The "That Girl" aesthetic is an online subculture and fashion marketed as catering to people who seek a holistic emphasis on wellness.[1] It is most often targeted at women, although not exclusively.
“That Girl” began as a viral trend on TikTok[2] by a user sharing their objectives for the new year: eating more fruit and vegetables, and reading more books. In the spring of 2021, the term gained popularity and spread from TikTok to YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest through various formats including short form videos, extended vlogs, and curated Pinterest boards.
The trend involves morning and evening routines that adherents are expected to follow, exercise such as yoga, pilates, walking, running, swimming, and sports such as tennis and pickleball.
Adherents may also follow a diet, which is marketed as balanced in terms of healthiness and sweetness. Many in the community adhere to a Mediterranean diet, consisting mostly of fresh produce, bread and fish or plant-based protein.
Salads, wraps and sandwiches are popular alternatives to cooked meals. To accompany the main course, vegetables, naan bread and humus (or tzatziki sauce) are often added. In recent years, meals have often been carried in matching container sets, promoted by various influencers or placed in bento boxes for practical purposes.
The trend also involves fashion styles which are marketed as comfortable and supporting an active lifestyle. That Girl influencers have promoted Birkenstock sandals as an alternative to high-heeled shoes.[3]
The trend's literature focuses largely on self-help books.
The trend has been criticised as being highly unrealistic for the average individual. Many of the individuals marketing the trend are young, often white women attending post-secondary education. These influencers do not take into consideration 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 potentially caters to a privileged audience.[4]