We’ve all seen her. The "It Girl" — effortlessly chic, gliding through life as though each day were a page from a perfectly curated Instagram feed.
She’s sipping ceremonial matcha in a minimalistic, white-beige living room, wearing an oversized sweater that screams understated wealth. Her day flows seamlessly from a luxurious coffee shop to a Pilates class, all while her life appears slow, romantic, and infinitely organized. She’s everywhere, yet nowhere, promoting a way of life that seems both aspirational and unattainable. But the question is, is it real? Is it achievable? And most importantly, why do so many of us crave this aesthetic, even when it feels like a far-off fantasy?
I have to admit, I’m guilty of it. I scroll through social media and find myself drawn to this romanticized image of life. The monochromatic home décor, the perfectly coordinated outfits, and the idea of living a “slow” life give me a sense of order. It makes me feel like if I could just adopt this lifestyle, everything else would fall into place. But if I’m being honest, I often feel like I have no idea what I’m doing in life, and chasing after this aesthetic offers me a fleeting sense of control and peace.
So, what is it about the "It Girl" aesthetic that pulls us in? For one, it’s visually satisfying. The neutral tones, clean lines, and perfectly placed home decor offer a sense of calm in a world that often feels chaotic. We see this carefully curated world and think, "If I could have that, maybe my life would be as clean and organized." The simplicity of the color palette – white, beige, cream – evokes a sense of luxury and timelessness, reminiscent of the old money look that promises comfort and stability.
There’s also something alluring about the slowness of it all. In a time when hustle culture has dominated our lives, the idea of sipping matcha while leisurely heading to Pilates feels like a rebellion against the fast pace of modern life. It’s not just about doing less, but doing things with intention. The "It Girl" is living life on her terms, focusing on self-care, wellness, and enjoying the moment. Who wouldn’t want to live that way?
But is it achievable? For most of us, this lifestyle is more aspirational than attainable. Behind the calm, curated photos, there are likely moments of stress, chaos, and imperfection — just like in any other life. The perfectly organized home might be hiding clutter, and the slow mornings might only be possible after a stressful day of trying to keep up with work or life’s demands. The reality is, no one’s life is as perfectly curated as it looks online.
In the end, I find myself asking, is it worth it? For me, pursuing this aesthetic offers a sense of control and beauty, but it’s important to recognize that it’s just that — an aesthetic. Life is messy, unpredictable, and beautiful in its own right, even without the beige tones and daily matcha runs. And maybe, just maybe, that’s okay.