The Complete Guide to the Perfect VSCO Girl Outfit

The VSCO girl aesthetic has taken social media by storm, defining a look that is equal parts laid-back, eco-conscious, and effortlessly cool. Building the ideal VSCO girl outfit is about more than just clothes; it’s about capturing a specific vibe that blends 90s nostalgia with modern beach culture. This style is characterized by its simplicity, comfort, and a strong focus on specific, recognizable brands and accessories. Whether you’re new to the trend or looking to refine your look, this comprehensive guide will break down every element you need to master the VSCO girl aesthetic. From oversized t-shirts and shell necklaces to Hydro Flasks and Birkenstocks, we’ll cover all the essentials.

What Defines the VSCO Girl Aesthetic?

Before diving into the specific clothing items, it’s important to understand the core principles of the VSCO girl look. The name originates from the popular photo-editing app, VSCO, known for its soft, slightly faded filters that create a relaxed and sunny feel. The style embodies this same mood.

At its heart, the VSCO girl aesthetic is about:

• Comfort: Prioritizing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing like oversized tees and casual shorts.
• Brand Recognition: Featuring specific, popular brands such as Hydro Flask, Fjällräven Kånken, and Birkenstock.
• Nostalgia: Incorporating elements from the 1990s, including scrunchies, friendship bracelets, and puka shell necklaces.
• Eco-Consciousness: A subtle nod to saving the environment, often symbolized by reusable water bottles and metal straws, accompanied by the phrase “save the turtles.”
• A Beachy Vibe: The look feels like you’ve just come from a day at the beach, with natural-looking hair and minimal makeup.

Understanding these pillars will help you assemble a VSCO girl outfit that feels authentic and cohesive.

Building Your Core VSCO Girl Outfit: The Essentials

Every great VSCO girl outfit starts with a few key pieces. These are the foundational garments that you can mix and match to create endless variations of the look.

The Oversized T-Shirt: Your Style Canvas

The cornerstone of any VSCO girl’s wardrobe is the oversized t-shirt. This isn’t just any large shirt; it’s a statement. The goal is a shirt that is long enough to almost cover your shorts, creating a relaxed, “no-pants” silhouette.

How to Choose the Perfect T-Shirt

• Brands: Look for tees from popular surf and skate brands like Ron Jon Surf Shop, Billabong, or even classic brands like Nike and Adidas. Simple, plain-colored tees from brands like Brandy Melville are also a staple.
• Fit: Shop in the men’s section or buy a few sizes up from your usual size. The sleeves should be loose, and the hem should ideally hit mid-thigh.
• Graphics: Simple logos or vintage-style graphics are preferred. Many VSCO girls opt for tees with positive messages or nature-themed designs.

Shorts: The Barely-There Bottoms

Because the oversized t-shirt is the star, the shorts play a supporting role. They should be comfortable and casual, just peeking out from under the hem of your shirt.

Popular Shorts Styles

• Nike Tempo Shorts: These athletic shorts are a classic choice. Their lightweight fabric and comfortable fit make them perfect for the casual VSCO aesthetic.
• Denim Cutoffs: High-waisted denim shorts, especially those with a slightly distressed or frayed look, add a touch of vintage cool.
• Biker Shorts: For a slightly more modern and athletic take, pair your oversized tee with simple black biker shorts. This creates a balanced silhouette that is both trendy and comfortable.

The Iconic Footwear: Shoes That Define the Look

Footwear is non-negotiable in the VSCO girl world. The right pair of shoes instantly signals your connection to the aesthetic and prioritizes comfort for a laid-back lifestyle.

Birkenstock Sandals

If there is one shoe that screams VSCO girl, it’s the Birkenstock sandal. The “Arizona” two-strap model is the most popular, often in neutral colors like tan, black, or white.

• Why They Work: Birkenstocks are known for their comfort and durability. Their cork footbed molds to your feet over time, making them incredibly comfortable for all-day wear. They perfectly match the relaxed, slightly granola vibe of the VSCO aesthetic.
• Styling Tip: Don’t be afraid to wear them with socks in cooler weather—a quirky style choice that has become part of the look.

Crocs

Once considered a fashion faux pas, Crocs have made a huge comeback, largely thanks to the VSCO girl trend. Their comfort and playful look make them an ideal choice.

• Customization is Key: The real VSCO girl touch comes from personalizing your Crocs with Jibbitz charms. These small decorative pieces allow you to showcase your personality with symbols like sunflowers, peace signs, turtles, and letters.

