Perfect Fall Fashion With TikTok’s Soft Girl Aesthetic

TikTok has become a hub for the latest fashion cores and aesthetics. While the styles tend to have short lives, the soft girl aesthetic is here for fall. Though the hyper-feminine, pastel-hued look first appeared last autumn and disappeared to allow mermaidcore to take the stage, the style has made its stealthy return. And with #softgirlaesthetic raking over 241.1 million views on TikTok, its reign is strong. Fashion enthusiasts online are scrambling to hop on the bandwagon and curate their own take on the dainty look.

Maybe it's the Barbiecore effect — people aren't ready to let go of their puff sleeves, mini skirts, and pink attire — or fall's soon-to-be cozy vibe is already in the air. Either way, as you begin to tap into fall fashion with cropped jackets and midi skirts, consider creating your own soft girl aesthetic with the layerable silhouettes ahead. We've gathered key staples, such as puff-sleeve dresses, peplum tops, polo shirts, and cozy cardigans — all in light shades like sky blue, copper, and pink. You can't complete the look without Mary Janes or ballet flats either, and frilly and slouchy socks are a must. Who knew creating the ultimate soft girl look was this easy? 

Puff sleeves exude delicateness and femininity with their delicate touch. If you don't have one in your wardrobe already, take a peek at our selection of mini dresses and short-sleeve options.

For another take on soft, airy tops, consider a peplum style. The trendy style will give your outfit personality with its flattering cinched look, smock waist, and flared hem.

Switch up your tops with a new addition of a preppy collared top. These polo shirts aren't your dad's ol' golf ones, as they have scalloped details, button-front touches, and more.

Take your pick from cashmere off-the-shoulder cardigans or ones with a slight texture to them. Either way, you can use them for layering on cool autumn days and to embody that cozy soft girl look.

Don't forget the crucial piece to the ultimate soft girl aesthetic: a flouncy skirt. There are all sorts of dreamy, romantic ones to choose from, whether you're searching for a floral print, eyelet, tiers, or pleats.

Leave your Adidas Sambas for another day and instead step into a soft girl-approved pair of ballet flats. The timeless quaint shoe is available in soft, warm tones that match a plethora of fall outfits.

Your childhood Mary Janes are all grown up, evolving into flirty styles with silky fabrics and platform heels. The popular shoe was all over NYFW runways, from Sandy Liang to Coach, and soft girls everywhere have added the Parisian-inspired shoe to their collections.

With the soft girl aesthetic, you can never have too many frills. After you've picked out your chosen ballet flats or Mary Janes, find a set of ruffled or slouchy socks to bring the ensemble together.