Standing in front of their closets, a question torments the minds of teens: whether to look stylish and sacrifice their comfort, or to be comfortable and sacrifice their style?
To most, “comfy clothes” means a hoodie and pajama pants. This comfort movement, however, is not just limited to one way of dressing; there are multiple subgenres of dressing comfortably. They can range from more boho styles to the “clean girl” look. Students across campus can be seen showing off these styles.
Boho-inspiration
Boho, a casual nickname for the free, flowy, bohemian style, has increased even more in popularity since its reemergence in the ‘60s.
The flower children (hippies) were a movement that embraced communal living, cared about the environment and protested the Vietnam war. They were advocates for social change and personal freedoms, and would often use flowers to symbolize harmony and innocence, which dubbed them “flower children.”
“I would consider myself very comfy [and] earthy,” sophomore Allison Kelch said. “[B]oho-esque definitely.”
Now, the style generally consists of flowy skirts and linen overalls, a laid-back attitude, and a desire to save the turtles and stop global warming, like the “Visco girl” trend, which arose out of this environmental concern. This style represents not just the aesthetics of the hippie movement, but also the mindset and message, which still resonates with students today.
What about clean girls?
Clean girls are a social media movement that cemented its spot front and center in pop culture in 2022, but the history of the slicked-back hair and minimalist makeup look goes back further, originating from a subculture of Mexican and Indigenous Americans in the United States called Chicana women. It was also prominent in South Asia, India in particular and numerous Black communities.
Now, the look lacks cultural ties, and instead reflects a combination of health, wellness, minimalism and effortlessness.
It also has huge ties to the “model off duty” look, which focuses on being effortlessly chic.
However, it has strong ties to makeup industry itself. Countless brands like Drunk Elephant and Rhode market specifically to those trying to achieve the “clean girl look.” The trend zeroes in on skincare and
No-makeup makeup, slicked back buns and effortless pastel outfits that scream “I woke up this perfect,” are clear hallmarks of the glowy and polished aesthetic. Whether in a pink workout set after doing pilates or a yellow sweatsuit set to film a TikTok, clean girls are only ever a few scrolls away. Or a few hallways.
To follow or not to follow, that is the question
Regardless if one chooses to lean into comfy-culture , they are faced with pros and cons.
On one hand, the freedom from restrictive clothing makes students’ lives easier in terms of mobility. And on the other,, the pressure to always look effortless can be stressful.
Following each micro-trend that influencers and social media pass through the algorithm, however, means having a wallet skinnier than the trendy “Y2K” jeans.
And yes, it seems counterintuitive that seemingly simpler styles require more money.
However, the reality is that these styles are often made up of clothes from expensive or higher-end brands like LuluLemon, LoveShackFancy and more.
A happy medium
In reality, few strictly adhere to one style. Fashion is not a stationary thing, it is constantly moving and evolving. Sometimes, however, the two sides of this cozy fashion spectrum collide.
“You can mix it however you want.” freshman Carolina Rocha Bida said. “You can be comfortable and cute… I’d say [fashion] is just the artistry you have in yourself at that time of your life.”
The most important part to Barry is being comfortable for school.
“It’s comfy. And then if you dress up too much, it gets distracting during school, like the outfit’s uncomfortable. It’s too much,” Barry said. “So, it’s just simple… I’m not too crazy with the outfits.”
On the other hand, to junior Jillian Beriswill, the most vital part is being comfortable in one’s own skin, not just in school.
“Being comfortable in your own skin, it’s important. I think if they’re wearing something that they don’t feel comfortable in, everyone’s gonna be like, oh, she’s not very confident.” Said junior Jillian Beriswill. “Confidence is key in anything you do.”
A growing acceptance
“[Comfy culture has] made it more acceptable to wear comfortable clothing outside of your home. It’s not as looked down upon.” Kelch said.
More and more people are wearing sweatsuits and athleisure as a status symbol rather than just a gym requirement. The line between pajamas and public attire has blurred into 50 shades of gray area comprised of buttery-soft oversized silhouettes. This shift suggests that the choice between comfort and style is not so much of a choice anymore.
Now that more people are aspiring to be cozy at all times, there are lower standards for those who prefer to dress alternatively.
“I think that it’s given me more freedom,” freshman Daliya Gerson said. “I don’t have to be the absolute best.”
Ultimately, the idea of choosing comfort is winning over more and more students and people throughout the world. The “comfy movement” has proven that style is not necessarily about high heels or small waists, but about being comfortable in school and in one’s own skin. Teens are now discovering that the best outfits are no longer the ones they look most stylish in, but the ones that they are most at home in.
