Fashion's newest trend is deliberately disheveled, as the "messy girl" aesthetic takes over social media platforms and high-fashion runways this fall. This emerging movement represents a sharp departure from the polished, curated looks that have dominated recent seasons, signaling a cultural shift toward embracing imperfection and raw self-expression.
The messy girl trend marks a dramatic reversal from earlier 2025's fashion landscape, which was still dominated by quiet luxury and demure silhouettes that evolved from the clean girl aesthetic. The clean girl look featured crisp pleated skirts, pristine white button-down shirts, classic loafers, and perfectly slicked-back buns, representing control and order in personal styling.
By mid-2025, however, fashion's pendulum swung dramatically in the opposite direction. The messy girl persona embraces a rebellious, punk-inspired approach that incorporates lace, latex, asymmetrical one-shoulder tops, and deliberately tousled hair that suggests the wearer just left last night's party. This aesthetic draws heavy inspiration from early 2000s indie sleaze culture and pays tribute to iconic figures known for their effortlessly gritty style.
Cultural icons like Kate Moss, Agyness Deyn, Amy Winehouse, and Mary-Kate Olsen serve as the movement's style inspiration. These women became legendary for their seemingly careless yet undeniably cool approach to fashion and beauty. Their influence can be seen in the messy girl's signature elements of deliberate imperfection and rebellious charm.
"Lace is one of those fabrics that makes a statement no matter how small the detail," explains fashion editor Jang Seong-sil. "A lace top is one of the easiest ways to tap into the trend without diving in too deep." This accessibility has helped the trend gain widespread adoption among fashion enthusiasts at various commitment levels.
The messy girl aesthetic actively rejects social media perfection standards. Instead of striving for flawless presentation, adherents wear scuffed ballet flats, carry handbags filled with tangled keyrings, and sport smudged black eyeliner like protective armor. While the look appears spontaneous and effortless, it often results from what stylists call "curated chaos" – a carefully calculated approach to appearing disheveled.
Social media has played a crucial role in accelerating the trend's popularity. British singer Lola Young's viral track "I'm Too Messy" has become an anthem for the movement, while the "Clean Girl or Messy Girl" quiz continues gaining traction across platforms. The hashtag #messygirl has accumulated thousands of posts, with content generating millions of views and further fueling the trend's widespread appeal.
The messy girl movement carries deeper cultural significance beyond surface-level fashion choices. It represents a deliberate rebellion against social media perfectionism, digital beauty filters, and societal pressure to maintain a constantly polished appearance. The trend has also gained attention for its sustainable undertones, as many participants choose vintage shopping, reject excessive consumerism, and promote self-acceptance over conformity.
High-fashion designers have taken notice of this cultural shift and incorporated messy girl elements into their collections. Kenzo's fall-winter 2025 show featured spaghetti strap tops casually draped over slouchy pants, creating an effortlessly undone aesthetic. Meanwhile, Prada's runway models strutted with deliberately tousled bedhead hair that appeared naturally disheveled rather than professionally styled.
Celebrities have emerged as unofficial ambassadors for the messy girl aesthetic, with figures like Gabbriette, Amelia Gray, and Charli XCX regularly showcasing the look. These stars frequently appear wearing smudged makeup, form-fitting minidresses, and combat boots, often appearing as though they're still carrying traces of last night's festivities and glitter.
In an era where digital filters and endless curation dominate personal style expression, the messy girl look serves as a raw, punk-fueled antidote to perfectionism. This movement offers individuals an alternative approach to fashion that prioritizes authenticity and self-expression over polished presentation, marking a significant shift in contemporary beauty and style standards.
