Annabelle Aree Lee
Edited by Naomi Gupta
A rosy-cheeked girl is standing outside a snowy ski lodge, sporting an oversized scarf and earmuffs. The “cold girl” is her.
The “cold girl aesthetic” started as a TikTok makeup trend about a year ago, where teenage girls were seen exaggerating facial features that make someone appear as if they were cold—notably through wearing blush. Now, however, it has become much more than just a makeup trend; the cold girl aesthetic has evolved into a full look. The cold girl attire makes its wearer appear as though she momentarily stepped outside to admire the winter scenery, but always ready to run back inside. Whether bundled up in a scarf worn like a balaclava, or cozy Ralph Lauren bear socks paired with mini Uggs, the goal is the same: to make the outfit tell you that she is cold.
As is often the case with popular trends, the cold girl aesthetic is not a new concept. It borrows ideas of effortless beauty and “less is more” from trends such as the clean girl aesthetic. Its emphasis on femininity and soft colours are akin to those of the “ballet core”. The cold girl aesthetic can also be considered a rippling effect of the “quiet luxury”’ trend; cold girls are often seen in clothes which are not tied to an expensive brand, yet each piece exudes high quality.
Like any aesthetic, however, the cold girl aesthetic raises accessibility issues. First, it is tailored to fit a specific physique; a quick search of “cold girls” on Pinterest reveals girls that are all blonde, white, and thin. Physical appearance heavily contributes to the “cold girl aesthetic”, thus raising the question as to whether girls who don’t bear the aforementioned characteristics would be able to pull it off. Second, there is an obvious lack of originality in the cold girl aesthetic. When you think about it, the cold girl aesthetic essentially repackages cozy minimalist winter wear—ear muffs, scarfs, boots—into a trend.
While effortlessness is an integral part of this aesthetic, there is, ironically, a considerable amount of effort involved in its composition. Indeed, wrapping a scarf can be a tricky task, as it requires multiple failed attempts to get the length just right. Furthermore, the cold girl aesthetic is more than just clothes; having clear skin and healthy hair are a must as well, which both require significant time for most people.
The cold girl aesthetic will likely see a rise in popularity as temperatures continue to drop and the holiday season approaches. As we embrace this trend, it is important to remain aware of the issues attached to this trend and that partaking in it could further perpetuate the idealization of certain unachievable ideals. Why exactly so many people are fascinated by the appearance of being cold is a mystery, but the trend is undoubtedly tied to the romanticization of winter.
Leave a Reply