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In The Now: Decoding Today's Gen Z Trends, -Cores, and Aesthetics

From balletcore to clean girl aesthetic, fashion and beauty trends are getting the Gen Z makeover in the age of TikTok.

Published May 8, 2024

Fashion and beauty trends are getting the Gen Z makeover.

Everything's a "trend" these days. Head over to TikTok, look up “how to dress” and “how to look like” tutorials, and it will likely result in endless scrolling. In the fast-paced world of digital media, it’s almost as if we’re caught up in a never-ending cycle of sensationalized preferences and idealized personas. To an average onlooker, this influx of fashion and beauty trends can be overwhelming—chaotic, even. 

You probably even asked yourself at one point: Why does Gen Z feel the need to "core-ify" everything?

Generation Z is anyone who was born between 1997 and 2012. If you fall under this category, that would mean you're not older than 27 but also not younger than 12. You're in your formative years and still carving out a place in this world.

Putting things into perspective, there's something cerebrally profound about the surge of Gen Z trends. (Let's be honest: These "aesthetics" and "-cores" aren't exactly new; they're merely repackaged and reintroduced with catchier names.) From a cultural standpoint, it’s a poignant reflection of this generation’s collective zeitgeist—one characterized by unapologetic authenticity. A departure from all those years of curated feeds and meticulously staged photos, new avenues emerge for bold, creative self-expression.

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BORGY ANGELES BACS ARCEBAL

"In The Now" for Preview The Trend April 2024

Produced by Isha Fojas and Reg RodriguezPhotographed by Borgy Angeles, assisted by Pao Mendoza and Rojan Maguyon. Creative Direction by Bacs Arcebal and Jana Jodloman. Styled by Paulina Singh and Reg Rodriguez. Makeup by Janica Cleto. Hair by Lourd Ramos, assisted by Sam Pantorilla. Modeled by Selina Woo Bhang of IM Agency Manila.

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The Gen Z Fashion and Beauty Trends You Need on Your Radar

Cottagecore / Strawberry Girl

strawberry girl
BORGY ANGELES

Serpenti Reverse small shoulder bag in anemone spinel pinkish red quilted Metropolitan calf leather, P175,000, BULGARI, Bulgari Greenbelt, bulgari.comOff-shoulder top with ruffles, P30,895, KENZO, Cul De Sac Podium.

When you think about all the major Gen Z trends that came about in the past year, you can trace a majority of them back to a single woman—Hailey Beiber, Gen Z's appointed beauty queen. When she introduced glazed donut skin, everyone hopped on the trend to get that dewy, glow-from-within look. And naturally, when she posted a selfie donning red blush, pink-tinted lips, and barely-there foundation to let her freckles show through, and then captioned it "strawberry girl summer," everyone agreed that it was, indeed, going to be a strawberry girl summer.

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strawberry girl cottagecore
BORGY ANGELES

On Selina: All Around Flush Multi-Use Tint in Bop, P339, CLOCHEFLAME, Shopee and Lazada. Ethereal Palette, MAKEUP BY MARIO. Brow Powder, BROWIT. Lip Contour Retractable Gel Lipliner, P249, GRWM COSMETICS, Shopee and Lazada. Ink Mood Glowy Tint, P499, PERIPERA, Shopee and Lazada. Backstage Glow Palette in 004, DIOR.

Strawberry girl wasn't just a beauty look. Like most of the trends in this list, it became an entire vibe. When we think of a strawberry girl, we immediately conjure images of idyllic summers, living in the countryside, having barefoot picnics in gardens, and snacking on strawberries. There is a certain kind of warmth attached to her persona that also resonates with the cottagecore aesthetic, another trend that resonates with the free spirit and romantic at heart. She's drawn to the warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. Her wardrobe, as one could imagine, is filled with free-flowing dresses, smocked pieces, and dainty bandanas.

