Why It’s Okay Not to Have a “Core Aesthetic”
Scroll through social media and you’ll see it everywhere—“cottagecore,” “dark academia,” “clean girl aesthetic,” “Y2K vibe.” We’re constantly told to pick a core aesthetic, to brand ourselves with a single style that defines our personality. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a core aesthetic to be valid or worthy. You’re not a brand—you’re a person, and your identity is far richer than any curated label.
The Pressure to Self-Brand
Social media culture thrives on branding. A consistent “look” makes you more recognisable, more “relatable,” and more marketable. But this pressure to package yourself into a neat category can feel suffocating. It suggests that in order to be someone, you have to be something—a fixed label, a tidy aesthetic. That isn’t true, and it’s not healthy.
The Problems with “Core Aesthetic” Culture
- Restricts self-expression: You may feel trapped in one identity, unable to explore new sides of yourself.
- Feeds comparison: Seeing polished “aesthetic” lifestyles online can make you feel inadequate if you don’t fit the mould.
- Confuses identity with image: You’re more than your clothes, décor, or playlist—you’re a full human being.
- Promotes self-commodification: Turning your personality into a “brand” reduces your worth to an image or label.
Why It’s Okay Not to Have a Core Aesthetic
You don’t need a singular “look” or vibe to prove your identity. In fact, not having a fixed aesthetic means:
- You’re free to explore different moods, styles, and interests.
- You can evolve without feeling guilty for changing.
- You define yourself by values, passions, and relationships—not by algorithms or aesthetics.
- You get to be complex, layered, and inconsistent—because that’s human.
How to Embrace Life Without a Core Aesthetic
- Mix and match: Wear clothes, listen to music, or decorate your space however you like—even if it clashes with yesterday’s choices.
- Prioritise comfort over curation: Choose what feels good, not what looks “on brand.”
- Detach from online labels: Trends come and go, but your identity isn’t a trend.
- Value substance: Focus on growth, kindness, curiosity, and creativity—qualities that matter more than appearances.
- Allow change: Reinvention is not inconsistency; it’s evolution.
Reframing Identity Beyond Aesthetics
Identity isn’t a curated feed—it’s an ongoing story. You don’t have to package yourself into a single label to be understood. You’re allowed to be messy, multi-dimensional, and ever-changing. That’s not a flaw; that’s freedom.
Conclusion: You’re More Than a Label
It’s okay—more than okay—not to have a “core aesthetic.” Your worth doesn’t come from how consistent or “on brand” you appear. It comes from your humanity—your growth, your relationships, your values, and your lived experiences. Don’t let the pressure to self-brand shrink you. You don’t need a core aesthetic. You just need to be yourself.
Related Reads on Ichhori.com
- Self‐Acceptance: Embrace Your Whole Self
- The Power of Vulnerability: How Showing Up Truly Heals
- Mindful Living Practices to Stay Grounded
- Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Beyond Comfort Zones
You don’t need to brand yourself—your humanity is enough.