- VSCO girls have the internet buzzing.
- The VSCO girl’s laidback aesthetic is a crossover between ’90s fashion and a surfer lifestyle.
- While some people are hating on the look, others want to know how to be a VSCO girl. Hint: It requires scrunchies, puka shell necklaces, and Brandy Melville crop tops.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
The VSCO girl took over the internet in 2019.
Named after the photo-editing VSCO app, the VSCO girl is easy to spot on Instagram or IRL (in real life). She can be the girl on the street, but she can also be a popular influencer, like Emma Chamberlain. But she’s not just appearing on her own social media channels.
Media outlets from Buzzfeed News and Cosmopolitan to The New York Times and The Cut have all commented on the rise of the VSCO girl.
"Normally when you're talking about a VSCO girl, it is predominantly people who are white and very skinny and they own all these big name brands," Caiti DeCort, a 15-year-old YouTuber, told Lauren Strapagiel of Buzzfeed News. "So typically it's associated with being rich."
The VSCO girl has also been parodied online. But while some love to hate on the cool-girl, carefree aesthetic, others aspire to it.
A VSCO girl is easy to spot. She tries to embody a '90s-meets-surfer-girl look. Here, the ultimate starter kit on how to be a VSCO girl, from the uniform to the lifestyle.
The products: The VSCO girl is known for her "no-makeup" makeup — a natural vibe that contrasts with the contoured faces of Instagram influencers. Burt's Bees or Carmex lip balm and Glossier Cloud Paint will do.
http://instagr.am/p/B1J3udtigYX
It's a fresh and dewy look — which can be achieved with help from Mario Badescu facial spray.
http://instagr.am/p/B0bJfGkHLj9
The VSCO girl likes a good tan — but not without protection, so go ahead and grab some Sun Bum.
http://instagr.am/p/B0t9yx-HYH1
The VSCO girl paints her nails in pastel rainbow colors. For that, you'll need candy colored nail polish.
http://instagr.am/p/B1Oyx4Sna1m
The clothes: The VSCO girl also keeps her clothes casual. She's all about the crop tops or tube tops — so look no further than VSCO-loved brand Brandy Melville.
http://instagr.am/p/B0EfqqgllZL
But the VSCO girl alsos love the opposite of small baby tees: the oversized graphic t-shirt.
http://instagr.am/p/B2EuwcJJ1h2
And since the VSCO girl lives at the beach in the summer, you'll of course need a bathing suit ...
http://instagr.am/p/B1O2RbdHwmV
... and an oversized sweater for the colder months.
http://instagr.am/p/BztYyG0lebL
You'll also need high-waisted denim shorts for the summer and mom jeans for the fall — both preferably ripped.
http://instagr.am/p/B0rJrOAHqPK
The shoes: The VSCO girl alternates between a trio of shoes: checkered Vans, crocs, and Birkenstocks.
http://instagr.am/p/B0d2s21HxUo
The accessories: No outfit is complete without the right accessories. A puka shell necklace is a must.
http://instagr.am/p/Bxi0CLGpS23
The VSCO girl's go-to hairstyle is beachy waves — but she always has an assortment of scrunchies on hand to put it up in a ponytail.
http://instagr.am/p/B1z5VzGH8N1
Pura Vida bracelets are essential, too — to stack on your arms along with scrunchies, of course.
http://instagr.am/p/B1z5M1hHKEp
Another staple is the wave ring, which keeps in tune with the VSCO girl's beachy, surfer vibe.
http://instagr.am/p/B0WIpzJHlLW
The VSCO girl is always seen sipping from her Hydro Flask ...
http://instagr.am/p/B1FXxy6lLkY
... or touting a Starbucks tea.
http://instagr.am/p/BzWTCYLH4gV
The VSCO girl keeps her Hydro Flask, lip balm, and scrunchies in the Fjällräven backpack, which retails for $80.
http://instagr.am/p/BfEMMZ8Dmrn
Source: Fjällräven
You'll also need a Fujifilm Instax mini to take Polaroids of your VSCO girl life.
http://instagr.am/p/B1j3HMEHilA
You can paste those Polaroids to your bedroom walls. You'll also need string lights and succulents for decor.
http://instagr.am/p/B1fGJw6HOyA
And while not required, it helps to get around in ultimate VSCO girl style — via Jeep.
http://instagr.am/p/B1o2P3PhAmt
And don't forget your Ron Jon Surf Shop stickers — the VSCO girl loves to sticker everything from her Jeeps to her iPhones.
http://instagr.am/p/B0ixwvpHfAj
The food: Many a VSCO girl's Instagram features a beach shot complete with watermelon.
http://instagr.am/p/BxODLCeF_fS
The catchphrase: Forget "OMG" — the VSCO girl lets the world know she's excited by saying "sksksksksk."
http://instagr.am/p/B0XZ77YnkdD
Source: The Cut
And for surprise, there's "and I oop," referencing a video of drag queen Jasmine Masters.
http://instagr.am/p/B0XaDzuHmHu
Source: The Cut
The cause: And you have to care about the environment. The VSCO girl is environmentally friendly and cares about "saving the turtles" — as evidenced by her stainless steel Hydro Flask and love for metal straws.
http://instagr.am/p/BybXxemHVsm