, Tennis and Pickleball were later added to the trend in 2024, popularized by the film Challengers (2024) and the Paris 2024 Olympics. For those who practice Yoga and Pilates, That Girl practitioners are encouraged to partake in classes at their local Yoga or Pilates studios or watch fitness content via YouTube with creators like Move with Nicole, Blogilates,[3] Yoga with Adrienne, Edyn Loves Life, Yoga with Bird[4]
Diet
editThe That Girl diet, much like the lifestyle, is one that is balanced, both in healthiness and sweetness. Many in the community adhere to a Mediterranean diet, consisting mostly of fresh produce, bread and fish or plant-based protein.
In the mornings, it is suggested that individuals start their day with a smoothie, coffee or matcha tea. As for food, the smoothie bowl, granola/oats with yogurt[5], fruits, eggs as well as avocado toast are prominent at the crack of dawn.
For lunch and dinner time, panini wraps, salads, salmon, buddha bowls[6], sandwiches are popular. To accompany the main course, vegetables, naan bread and humus (or tzatziki sauce) are often added for filling purposes. In recent years, the meal has often been carried in matching container sets, promoted by various influencers or placed in bento boxes for practical purposes.
Beauty Habits
editFashion
editStyle within this trend is axed towards comfort and an active lifestyle. Joggers, jeans, athleisure and crop tops are some of the key clothing features. Colours tend to be neutral, consisting of black, white, grey, beige, brown but with accent colours, often green.
Heels are often swapped out for in demand sneakers, which can be attributed to the active lifestyle promoted by the trend.[7] Such shoes include the New Balance 550s, New Balance 530s, Adidas Original Gazelles, Onitsuka Tiger 66s, Converse Platforms or Converse Run Star Hike High Top As for sandals, Birkenstocks Arizona,[8] and (later) Boston models have gained traction in recent years.
Entertainment
editMusic
editTo be considered That Girl music, songs must promote main character energy[9] and be empowering.
Podcasts
editPodcast listening is especially popular within the trend as it allows one to stay up to date with current events, discover new interests, as well as encourage one’s personal development, whether it be on a business or personal level. Some key podcast creators[10] often associated with the trend include;
Criticisms
editMany people[who?] online have criticized the trend to be highly unrealistic for the average individual. Indeed, many content creators making That Girl content are young, often white women attending post-secondary education. It does not consider those who have added responsibilities, such as parenthood, nor those who do not have the option of having a consistent work schedule thus making it harder for some to apply a routine and follow it consistently. For this reason, the trend caters to a privileged audience, rejecting many who do not fit the mold.
However, the notions and mindsets conveyed within the trend are free to be applied by anyone wanting self-improvement and can be done at the time of their choosing.
See also
editReferences
edit
[3] Pilates YouTube Channel, [1] Lead Definition That Girl[11],[2]Hot Girl Walk reference,[12] That Girl algorithm's popularity, [13]YouTube Essay
- ^ a b Sharma, Ruchira. "Who Is 'That Girl' & Why Is TikTok Obsessed With Her?". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ a b "Hot Girl Walk", Wikipedia, 2024-09-17, retrieved 2024-10-23
- ^ a b "Best Pilates YouTube channels". www.thoughtleaders.io. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ O'Brien, Ellen (2023-04-19). "11 Best Yoga YouTube Channels". Yoga Journal. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ Slow, Alexi (August 8, 2023). ""That Girl" Healthy Breakfast Ideas!". Lemon8 App.
- ^ Keara Callahan (2022-08-19). THAT GIRL WHAT I EAT IN A WEEK | healthy & easy recipes, balanced & intuitive eating w/o restriction. Retrieved 2024-10-29 – via YouTube.
- ^ [1]
- ^ Cary, Alice (2023-06-03). "How Birkenstock's Arizonas Went From Being Sold Exclusively In Health-Food Stores To A Fashion Editor Staple". British Vogue. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ Chayka, Kyle (2021-06-23). "We All Have "Main-Character Energy" Now". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ "Podcasts That Will Help You Become". Threads. 2022-06-03. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- ^ SANTI, CHRISTINE WINDER & JOSIE (2024-04-19). "How to Become "That Girl" By Summer". The Everygirl. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ "Here's Why "That Girl" Videos Are All Over Your #ForYou Page". Bustle. 2021-08-11. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ Campbell Studio (2022-06-24). The Rise and Fall of "That Girl" TikTok trend. Retrieved 2024-10-23 – via YouTube.