There are an abundance of connotations that come to mind when I think of being ‘That Girl’. She’s put together, healthy, stylish, clever… Basically, effortlessly flawless.
Like most things online, being ‘That Girl’ quickly spiralled into becoming a viral trend. People were encapsulated by her routines, mainly centred around journaling, skincare, meditation, and working out – all forms of self-care, yet in an aesthetic manner. On the surface, I don’t blame them. Who wouldn’t want a lifestyle like that?
Originally, the concept stems from a community of likeminded women who are constantly trying to better themselves, and attain more. Particular attention is paid to posting related content onto their social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Vlogs of ‘A Day in The Life of Being That Girl’ and ‘How to Become That Girl’ rose in popularity. These posts depict productivity and self-care: alarms being set at 5am, morning stretching, copious amounts of water consumption, nutritious and colourful meals, going to the gym, studying, skincare routines, journaling, reading, and early nights.
Whilst the intensions behind this trend are positive and uplifting, the outcome hasn’t always had the same effect. Speaking on behalf of myself and other women, being ‘That Girl’ really is not that attainable, nor realistic – in least in the way in which she is presented. The social media side of it as a whole can be superficial and performative, capturing the most productive and aesthetic-worthy moments. This encourages an unhealthy culture of comparison, whilst also lacking diversity as a trend and its unrealistic presentation of women; questioning the definitions of a healthy lifestyle, wellness, and productivity.
I, too, am guilty in getting caught up in it… but the truth is, being ‘That Girl’ is going to look and be different for everyone. Pick apart the trend and take away what you deem the best fragments of it to be; focus on yourself, self-improvement, and maintain a healthy lifestyle – but in a way that is best for you. The picture-perfect version of her portrayed online is not the reality.
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