{{short description|Teenage subculture}} {{Use American English|date=August 2020}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2020}} '''VSCO girls''' or '''VSCO kids''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|v|ɪ|s|k|oʊ}}) are members of a youth subculture, Internet aesthetic or fashion trend that emerged among Gen Z teenagers around mid-to-late 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/vsco-girl-purchases-boosted-brands-vsco-app-2019-8#the-vsco-girl-summer-is-over-but-sales-are-not-2|title=The summer of the 'VSCO girl' may be over, but retailers and the VSCO app itself are still reaping the benefits of the craze that swept Gen Z|last=Leskin|first=Paige|date=December 12, 2019|website=Business Insider|access-date=December 12, 2019|archive-date=November 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128235442/https://www.businessinsider.com/vsco-girl-purchases-boosted-brands-vsco-app-2019-8#the-vsco-girl-summer-is-over-but-sales-are-not-2|url-status=live}}</ref> Named after the VSCO photography app, VSCO girls are described by some as "dress[ing] and act[ing] in a way that is nearly indistinguishable from one another",<ref name="independent">{{Cite web|date=2019-11-25|author-first1=Chelsea|author-last1=Ritschel|title=VSCO girl: Where did 'and I oop' and 'sksksk' come from?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/vsco-girl-and-i-oop-sksksk-meaning-tiktok-instagram-save-the-turtles-a9123956.html|access-date=2020-08-09|website=The Independent|language=en|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330172648/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/vsco-girl-and-i-oop-sksksk-meaning-tiktok-instagram-save-the-turtles-a9123956.html|url-status=live}}</ref> using oversized T-shirts, sweatshirts or sweaters, Fjällräven Kånkens, scrunchies, Hydro Flasks, Crocs, Pura Vida bracelets, instant cameras, Carmex, metal straws, friendship bracelets, Birkenstocks, shell necklaces, and other beach-related fashion. Environmentalism, especially topics relating to sea turtle conservation, is also regarded as part of VSCO culture.<ref name="Schwedel2019">{{Cite web|url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2019/09/vsco-girls-explained-by-teens.html|title=Teens Explain the VSCO Girl—and Why You Never Want to Be One|last=Schwedel|first=Heather|date=September 12, 2019|website=Slate Magazine|language=en|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204192334/https://slate.com/human-interest/2019/09/vsco-girls-explained-by-teens.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Minutaglio2019" /><ref name="Aronoff2019" />
== Fashion trends ==
=== Clothing === [[File:CrocsAccessories.jpg|thumb|Crocs with pins]]
VSCO girls often wear oversized T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, or sweaters that are sometimes long enough to cover their shorts. Though VSCO girls are primarily associated with wearing shorts, such as Nike track shorts or cycling shorts, some also wear capri and ankle length leggings (often with socks over the leggings),<ref>{{Cite web|title=comfy vsco outfit ideas {{!}} Cute outfits with leggings, Cute simple outfits, Outfits with leggings|url=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/545568942364242015/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Pinterest|language=en|archive-date=December 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227045742/https://www.pinterest.com/pin/545568942364242015/|url-status=live}}</ref> T-shirt dresses, denim skirts, dresses and skirts with tights or leggings in cooler weather, shortalls, and "mom jeans" with t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, tucked in and a belt worn as part of their style.<ref name="Aronoff2019">{{Cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/09/20/why-vsco-girls-are-going-on-strike-for-the-climate/|title=Why VSCO Girls are Going on Strike for the Climate|last=Aronoff|first=Kate|date=September 20, 2019|website=The Intercept|language=en-US|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220075728/https://theintercept.com/2019/09/20/why-vsco-girls-are-going-on-strike-for-the-climate/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Lanigan2019">{{Cite web|url=https://i-d.co/article/a-guide-to-vsco-girls-the-tumblr-girls-of-2019/|title=a guide to vsco girls – the tumblr girls of 2019|last=Lanigan|first=Roisin|date=July 26, 2019|website=i-D|language=en|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=May 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512051235/https://i-d.co/article/a-guide-to-vsco-girls-the-tumblr-girls-of-2019/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=How To Dress Like A VSCO Girl For Fall|url=https://www.livingly.com/How+To+Dress+Like+A+VSCO+Girl+For+Fall|access-date=2021-11-25|website=Livingly|language=en|archive-date=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125075020/https://www.livingly.com/How+To+Dress+Like+A+VSCO+Girl+For+Fall|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Stiegman|first=Kelsey|date=2020-09-01|title=Here's How You Can Nail Down That Beachy VSCO Girl Aesthetic|url=https://www.seventeen.com/fashion/style-advice/a28763150/vsco-girl-outfits/|access-date=2021-11-25|website=Seventeen|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-21|title=The Ultimate VSCO Girl Starter Pack|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/vsco-girl-starter-pack|access-date=2021-11-25|website=Teen Vogue|language=en-US}}</ref> Nike socks are popular in many different colors.
