Nowadays, it’s difficult to scroll through your TikTok FYP or Instagram grid without coming across a new fashion aesthetic to try out. While all of these trends are defined by different kinds of styles, a good majority of them have emerged from the Y2K movement specifically.
Now joining the ranks of 2000s-inspired trends is the Gen X Soft Club aesthetic, which is characterized by its fusion of minimalistic and futuristic elements. If you want to shake up your weekly lineup with this new fashion trend, keep scrolling ahead to find out where the trend originated from in the first place!
History of the Gen X Soft Club Aesthetic
Also referred to as the GXSC aesthetic, the Gen X Soft Club aesthetic first emerged to balance out the prevalence of the youthful Y2K trend and the splashy McBling style during the late 1990s and the early 2000s. In contrast to these kitschy fashion trends, the Gen X Soft Club aesthetic re-imagined cybercore fashion in a natural and subdued way.
Embracing minimalism and retro-futurism, the aesthetic was characterized by knee-high boots, long coats, and loose trousers in muted hues like gray, black, green, and blue. Apart from being associated with urban elements like underground metros and cityscapes, the aesthetic also borrowed trends from the ‘60s and ‘70s and made them much cooler and edgier.
In its initial stages, the movement was particularly lauded by those aged 25 to 35, the main age bracket of Generation X at the time. Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, and other it girls who popularized the trend were part of that age group as well. Gen X was also known for their increased engagement in the tech industry, which significantly contributed to the economic recovery during the '90s. Consequently, the movement was named after the demographic as the Gen X Soft Club.
Beyond the world of fashion, the Gen X Soft Club aesthetic also had an influence on other art forms. Music genres like electronic, trance, UK garage, and easy listening skyrocketed to popularity thanks to the Gen X market. Even early 2000s pop songs adopted a few elements from dance music, with prominent musicians like Madonna releasing GXSC-inspired albums. The movement also paved the way for soft photography effects, including the Lomo filter, bleach bypass, and blurred imagery.
The Re-Emergence of the Gen X Soft Club Aesthetic
Alongside the current revival of countless Y2K styles, the Gen X Soft Club aesthetic is also making a comeback. Now, the trend has been modernized with boxy silhouettes, 3D-printed accessories, and chunky jewelry. You can also start seeing hints of the aesthetic in the recent product launches of fashion houses, from Coperni’s CD-PLAYER Swipe Bag to Gentle Monster’s Tokki WP.
Prada’s Spring/Summer 2024 Menswear collection was also reminiscent of the cybercore sub-genre despite not being explicitly labeled as such. Even prior to this year, a unique speaker bag by Louis Vuitton went viral on social media alongside Balenciaga’s boom box purse collaboration with Bang & Olufsen.
International style stars such as Bella Hadid and AESPA have also been spotted in OOTDs that reference the aesthetic! You’ve probably also seen Filipino influencers Ida Anduyan and Angelique Manto hop on the bandwagon as well.
Although the aesthetic isn’t that popular yet on Instagram and X, it’s gradually finding its footing on less mainstream social media platforms such as Tumblr and Are.na. For TikTok specifically, the trend is beginning to take form in metallic makeup looks, ‘90s downtown girl outfits, and naturally textured hair. Not to mention, Gen Z’s newfound fascination for retro cameras, CDs, blurry photos, and futuristic scenes can also be linked back to the visual mood of the Gen X Soft Club aesthetic.
How to Pull Off the Gen X Soft Club Aesthetic
Want to hop on the trend yourself? You totally can with a little wardrobe and vanity refresh! Ahead, we rounded up all the items you need to rock the new aesthetic.
1. Futuristic shades
Cangi Wraparound Injected Acetate Sunglasses, $620 (approximately P35,190), BOTTEGA VENETA, bottegaveneta.com
2. A cool arm candy
Swipe Glass Shoulder Bag, €3,550 (approximately P213,934), COPERNI, mytheresa.com
3. Nude lipstick
Fluffmatte in Nudist, P495, SUNNIES FACE, Lazada
4. Duster jacket
Adrien Long Duster Coat, P104,500, NILI LOTAN, nililotan.com
5. Sheer socks
Cotton Touch Women Knee-high Socks, €22 (approximately P1,325), FALKE, falke.com
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