The Black girl aesthetic is a bold statement of self-expression and resilience. I don’t think anyone would argue against the fact that Black women, for a while, have had a huge cultural influence via their style and have played a pivotal role in redefining beauty standards.
Have you ever really thought about how you show up in the world and what others’ perception is of you? I do, often. Sometimes I care a lot and other times I couldn’t care less. However, your livelihood and/or social status could depend on how you present yourself. And it doesn’t really matter if you agree with it or not, it just is what it is.
Some of our top Black and Brown influencers in the past 5 or more years have been setting a new (maybe reimagined) standard of beauty. A few of my faves and likely yours too:
When it comes to classic beauty, Patricia Bright is THE blueprint. She’s got that timeless, effortless vibe that transcends any trend. Think polished, put-together, and effortlessly chic, no matter the occasion. From her flawless skin to her impeccable style, Patricia is the kind of woman who just looks like she’s well-loved and taken care of. And the British accent? It’s the icing on the cake, tying her whole vibe together and reminding you that sophistication isn’t just what she wears, it’s how she carries herself.
Jackie Aina is the ultimate glam girl! She’s the definition of “dressed to impress”. And her makeup is always on point. Jackie is the woman who walks into a room, and you just know she smells like the finest perfume ever made. Her glam is exceptional, you can’t help but think her Nigerian roots give her that extra layer of regality and perfection. Jackie literally never misses.
Teyana Taylor’s swag is just different! She’s got that infectious energy that can flip from tomboy to edgy to glam in a heartbeat. Her style is like a mood board for versatility. One minute she’s giving you street style realness, and the next she’s serving high fashion with that NYC edge. Her whole set up just screams NYC. And the raspy voice just adds to her aesthetic. She’s definitely the type of women that will make to take a double look.
NYC’s original IT girl. She’s been the go-to for makeup tips and style inspo. Her eclectic, alternative style screams ‘city girl’ through and through, mixing boldness with a bit of unpredictability. She’s the one who showed all the girls how to rock their fits and beat their faces long before it was the cool thing to do, solidifying her status as one of the OGs in the beauty game.
There are so many others, but these women embody the different archetypes I think of when it comes to women’s style. In most friend groups you have the classy friend, the tomboy friend, the super glamorous friend, and the alternative friend. And before you shoot and say, “don’t put me in a box”, relax, it’s not that deep. Because honestly, on any given day you could fall into either of these categories.
Take the quiz below to see where you fall and add your Black girl aesthetic to the comments below.
