Embrace The Basic
You shouldn’t be ashamed to be a “VSCO girl.”
Written by Jessica Katz, Staff Writer
Hydroflasks. Big tee-shirts. Puka shell necklaces. Scrunchies. Disposable cameras. Birkenstocks. What do all these items have in common? They characterize the oh-so-trendy, “VSCO girl.”
VSCO is a popular app on which users can edit and share photos. The app doesn’t show likes or follower count, boosting users’ confidence as they can share content they’d be too afraid to post on other forms of social media.
The term “VSCO girl” was first used to describe girls who used the VSCO, but has now transformed into a specific set of qualities. The “VSCO girl” is aesthetic, yet effortless. She cares a lot about the environment and spreading positive vibes. You’ll always catch her carrying a metal straw (#savetheturtles).
She has also been turned into a meme. From videos of YouTubers transforming into “VSCO girls” to TikToks imitating “VSCO girl” slang (“and I oop” and “sksksk”), people love to make fun of her for being basic.
Ok, I’ll admit it. I, myself, fit the description of a “VSCO girl.” I like to wear oversized tee-shirts with my shorts not showing. I own a Hydroflask that I decorated with cute stickers. 99.9% of the time I have a scrunchie on my wrist. If I wear makeup, it’s pretty natural. And I once was an ambassador for an eco-friendly company, dedicated to saving the turtles. Oh, and of course I edit all my photos using VSCO (filter C1 to be exact).
Tease me all you want, but I’m not ashamed. Quite honestly, I’m kind of flattered. It’s not like I woke up one morning and decided it was my destiny to become a “VSCO girl.” I just happened to fall in line with the current trend. Haven’t we all?
I wore UGGs when every girl had a pair. I collected Silly Bandz and Kooky Pens when they were all the rage. I’ve splurged on more than a couple of pairs of Lululemon leggings.
Call me basic, but I like what I like and I can’t help that. I take inspiration from trends, but I try to make them my own. I dress for myself, not to impress others or follow what every other girl is doing. And even if you are a follower of this trend or any trend in that matter, embrace it. Flaunt your puka shell necklace and Fjallraven Kanken backpack, free of anyone else’s opinion. If it makes you happy, it shouldn’t matter if what you like is trendy or not. Having popular interests does not make you basic. It’s just another way for you to feel happy.