Vans

Vans, particularly the classic checkered slip-ons or the Old Skool style, are another footwear staple. They bring a bit of skate culture into the mix, reinforcing the casual, Southern California vibe. They are versatile and pair well with both shorts and mom jeans.

Accessorizing: The Details That Make the Outfit

Accessories are arguably the most important part of a VSCO girl outfit. This is where you can truly show off your personal style and hit all the key trend markers. The philosophy is “more is more.”

On Your Wrist: A Stack of Bracelets

A VSCO girl’s wrist is never bare. The look is all about stacking various types of bracelets to create a colorful, textured arm party.

Essential Wristwear

• Friendship Bracelets: Hand-woven friendship bracelets in various colors and patterns are a must. You can make them yourself or buy them.
• Pura Vida Bracelets: This brand has become synonymous with the VSCO aesthetic. Their simple, wax-coated string bracelets often feature a small charm and are perfect for stacking. They are also waterproof, fitting the beachy theme.
• Scrunchies: Scrunchies are not just for your hair. It’s common to see a VSCO girl wearing two or three scrunchies on her wrist, ready to tie up her hair at a moment’s notice. Velvet, satin, and simple cotton scrunchies are all popular.

Around Your Neck: Puka Shells and Dainty Chains

Necklaces add another layer of detail to the outfit, often drawing inspiration from 90s surf culture.

• Puka Shell Necklace: This is a non-negotiable accessory. A simple choker-style necklace made of white puka shells is the quintessential VSCO girl item.
• Dainty Gold Chains: Layering a puka shell necklace with one or two delicate gold chains adds a touch of modern femininity. Look for simple pendants like a small charm, initial, or a wave symbol.

The Bag: Fjällräven Kånken Backpack

The Fjällräven Kånken is the official backpack of the VSCO girl. This Swedish-designed bag is known for its boxy shape, durable material, and iconic circular fox logo.

• Why It’s Popular: It’s practical, stylish, and comes in a huge range of colors, from pastel yellow and pink to muted tones like ochre and frost green. The bag is spacious enough for school essentials but compact enough for everyday use.
• Personalization: Many VSCO girls decorate their Kånken backpacks with pins and friendship bracelets tied to the handles.

Essential Lifestyle Props

A true VSCO girl outfit extends beyond what you wear. Certain “prop” accessories are crucial for completing the picture and tying into the lifestyle aspect of the trend.

The Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is key, but it has to be done in style. The Hydro Flask is the water bottle of choice, easily identified by its bright colors and signature logo.

• Make It Your Own: The most important part of owning a Hydro Flask is covering it in stickers. These stickers often reflect hobbies, travel destinations, favorite brands, or eco-friendly slogans. Popular sticker themes include nature scenes, surf brands, and cute animal graphics.

Reusable Straws

Tying into the “save the turtles” mantra, carrying a reusable metal straw is a small but significant part of the VSCO identity. It’s often kept in a small pouch and carried in the Kånken backpack, symbolizing a commitment to sustainability.

Hair and Makeup: The Natural Look

The VSCO girl beauty routine is low-maintenance and focuses on a fresh, natural appearance.

Hair: Messy Buns and Beach Waves

• The Go-To Style: The most common hairstyle is a messy bun or a loose ponytail, secured with a scrunchie. The goal is to look like you put in minimal effort.
• Beach Waves: When worn down, hair is often styled in loose, natural-looking beach waves. You can achieve this with a salt spray or by sleeping in braids.

Makeup: Less is More

• Skincare First: The focus is on healthy, glowing skin. A good skincare routine is more important than heavy makeup.
• Minimal Products: If makeup is worn, it’s very light. Think a coat of waterproof mascara, a touch of concealer where needed, and a tinted lip balm (like Burt’s Bees or Carmex). Heavy foundation, contouring, and bold lipstick are avoided.

Conclusion:

Creating the perfect VSCO girl outfit is about embracing a lifestyle of comfort, casual style, and a touch of eco-conscious flair. By starting with core pieces like an oversized t-shirt and comfortable shorts, and then layering on the essential accessories—from a stack of Pura Vida bracelets and a shell necklace to the iconic Kånken backpack—you can easily capture this popular aesthetic.

Remember that while there are specific “rules” and staple items, the most important part of the VSCO girl look is making it your own. Customize your Hydro Flask with stickers that represent you, choose scrunchie colors you love, and let your personality shine through. The trend is all about feeling good, being comfortable, and spreading a positive, laid-back vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)