In 2023, lifestyle content shifted toward embracing "girlhood" as a form of comfort and community. For college-aged women, this manifested in several key ways:
: While the "Clean Girl" aesthetic remained popular on campus, 2023 saw a surge in students seeking unique, DIY-style wardrobes through thrifting and vintage shopping to stand out. College Girlfriend – 2023 – UNCUT
: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok were flooded with "day in the life" vlogs from students balancing academic "grinds" with social maintenance and influencer aspirations. : Popular items included digital cameras for capturing
: Popular items included digital cameras for capturing "unfiltered" moments, matching sets, and "zen" beverages like matcha, which became staples of the Instagram-worthy college lifestyle. The Girlfriend (2025) The "Year of the Girl" Aesthetic While there
Below is a review of the lifestyle trends and entertainment releases that defined this niche in 2023. 1. The "Year of the Girl" Aesthetic
While there is no single prominent media production officially titled the year 2023 was a landmark period for "college girl" aesthetics and media that explored these specific lifestyle themes.