As someone who was part of the Tumblr generation, I was exposed to what the internet called “Tumblr girls.” Dictionary.com would describe them as adolescents or young women who were “considered hip and stylish, with a fondness for fashion and often wears t-shirts with witty slogans and high-waisted shorts. She sports styled hair, often ombre dyed or dyed a bright color. And she posts her own photographs, often of herself, rather than simply posting other people’s.”
If you were active on the internet around 2007 onwards, then you have a pretty good idea of what a Tumblr girl looked like. But ever since the platform lost its hype (and almost a third of its users after banning pornographic material last year and later being sold to WordPress), a lot of these ladies have either moved on to posting content on Instagram, or just grew out of their Tumblr phase altogether and moved on with life.
With one internet trend gone, another one emerged: “VSCO girls.”
Stay Hipp said, “A VSCO girl is someone whose lifestyle matches the aesthetics of the VSCO app.” This was started by Gen Z-ers on TikTok and Instagram who would wear colorful scrunchies on their hair and wrists, wear clothes from Brandy Melville and Urban Outfitters, and carries reusable items in their Kånken backpacks.
YouTuber Mai Pham also told Buzzfeed News that VSCO girls “always look like they’re doing everything effortlessly,” and that they’re always driving their jeeps to watch the sunset and take photos with their Polaroid cameras. No wonder they’re called the “Tumblr girls of 2019.”
If you’re curious about the VSCO girl aesthetic, we’ve dissected it below and gave our own suggestions.
Uniqlo Keith Haring Short Sleeve UT
As mentioned, VSCO girls usually shop at Brandy Melville for graphic tees and tube tops. But since the brand isn’t available here in the Philippines and only caters to smaller sizes, you can check out brands like Uniqlo that have graphic shirts for various body types. This one from the Keith Haring line is made from lightweight fabric and has short sleeves, good for the summer road trips you’ll take and document for your VSCO feed. Available at SM Makati.
Bershka Distressed-Effect Denim Shorts
Cut-off denim shorts are also a staple in their wardrobe because it adds to the laidback style they love so much. You can cop this pair from Bershka which has distressed hems and ripped details. Available at Glorietta 2.
Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals
The “ugly-pretty” sandal is back thanks to VSCO girls. According to Elle, Birks are their footwear of choice because they’re comfortable and easy to pair with any casual outfit. Available at SM Aura Premier.
Bondi Studios The Allison Set
Out of all the accessories VSCO girls should have, scrunchies are at the top of the list. These hair ties were big in the ’90s and recently made a comeback thanks to celebrities like Bella Hadid and Jason Momoa. In 2019, these aren’t just worn in the hair, they’re also bracelets now like how we used them in our fashion editorial. If you’re looking for your own set, the Allison Set from Bondi Studios comes with two scrunchies in blue and cream. Available online.
Trinkets for Keeps Shell Beaded Choker Necklace
When we looked up what kind of jewelry VSCO girls like, the usual results include chokers, puka shell necklaces, and beaded necklaces. This one from Trinkets for Keeps is a combination of all three—it has shells and turquoise glass beads, and you can adjust it to turn it into a choker. You can also layer this with other necklaces if you want. Available on Zalora PH.
Cambio & Co. Stacking Brass Rings
Stay Hipp noted that VSCO girls love wearing multiple rings all at once. They can have different designs worn on different fingers, or they stack minimalist rings on top of each other. If you’re into the latter style, cop these brass rings from Cambio & Co. Available online.
Fjällräven Kånken No. 2
Kånken backpacks are considered one of the best and most popular bags among “cool kids.” HuffPost noted it’s because of the Kånken’s sturdy handles, spacious interiors, and comfortable straps. Even if you’re not into the VSCO girl aesthetic, these bags are undeniably functional as it can carry all our essentials. Available at Common Thread, Power Plant Mall.
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth
One of the things you’ll find in a VSCO girl’s Kanken backpack is a Hydro Flask because they believe in zero waste and saving marine life. This bottle is made from stainless steel which keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. You can bring this with you every day, or just have it with you when you work out or travel. Available at The Travel Club, Greenbelt 5.
Starbucks Reusable Cup
When they’re not using metal straws to drink their iced coffee, they whip out their reusable Starbucks cups. The coffee chain made a pledge to become more sustainable and aims to phase out plastic straws from all their locations by 2020, starting with reusable cups for hot and cold drinks. Last April, they unveiled colored Grande cups with a 20-centimenter straw in the Philippines. (Disclaimer: Some of us have pink cups, so we’re on our way to becoming VSCO girls. LOL, just kidding.) Available at Starbucks branches.
Art by Tricia Guevara
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