Who is “That Girl?”
If you’ve been keeping up with lifestyle trends on TikTok and YouTube these past few months, chances are you have come across a “How to be That Girl” video. You know, the one where the girl wakes up exceptionally early, makes her bed, drinks a green smoothie, and follows up with a well-curated journaling session. In essence, “That Girl” is a rebranded image of the “Girl Boss” archetype that once consumed our Instagram feed. Although “That Girl” is not anyone in particular, the thousands of creators who have shared their tips on achieving #ThatGirl lifestyle have a similar list of how-to’s.
Practice Healthy Habits
The overall theme of becoming That Girl is someone who prioritizes themselves in every aspect of their life. Whether you are a college student, a working girl, or simply finding your passions in life, practicing healthy habits is more than an aesthetic—it’s a journey of personal growth and knowledge. Maybe you want to practice setting your alarm a bit earlier, drinking more water throughout the day, or scribbling your thoughts out on paper. Fostering healthy habits into your daily routine doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, the beauty of this trend is you have the capability of looking after yourself and properly nurturing your mind and soul. The textbook definition of the #ThatGirl trend? “Visualize your highest self and start showing up as her.”
Move and Fuel Your Body
Exercise—it’s a love/hate relationship. Whether going to the gym is part of your daily routine (kudos to you) or you are perfectly content with a light yoga workout, moving your body is important. This doesn’t have to mean trying to lose weight or achieve an unrealistic body standard, but exercise releases endorphins and can be a great stress reliever. There’s nothing quite like listening to your favorite podcast or Spotify playlist while going on a walk.
Wait… I Need an Aesthetic?
Overall self-care and wellness movements have become a normalcy these past few years across social media. Because #ThatGirl highlights this perfect, Pinterest-esque life, many viewers claim the trend is toxic and sets unrealistic expectations for girls. Sure, the cute athleisure sets and avocado toast is pleasing to see, but it’s not exactly toxic. Following a toxic trend is when you feel forced to do something or to look and appear a certain way. It’s important to remember the notion of setting realistic expectations for yourself. It’s okay if you don’t wake up at 6:00 a.m. everyday or have an organic meal plan. Bettering yourself through #ThatGirl doesn’t mean looking better, it means feeling more content, happy, and confident within yourself—no aesthetic needed.
In the wisest words of Hannah Montana, nobody’s perfect. Becoming “That Girl” is not about having a flawless life, but instead inspiring us to become a better version of ourselves everyday.
Written by: Larissa Villegas, Photography: Ally Lain, Social Media: Kayla Rudy