Lalalala vs Okokokok
The Trend
Based on the song See You Again by Tyler, The Creator ft. Kali Uchis, the “lalalala vs okokokok” trend has gained traction on TikTok the past week. While the song was actually released in 2017, it is experiencing a mini-revival as this trend garners more attention. But the growth of attention really lies in the simplicity of the trend. Simply record using the front camera lip syncing either Kali Uchis’s “lalalala” or Tyler’s “okokokok”, overall it is meant to define oneself as someone who exudes a certain energy. But what exactly is “lalalala” and “okokokok” energy?
Lalalala Energy
Lalalala energy at its core is best described as golden retriever energy. Think sunny days, bright and pastel colors, and extreme energy…that is the textbook lalalala energy. These people are extroverted, talkative, expressive, and passionate people. They are usually at the center of their social groups and the resident activity planners. This energy is all about joy and outward expressions of happiness, as they are the dreamers of the world and inspire others to achieve fulfillment in all aspects of life. Summed up, they live by the motto “here for a good time, not a long time”. Despite their lackadaisical aura, lalalala energy people are much more mature than meets the eye. They are deeply concerned about those around them and want to ensure everyone is taken care of AND having a great time, at all times. At their core, they have big hearts, big souls, and even bigger personalities.
Some notable characters and celebrities that exude lalalala energy are Jessica Day, Tom Holland, Cat Valdez, Ron Weasly, Cardi B, Phoebe Buffay, April Kepner, Winston Bishop, Elle Woods, and Lorelai Gilmore!
The Lalalala Lookbook
The lalalala lookbook can take on multiple shapes, so when breaking the looks down it is important to establish that the basis of the look is based in the clean girl aesthetic. Slick back hair, glowy skin, minimal makeup, and brighter pink blush. As for style, there are various Lalalala girl looks, but this article will go over three of their more typical looks.
Coastal Grandaughter
Also referred to as the old east coast money aesthetic, this look is based around linens, button-downs, soft blues, and pops of pastel colors. Any outfit that could be worn for dinner on the town or a stroll on the beach could pass for the coastal granddaughter look. Accompanied with gold jewelry, this is a staple lalalala girl outfit.
Cottage Core
Working in the same genre as the coastal granddaughter aesthetic is the cottage core-centered look. Similar to the previous, this lookbook is based on loose fabrics like linen, yet different in the way of a brighter color palette, floral patterns, and the use of dresses and skirts. Pretty much any outfit that embodies how folk music makes someone feel could fit into the cottage girl/lalalala girl aesthetic.
Sorority Girl
Unlike the last two examples this last lookbook takes on a different styling, and while it has no technical name, I like to call it the sorority girl aesthetic. For this lalalala girl, an outfit could feature an athletic skirt, belt bag, cool tones, and vibrant colors like hot pink, accompanied by trendy Hoka’s. This lookbook in particular strikes the joyful and happy nature of the lalalala girl energy. A bubbly personality calls for an even bubblier and bold outfit.
Okokokok Energy
Okokokok energy is almost parallel to Lalalala energy and is best represented by black cat energy. This energy is the embodiment of calm rainy days, muted colors, and calming energy. Okokokok people are characterized by their introverted/ambivert nature, empathy, and even sometimes cutthroat characteristics. That being said don't be intimidated by them, at their core they are great listeners who offer very sound and humble advice. These people are less extroverted than their lalalala counterparts, but equally important in how they maintain unity and realistic expectations in their friend groups. Unlike lalalala energy, okokokok people are realists who are grounded enough to make realistic expectations for themselves and promote that realism to the people they care about. They are dependable and have a big heart for the important people in their lives despite their sometimes overly independent attitudes.
Characters who best embody okokokok energy in pop culture and celebrity society are Nick Miller, Maddie Perez, Hermione Granger, Max Mayfield, Luke Skywalker, Katinis Everdean, Rue Bennett, Aubrey Plaza, Rhianna, and Lana Del Rey!
The Okokokok Lookbook
While the okokokok lookbook has versatility, there are some central aesthetics that best represent the aesthetic nature of the bunch. Characterized primarily on individualism, the lookbooks are simply a starting spot for these people to let their creative side flourish. The styles are so individualized that there really is no uniform aesthetic that can summarize their look. But there are a few looks this group tends to gravitate towards.
Indie and Streetwear
One look falls in the indie streetwear adjacent category. Oversized tees, quality denim, and staple dad shoes or sneakers are the pinnacle of this streetwear aesthetic. These staple pieces showcase a certain tomboyish nature that coincides with the okokokok energy. Following a similar style is the indie look, which is accompanied best in this case by flannels or denim, long denim shorts, converse or other hightops, and eclectic jewelry with lots of statement rings.
Night core/Maneater
This next category follows the typical nightlife and city theme. Leather pants, corset tops, silky fabrics with deep colors, blown-out hair, and smudged eye makeup is the center of this look. Deep, rich colors offset the potential to embody more of a lalalala aesthetic and further add to the black cat energy that this group emulates. Yet the versatility of this look is the real connection to the individualistic nature of the okokokok people.
Light/Dark Academia
Not only did light and dark academia grow in popularity over the past 2 years, but it is also a look that embodies the okokokok aesthetic. Like the night core/maneater look, dark academia features the use of dark rich colors like maroon, emerald, black and gray which complement the calming and mature nature of this personality. The light academia features lighter colors but emanates the same mature feeling of dark academia. For these outfits, button-downs, slacks, or dark pants, plus loafers pull together this outfit perfectly.
At the end of the day…
Whether you identify with the lalalala or okokokok aesthetic, you are bound to add your own flare. You are a unique person, full of characteristics outside these aesthetics, or even full of characteristics that draw from both. Don’t let these descriptions limit who you are or dictate what you choose to embody!
Written by Leah Lara, Photographer: Grace Weng, Social Media: Kate Puckett