The ‘clean girl’ aesthetic on TikTok revolves around pristine visuals, minimalist lifestyles, and a focus on personal hygiene routines. Influencers within this aesthetic often showcase their immaculately organized spaces, elaborate skincare routines, and dedication to cleanliness. The aesthetic promotes the idea that one’s appearance and environment reflect their moral character and social standing. By adhering to strict cleanliness standards, individuals can present themselves as disciplined, sophisticated, and of higher social status.
On the other hand, the ‘old money’ aesthetic romanticizes the opulence and refinement associated with traditional wealth. Influencers within this aesthetic evoke images of aristocratic elegance, displaying luxurious lifestyles, classic fashion choices, and extravagant possessions. The aesthetic celebrates a bygone era of aristocracy, where wealth was inherited and displayed through lavish estates, fine art collections, and exclusive social circles. By embodying the trappings of old money, individuals seek to project an air of sophistication, heritage, and superiority.
Despite their distinct themes, both aesthetics share a common thread: the implicit link between hygiene and class. Historically, cleanliness has been intertwined with notions of social status and respectability. In Victorian society, for example, the upper classes prided themselves on their immaculate appearance and pristine homes, while the working class was often depicted as dirty and unkempt. This dichotomy reflected broader power dynamics, with cleanliness serving as a marker of privilege and control.
In contemporary society, the association between hygiene and class persists, albeit in subtler forms. The ‘clean girl’ aesthetic reinforces the idea that personal grooming and tidiness are essential attributes of the upper echelons of society. By meticulously curating their appearance and surroundings, individuals signal their adherence to bourgeois values of self-discipline and refinement. Similarly, the ‘old money’ aesthetic elevates cleanliness to a symbol of aristocratic elegance and sophistication, implying that true wealth entails not only material abundance but also impeccable taste and hygiene.
Moreover, both aesthetics engage in selective nostalgia, idealizing certain aspects of the past while overlooking its inequalities and injustices. The ‘clean girl’ aesthetic harks back to an era of wholesome domesticity and traditional femininity, drawing inspiration from vintage advertisements and homemaking guides. However, it often glosses over the oppressive gender norms and class divisions that underpinned these ideals, perpetuating a sanitized version of history. Similarly, the ‘old money’ aesthetic romanticizes the glamour of aristocratic lifestyles, evoking images of grandeur and privilege. Yet, it conveniently ignores the exploitation and exploitation upon which old wealth was built, presenting a sanitized narrative of inherited prosperity.
Critics argue that these aesthetics not only reinforce classist attitudes but also perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and consumerist ideals. The relentless pursuit of cleanliness and refinement can create unattainable expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt among those who do not fit the mold. Moreover, the commodification of hygiene and luxury perpetuates a culture of conspicuous consumption, where status is measured by one’s ability to afford expensive products and lifestyles.
However, proponents of these aesthetics argue that they provide a sense of aspiration and escapism in an increasingly chaotic world. By immersing themselves in the fantasy of cleanliness and luxury, individuals can momentarily transcend their everyday struggles and imagine a life of elegance and privilege. Moreover, these aesthetics can serve as a form of self-care and empowerment, allowing individuals to take pride in their appearance and surroundings, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
In conclusion, the ‘clean girl’ and ‘old money’ aesthetics on TikTok embody contemporary manifestations of the age-old link between hygiene and class. By idealizing cleanliness and refinement, these aesthetics perpetuate societal perceptions of social status and respectability. However, they also reflect broader cultural anxieties and desires, offering a glimpse into the complexities of identity, aspiration, and power in the digital age. As social media continues to shape our perceptions of beauty, wealth, and success, it is essential to critically examine the narratives and values propagated by these platforms, challenging ingrained stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
