Introducing Your Fall Aesthetic: Uptown Girly

For My “The Fancy Friend” Gals

An Elevated Take on a Girly Aesthetic

If you’re alive and on Instagram or Tiktok you may have noticed the brigade of cool girls taking over your explore and for you page. They’re effortless, chic, leggy and usually Parisian, Scandinavian or embodying the minimalist principals those aesthetics are known for. So, what if, like me, your style is a little bit fancier? Read on.

Now I’m as minimal as they come in terms of makeup, usually just opting for (or remembering really) mascara, maybe bronzer and a gua sha x moisturizer experience once or twice a week. While I appreciate a good blow out, I cannot pull off a seemingly effortless slicked back bun. But clothing-wise? Give me a peplum. A slightly ruffled hem. A platform. A rhinestone. A black jean. All of the above? I’ll make it work.

In case you too are swimming in a sea of Birkenstocks and looking for a handle on our elevated look, I think I’ll call this the Uptown Girly aesthetic. Feminine and sophisticated with a bit of an ethereal essence and a subtle edge.

Below, I’ve rounded up the pieces that I’ll be wearing all season and you may like too, my fellow Uptown Girlies.

Basics with an Added Element, Usually a Pearl, Peplum or Puff Sleeve

Cycles Between A White Long Sleeve Tee or Constructed Statement Piece

A Cropped Kick to Show Off the Shoes, Best in Black or Straight up 90’s Mom Jean

I Love Ladylike or Oversized for the Uptown Girly Aesthetic

Cropped, Tweed and Worn as a Top is a Key Look

Oversized, Textural and Even Thematic

Long Sleeve, Subtly Showing Skin, or Bow in Back

Paired with a Sweater is Best

Platforms, 105mm and Usually Adorned in Some Way

Usually a Clog, Chanel Slingback or Chic Sneak

Rhinestones are a Plus, But Others Can Work with a Feminine Edge

Lady Bags Always

Just Add a Bow and Faux Fur Stole

Floral, Gold and Diamonds

Sweatshirt and Leggings or Sweater and Shorts on Repeat

Longsleeve Tops and Shorts, Add Feathers if You’re Feeling Fancy

Below, pulled some of my favorite shoppable Uptown Girly looks! Everything linked here in my LTK.

It’s fun to look back at how my style has evolved in ways and stayed the same in others. The photo in the About Me section, taken in 2016, feels very Uptown Girly aesthetic with an animal print and burgundy crushed velvet twist. This season I’m all about black and pink, in part thanks to the Barbiecore and Balletcore 2022 macro trends.

I think the key to personal style is taking what works from runway trends or women whose style you admire, adapting it to your body and hanging on to the pieces that make you feel good regardless of “trend.” Investing in those pieces has led me to some of my favorite items in my closet, and hopefully, yours too.