Why Alt Girls Are TikTok's Newest Fashion Inspiration (2024)

Why Alt Girls Are TikTok's Newest Fashion Inspiration (1)

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Fashion

Plus, we picked our favorite alt-girl-inspired styles.

TikTok has become a breeding ground of sorts for modern subcultures. From #WitchTok to VSCO girls, they have all have transpired their own unique aesthetic among a substantial portion of teens. Of course, the fact that it is all online and easily accessible to anyone does contradict the "underground," almost secretive nature of how subcultures functioned at one point, but it continues to operate off the mainstream trends.

The #AltGirl — another massive TikTok trend at the moment, which has garnered over 327 million views on some videos — is only just another example of the social media platform's undeniable influence on young adults' aesthetics today.

Characterized by heavy eyeliners, dyed hair, piercings, all-black attires, and chunky boots, alt girls can be best described as '00s emo, indie, and scene revamped for the internet age. You might have also noticed that the trending aesthetic also shares a lot of similarities with e-girls, another popular look signified by punk and goth. So what's the difference?

Well, while many of the trends embody these styles, alt girl is more an all-encompassing term. The idea, however, is the same — to serve as an antidote to "Straight TikTok," also known as the anti-Brandy Melville, Hype House, and Charli D'Amelio. (Though, the most-followed TikToker has been garnering attention over her "alt-inspired" fashion choices lately.)

Moreover, the alt-girl aesthetic also makes a big case for diversity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ and WOC, unlike Straight TikTok, which continues to get flak for its lack of representation.

Naturally, any subculture finds its most conspicuous representation in fashion, so, below, we've rounded up some easy alt-girl-inspired looks to get you started.

We only include products that have been independently selected by NYLON's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Pair it with a tank top or a simple tee, these low-rise bootleg pants were crafted to get some compliments.

Why Alt Girls Are TikTok's Newest Fashion Inspiration (2024)

FAQs

What is alt girl fashion? ›

Alt-girl fashion is often a mixture of punk, goth, emo, indie, and e-girl aesthetics. Alt-girls might have dyed hair and piercings or tattoos and wear thrifted or dark clothing. Although “alt-girl” is the name of the punk internet aesthetic, people of any gender might call themselves alt-girls or alt-people.

How does TikTok influence fashion? ›

TikTok's effect on fashion has been far more disruptive, upending the system Miranda Priestly championed. Changes in fashion — whether they be hemlines, colors or the way we think about and shop for clothes — no longer begin with designers, marketing executives or even influencers.

What are the characteristics of an alt girl? ›

They are typically characterised as teenage girls who have dyed hair, wear thrifted clothes and listen to alternative music as defined in Urban Dictionary. They are often rebellious and have an I-don't-care attitude.

When did alt fashion become popular? ›

The new trend in fashion emerged in the period of the revolutionary gap in the time when Soviet fashion ingloriously died, trampled down by imported products and new tastes of ordinary citizens. During 1985-1995 alternative fashion was the symbol of changing time and a brand of the perestroika .

What is the alt fashion trend? ›

Alternative fashion or alt fashion is fashion that stands apart from mainstream, commercial fashion. It includes both styles which do not conform to the mainstream fashion of their time and the styles of specific subcultures (such as emo, goth, hip hop and punk).

What does being alt mean? ›

The term "alt person" or "alt" is a shorthand for "alternative," referring to individuals who adopt lifestyles, fashions, or subcultures outside mainstream norms. Alt people typically challenge conventional societal standards, showcasing unique and unconventional expressions.

Why is TikTok so trendy? ›

Additionally, TikTok's popularity is fueled by its unique short-form video format, easy-to-use editing tools, and engaging content. It has become a hub for creativity, entertainment, and viral challenges, drawing in users from different cultures and regions.

How is TikTok influencing trends? ›

4. Influencer Impact: Influencers and content creators play a significant role in shaping fashion trends on TikTok. With their large followings and engaging content, influencers have the power to amplify emerging trends, promote brands, and influence purchasing decisions.

How did TikTok influence people? ›

TikTok has also contributed to the widespread influence on music culture. Most videos on TikTok are posted with a song behind them which helps to promote new music genres to everyone. Many artists have blown up in popularity due to their songs being used a lot in videos.

How do you dress alt style? ›

Arguably an alternative style includes long-sleeved, plaid flannel shirts, T-shirts of classic bands, black tights, dark or acid wash jeans or shorts, vintage button-down shirts and cardigans. For shoes, you can opt for Converse, classic boots, combat boots or any other footwear you like.

What alt life means? ›

An alternative lifestyle is a lifestyle perceived to be outside the norm for a given culture. The phrase "alternative lifestyle" is often used pejoratively.

What is alt gender? ›

An alt person is someone who identifies as an alternative to the traditional gender binary. They may identify as transgender, genderqueer, nonbinary, or any other term that falls outside of the male/female dichotomy.

When did fashion start trending? ›

Early in the 14th-century aristocrats began using dress trends to show off their wealth, status, and place in society. There is no doubt that if you could afford to buy new apparel every few months or even every week, you had an enormous amount of money.

What are the beliefs of the alternative subculture? ›

One of the core beliefs of the Alternative subculture is anti-consumerism, which entails not wanting to buy into fast fashion, finding ethically sourced clothing, and not lining the pockets of large corporations. Because of this, Alternative style was made of largely second-hand, locally bought and repurposed clothing.

What are the different types of alt people? ›

  • Grunge.
  • Punk.
  • Goth.
  • Angelcore.
  • Adventurecore.
  • Dark Academia.
  • Emo.
  • Acubi.

What does being an alt girl mean? ›

The alt girl style is reminiscent of 90s grunge and early 2000s punk cultures. Heavy eyeliner, heavy accessorizing, and heavy metal would pretty much sum up the alt girl style. Alt girls also tend to wear lots of fishnets, chunky shoes, baggy pants, and vibrantly colored hair.

How to dress alt girl? ›

Arguably an alternative style includes long-sleeved, plaid flannel shirts, T-shirts of classic bands, black tights, dark or acid wash jeans or shorts, vintage button-down shirts and cardigans. For shoes, you can opt for Converse, classic boots, combat boots or any other footwear you like.

Is Alt and goth the same? ›

Final answer: Goth, Emo, and Alt represent different subcultures. Goth refers to a dark, romantic aesthetic from the '80s, Emo emerged from the '90s punk scene and is known for its emotional openness, while Alt broadly represents alternative, non-mainstream subcultures.

What does Alt FEM mean? ›

Alt Femme is a Queer positive creation, celebrating feminine strength regardless of sexuality or assigned gender. And that goes for men as well as women: “We've had many straight men come to the nights and absolutely love it – trying on dresses and makeup.

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