Girls’ girl: The term is typically used to describe a woman who tends to relate well with other women and enjoys their company. This person is often seen as supportive, understanding, and appreciative of female friendships and relationships. They might be known for being a good listener, empathetic, and often prioritizing and valuing their relationships with other women. The term suggests a sense of solidarity and camaraderie among women. It's important to note that this is a generalised description and can vary based on individual personalities and contexts.
I recently recognized my identity as a 'girls’ girl' while preparing a dinner for three of my girlfriends. The effortless joy I found in this simple act was enlightening. This realization led me to ponder how the 'girls’ girl' phenomenon influences fashion trends, a theme I find myself passionately defending against the stereotype that women are inherently competitive.
Let's explore this through the lens of fashion forecasting, where this social phenomenon is reshaping the landscape. I prefer using the term 'girl' over 'woman', not out of disrespect, but to empower the word 'girl'.
My journey into this topic started on TikTok. It may seem superficial, but the platform, with its billion monthly active users, is a trendsetting powerhouse. One video, in particular, caught my attention: a creator discussed conducting business meetings in nail salons, a stark contrast to the male-dominated norms of golf courses or strip clubs. This is just one facet of 'girlhood' in the corporate world, alongside 'girls’ dinners' and 'girls’ therapy', which are gaining online traction. These terms open discussions about the multifaceted aspects of a 'girls’ girl' life. Other influential voices, like Julia Fox and Billie Eilish, have echoed similar sentiments about embracing this identity.
To substantiate my observations, I turned to data. Focusing on TikTok, I tracked specific sounds associated with 'girls doing girl things'. Remarkably, these sounds amassed over a million uses in just two months, underscoring their trendsetting potential.
The essence of a 'girls’ girl' in fashion is about dressing for oneself and the genuine joy derived from another girl's compliment. This shift signifies a move towards a more feminine era in the next two years. We're likely to witness a decline in women's suits, a style born from the need to fit into a man's world – a concept now increasingly perceived as outdated. Instead, expect a resurgence of traditionally feminine styles: roses as patterns and pins, crop tops, hot pants with a girly twist, lace, ballet flats, dresses, skirts, florals and polka-dots.
This anticipated shift is not unfounded. The return of Phoebe Philo marks a significant moment in fashion history. Philo, a cult favorite among women, has become a legend for her unique perspective on women's fashion – one that resonates deeply with the 'girls’ girl' ethos. Similarly, Miu Miu, under the guidance of a woman and a brand that has notably shaped 2023's fashion landscape, embodies this shift. Their recent campaigns, including the 'hot mess girl' concept I discussed in a previous article, directly speak to the 'girls’ girl' narrative.
These developments aren't just about changing fashion trends; they are about recognizing and celebrating women's unique perspectives and experiences. The 'girls’ girl' era in fashion, marked by these significant moments, is a testament to the power of female camaraderie and its capacity to reshape industries. As we move forward, we should expect to see more women stepping into roles of creative leadership, championing a fashion world that truly understands and represents the 'girls’ girl'.
In conclusion, the 'girls’ girl' movement is more than a fleeting trend; it's a profound shift in how women relate to each other and express themselves through fashion. This movement is dismantling long-held stereotypes about female competitiveness and instead highlighting the strength, support, and solidarity found in women's relationships. As we look towards the future, fashion is set to reflect these changes, embracing more feminine, expressive styles that celebrate the essence of being a 'girls’ girl'.
We're on the cusp of a significant transition in the fashion industry, where the voices and visions of women will increasingly shape trends and styles. This shift goes beyond the surface of clothing and delves into the heart of identity and expression. It's a celebration of the unique bond among women, a bond that empowers, inspires, and transforms. Let’s all be girls’ girls.
Overall, while the fashion world has witnessed feminine trends resurface time and again, it's crucial to underscore a distinct aspect of the current shift. The femininity in the trend I'm highlighting is not just about aesthetic choices; it's a deeper, more introspective form of expression. It's about celebrating femininity that stems from within, motivated by the joy and empowerment of the girl herself, rather than an aim to appeal to the opposite gender. This trend signifies a shift towards self-love, self-expression, and personal empowerment, where the primary focus is on how these styles make the wearer feel, not just how they appear. It's a celebration of internal femininity, reflecting a confident, self-assured attitude that is reshaping fashion to be more authentic and personally resonant.