Garden Girl: A summer fashion trend for Gen Z
The latest summer fashion trend, “Garden Girl,” has captured the hearts of Generation Z. According to a report by the “New York Post,” this style features lightweight, airy clothing with floral or gingham patterns and accessories like braided straw hats and bags. The appeal lies in the simplicity and charm of vintage aesthetics.
Embracing a soft lifestyle
The “Garden Girl” trend isn’t just about fashion; it’s also about embracing a soft and serene lifestyle. Influencers such as Nara Smith and Claire Dinhut epitomize this trend, promoting a life that values tranquility and simplicity. This lifestyle is about slowing down, enjoying nature, and finding joy in small, everyday moments.
Surge in “gardentok” searches on TikTok
Interest in the “Garden Girl” aesthetic is skyrocketing on social media. The “New York Post” highlights that Pinterest searches for “garden aesthetic” have increased by 34%, while TikTok searches for “gardentok” have surged by 30%. Over 181,000 Instagram posts use the hashtag “#gardengirl,” showcasing a variety of garden-inspired outfits and activities.
Claire Dinhut and the mill life
Claire Dinhut, a prominent figure in this trend, gained fame through her TikToks posted under the hashtag #milltok. Broadcasting from her father’s mill in France, she shares her experiences, like sampling baguettes from local bakeries, making jam from garden fruits, and picking capers in Greece. Her content has amassed over 746,000 TikTok followers, all captivated by her idyllic lifestyle.
Gen Z’s search for a “Safe Space”
According to the German magazine zeitjung.de, Generation Z is increasingly seeking a slower, more relaxed lifestyle, which is reflected in their adoption of the “Garden Girl” trend. Many young people create cozy atmospheres on social media, lighting candles, baking, and wearing comfortable clothing. This generation is also actively looking for “Safe Spaces” on platforms like Instagram, where hashtags like #comfort and #safespace are used millions of times.
Contrasting the fast-paced work environment
This trend stands in stark contrast to the fast-paced working world, where over half of employees experience high time pressure, as reported by the DGB-Index Gute Arbeit. Trends like moving to the countryside, living in tiny houses, and adult coloring books are also gaining popularity. Experts like Christian Scholz note that Generation Z prioritizes clear boundaries between work and leisure and values harmony. Concerts, for instance, emphasize mutual respect and consideration, reflecting this desire for a harmonious life.
Self-care trend “Bed Rotting”
Another self-care trend popular with Generation Z is “Bed Rotting.” This involves spending long hours in bed watching series, reading books, or simply letting the mind wander. Even Taylor Swift reportedly uses this method to recover from the demands of her Eras Tour, as quoted by “TIME”: “I don’t leave my bed except to get food, and then I eat in bed.”
The goal of “Bed Rotting” is to relax without social or time pressures, reducing mental and physical stress. A TikTok video on this trend advises watching only movies or series with happy endings, and it’s okay to cry occasionally. This trend highlights the importance of taking time for oneself in a world that often feels overwhelmingly fast-paced.