Shoes popular with VSCO girls include Birkenstocks, Vans, Keds, other white sneakers, and ballet flats. They often decorate Crocs with charms. Black and white checkered slip-on Vans are also popular.<ref name="Hughes2019" /> The "ugly shoe trend" popularized many of these styles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/5/25/17377872/ugly-sandal-trend-history|title=A Cultural History of Hideous Sandals|last=Jennings|first=Rebecca|date=May 25, 2018|website=Vox|language=en|access-date=October 23, 2019|archive-date=December 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218195402/https://www.vox.com/2018/5/25/17377872/ugly-sandal-trend-history|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Accessories === VSCO outfits will often include scrunchies on the wrist and Pura Vida bracelets or similar handmade friendship bracelets. Puka shell chokers are another popular accessory.<ref name="Jennings2019">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/9/24/20881656/vsco-girl-meme-what-is-a-vsco-girl|title=Why you can't stop hearing about VSCO girls|last=Jennings|first=Rebecca|date=September 24, 2019|publisher=Vox|language=en|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215185841/https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/9/24/20881656/vsco-girl-meme-what-is-a-vsco-girl|url-status=live}}</ref>
Hydro Flask water bottles, often decorated with sea turtle conservation-themed stickers, are popular among VSCO girls. These bottles are often paired with reusable straws.<ref name="Hughes2019" />
VSCO girls often use instant cameras and Fjällräven backpacks.<ref name="Buzzfeed2019">{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/vsco-girls-are-the-new-instagram-girl|title=Move Over, Insta Baddies — VSCO Girls Are Taking Over Social Media|website=BuzzFeed News|date=July 26, 2019|language=en|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204105433/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/vsco-girls-are-the-new-instagram-girl|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/09/vsco-girls-and-the-shift-in-teen-culture-to-embrace-brands.html|title=Teen culture shifted to embrace brands, and the VSCO girl was born|last=Wu|first=Jasmine|date=September 9, 2019|website=CNBC|language=en|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=April 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411063811/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/09/vsco-girls-and-the-shift-in-teen-culture-to-embrace-brands.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Makeup and hair === Makeup is often kept simple for a natural, 'no-makeup' makeup look. VSCO girl hairstyles have been described by many as low maintenance. Many VSCO girls often wear a messy bun with a scrunchie or a ponytail with a scrunchie and sometimes bangs with the bun or ponytail scrunchie combo,<ref name="Lanigan2019" /> or beach waves.<ref name="Minutaglio2019">{{Cite web |url=https://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/a28709397/vsco-girls-what-to-know/ |title=A Guide to the 'VSCO Girl' Aesthetic Taking Over Your Feeds |last=Minutaglio |first=Rose |date=August 16, 2019 |website=ELLE |language=en-US |access-date=October 16, 2019 |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217140623/https://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/a28709397/vsco-girls-what-to-know/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Common cosmetics include Burt's Bees and Carmex lip balm,<ref name="Buzzfeed2019" /><ref name="Hughes2019">{{Cite news|last=Hughes|first=Becky|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/30/style/vsco-girls.html|title=What Does VSCO Think About the 'VSCO Girls'?|date=August 30, 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 16, 2019|language=en-US|archive-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215185842/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/30/style/vsco-girls.html|url-status=live}}</ref> blush, such as Glossier Cloud Paint,<ref name="Hoffower2019">{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/what-does-vsco-girl-mean-gen-z-trend|title=I'm a millennial, and I don't hate the VSCO girl — she's just the first new trend that makes me feel old|last=Hoffower|first=Hillary|website=Business Insider|date=September 6, 2019|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214080914/https://www.businessinsider.com/what-does-vsco-girl-mean-gen-z-trend|url-status=live}}</ref> and skincare products, such as Mario Badescu's Facial Spray.<ref name="Hughes2019" />