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Clean Girl / Quiet Luxury

clean girl aesthetic
BORGY ANGELES

Fendi Boston 365 in ice white leather, AED 10.790,00 (approximately P167,637.32), FENDI, Fendi Greenbelt 3, fendi.com

Cleanliness is next to godliness, they say. And with the introduction of the Clean Girl, this saying couldn’t be any truer. The Clean Girl has a minimalist approach to beauty and fashion, characterized by her preference for neutrals, classic clean silhouettes, dewy skin, glossy lips, and slicked-back hair. Self-care is her main priority, and you just know that her weekends are booked with beauty appointments and other high-maintenance things that help keep her low maintenance. She is a city girl who is constantly on the move, but you’ll never see a strand of hair out of place, no matter what.

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clean girl
BORGY ANGELES

On Selina:  Milk Tint in Souffle, P379, GRWM COSMETICS, Shopee and Lazada. Rosy Glow Blush in Pink, DIOR. Juicy Lasting Tint, P379, ROMAND, Shopee and Lazada. Jelly Lips in Lip Care, P160, DETAIL COSMETICS, Shopee and Lazada. Aurora Highlighter, P514, MERYTHOD, Shopee and Lazada.

Though a minimalist, the clean girl is innately practical. Her reasonably spacious city tote—a sleek, boxy carryall—carries all the bare necessities: her go-to scent, makeup for retouching, her phone, a water bottle, and a quick read to pass the time.

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Eclectic Grandpa / Latte Makeup

eclectic grandpa latte makeup
BORGY ANGELES

Axel tote bag Caramel - Small, P15,900, APC, APC Rockwell, apcstore.com.  Lino leather jacket, P19,975, ATOMIC WORLD.

At its core, there is a playful spirit that animates the “eclectic grandpa” persona. This Pinterest-born trend exudes an almost whimsical charm, as it blends classic and loose-fitting silhouettes with eye-catching, yet slightly off-putting elements. Think colorful neckties, funky socks, or perhaps a selection of vintage accessories. It's a fashion aesthetic marked by nostalgia, boundless creativity, and an overall laid-back vibe. True to its name, the eclectic grandpa trend resonates with old souls, someone who thrives amidst controlled chaos, and an avid collector of sentimental memorabilia.

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latte makeup
BORGY ANGELES

On Selina: Backstage Face and Body in 3N, DIOR. Quadgoals Bronzer, P299, GRWM COSMETICS, Shopee and Lazada. Glow Play Blush in So Natural, MAC COSMETICS. Eye Crayon in Dough, P445, SUNNIES FACE, Shopee and Lazada. Lip Contour Retractable Gel Lipliner, P249, GRWM COSMETICS, Shopee and Lazada. Romand Juicy Lasting Tint in Pomelo Skin, P379, ROMAND, Shopee and Lazada. Backstage Glow Palette in 004, DIOR.

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Since the eclectic grandpa style is already so vibrant, a monochromatic beauty look would be the perfect match. Consider the latte makeup trend—it's all about embracing tones like caramel, tan, cocoa, and amber, basically the colors of your favorite cup of joe.

Coquette / Balletcore

coquette balletcore
BORGY ANGELES

Coussin PM, P299,000, Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton Greenbelt 3, louisvuitton.com.  Fairy Top, P5,000, SASSA JIMENEZ. Faux pearl-embellished cotton shirt, P43,298, SIMONE ROCHA, Univers One Rockwell.

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The coquette girl fashion trend has undergone a transformation from its original connotation. While the term itself stems from flirtatious behavior, today's interpretation is far removed from its initial meaning. Instead, it’s become a sartorial celebration of femininity in its purest form.

balletcore coquette
BORGY ANGELES

On Selina: Milk Tint in Souffle and Pancake, P379, GRWM COSMETICS, Shopee and Lazada. Rosy Glow Blush in Pink, DIOR. Glow Fluer Cheeks, P790, CANMAKE, Shopee and Lazada. Lip Contour Retractable Gel Lipliner, P249, GRWM COSMETICS, Shopee and Lazada. Lip Oil in Apple-o, P349, GRWM COSMETICS, Shopee and Lazada. Backstage Glow Palette in 004, DIOR.

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The coquette girl embodies the epitome of girlishness, reveling in her softness and unapologetically embracing all aspects of her girlhood. From playful bows and laces to the delicate allure of ruffles and pastel pinks dominating the color palette, every aspect of this trend exudes a whimsy girlish charm. A similar sense can be felt with balletcore beauty, with its classic ballet bun and a soft, tonal blush palette.

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