That Girl dominated 2021-2022 as aspirational lifestyle aesthetic centered on morning routines, productivity, wellness, and self-optimization. Characterized by 5 AM wake-ups, green smoothies, journaling, workouts, and aesthetic productivity, the trend promised transformation into idealized version of oneself through rigid self-discipline.
The Morning Routine Formula
Typical “That Girl” morning (posted on TikTok):
- 5-6 AM wake-up (no snoozing)
- Hydration (lemon water, often from expensive glass bottle)
- Journaling (gratitude, goals, affirmations)
- Meditation (10-20 minutes)
- Workout (yoga, pilates, or gym)
- Healthy breakfast (smoothie bowl, avocado toast, oatmeal)
- Skincare routine (multi-step, expensive products)
- Get ready (minimal makeup, neutral outfit)
- Productive work (studying, side hustle, content creation)
The Aesthetic Visual Code
Fashion & Beauty:
- Athleisure (Lululemon, Gymshark, Alo Yoga)
- Neutral colors (white, beige, cream, soft pink)
- “Clean girl” makeup (glossy skin, slicked back hair)
- Gold jewelry (minimal, dainty)
- Matcha lattes in aesthetic cafes
Props & Products:
- Bullet journal with perfect handwriting
- iPad Pro for digital planning
- Expensive water bottle (Hydro Flask, S’well)
- Gym bag with branded athletic wear
- Green smoothie in mason jar
- Books on productivity/self-help
The Toxic Productivity Critique
By late 2021, backlash emerged criticizing:
- Unrealistic expectations: 5 AM routines unsustainable for most
- Privilege blindness: Assuming everyone has time/money for elaborate self-care
- Hustle culture repackaged: Productivity disguised as wellness
- Perfectionism: One “bad” day = failure
- Body image pressure: Thin, conventionally attractive ideal
- Comparison culture: Feeling inadequate watching perfect routines
Mental health advocates warned “That Girl” glorified burnout and toxic self-optimization.
The Response Movements
Counter-trends emerged:
- “That Girl but make it realistic” - achievable versions
- “That Girl is tired” - rejecting constant productivity
- “Rest Girl” - prioritizing sleep and leisure
- “No longer That Girl” - recovering from perfectionism
The Evolution
By 2022-2023, the aesthetic softened:
- Less rigid wake times
- More emphasis on rest
- Body diversity representation increased
- Focus shifted from “becoming” to “being”
The trend represented Gen Z’s complicated relationship with self-improvement: simultaneously craving optimization and recognizing its impossibility.
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