VSCO girls are sometimes identified as an opposition to the heavy make-up and unnatural perfection commonly associated with Instagram.<ref name="Hoffower2019" />
=== Brands === Among VSCO girls, use of the same brand-name products is a major component of the subculture. Popular brands include Pura Vida, Hydro Flask, Nike, Brandy Melville, Lululemon Athletica, Fjällräven, and Urban Outfitters.<ref name="Jennings2019" /><ref name="Buzzfeed2019" />
There is controversy about the high cost of products associated with VSCO girls, especially due to the emphasis on brand-name products. Fox Business estimates buying all of the products associated with the subculture would cost $229.89.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/instagram-vsco-girl-trend-teenager|title=VSCO girls: Here's how much it costs to be 'on brand' with the new craze|last=Fordham|first=Evie|date=September 1, 2019|website=FOXBusiness|language=en-US|access-date=October 17, 2019|archive-date=October 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031144159/https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/instagram-vsco-girl-trend-teenager|url-status=live}}</ref> Some teenagers associate the look with private schools and wealth.<ref name="Schwedel2019" /><ref name="Hoffower2019" />
== Social media == VSCO subculture emerged on and was named after the photo editing app, and spread to TikTok (notably),<ref name="Schwedel2019" /> as well as Instagram and YouTube.<ref name="independent"/> Many parodies of VSCO girls, often by the subculture itself, exist. Roisin Lanigan of ''I-D'' believes this points to empowerment rather than mocking.<ref name="Jennings2019" /><ref name="Lanigan2019" /> As of August 2019, ''The New York Times'' found "more than 422.4 million videos tagged #vscogirl on TikTok, most of them parodies".<ref name="Hughes2019" /> On August 30, 2019, TikTok added a VSCO girl filter, which included a water bottle decorated with stickers and a side ponytail with scrunchies.<ref name="Spellings2019">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecut.com/2019/09/what-is-a-vsco-girl-anyway.html|title=What Does It Mean to Be a 'VSCO Girl'?|last=Spellings|first=Sarah|date=September 5, 2019|website=The Cut|language=en-us|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215185854/https://www.thecut.com/2019/09/what-is-a-vsco-girl-anyway.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Elle'' credits YouTuber Emma Chamberlain with popularizing the VSCO girl aesthetic.<ref name="Minutaglio2019" />
== Environmental concern == There are differing opinions on VSCO girls' environmental concerns. While products like Birkenstocks, metal straws, and Hydro Flasks are associated with environmentalism,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://i-d.co/article/vsco-girl-culture-is-actually-just-lesbian-culture/|title=VSCO girl culture is really just lesbian culture|last=Lewis|first=Rachel Charlene|date=August 30, 2019|website=i-D|language=en|access-date=October 17, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Aronoff2019" /> some view VSCO girls as only caring about the environment when convenient, pointing to the popularity of the disposable cameras that inspired the popular filters on VSCO.<ref name="Minutaglio2019" /><ref name="Spellings2019" />
==See also== *2020s in fashion *Basic (slang) *Normcore *Surf culture *Preppy *Becky (slang) *Valley girl
== References == {{reflist}}
Category:Youth culture Category:2010s fashion Category:2020s fashion Category:2010s in Internet culture Category:2020s in Internet culture Category:2010s neologisms Category:Fashion aesthetics Category:Internet aesthetics Category:Internet memes introduced in 2019