I write this from my dimly lit dungeon, quill in hand, with the understanding that many of us who spend a lot of time online often express disdain for the so-called "aesthetics" and "cores" that dominate our social media feeds. The trend fatigue is palpable; we find ourselves caught in an endless cycle of new style worlds that fade away just as quickly as they arrive. Each wave of trends feels more fleeting than the last, leaving us resenting whatever new aesthetic the TikTok fashion girlies are peddling this week. But hear me out: there are cool fashion girls who exist in this realm, exuding what it means to be “next in fashion.” It’s just that the internet places a title on them, commodifying their essence and trying to sell it back to us. Of course, we can’t help but get annoyed.

I believe there’s something to learn here—not from the categorization of what’s trending, but rather from the people who live and breathe these styles in a genuine way.

So let me explain this emerging fashion trend through the lens of someone who is a living, breathing example of the “new” Medieval Weird Girl aesthetic: my best friend Keiko. Let me be clear: this has been her essence for centuries, and this title has simply emerged out of the digital fashion landscape and settled onto her head like a crown. If the “aesthetic” had a face, it would undoubtedly be Keiko’s.

The cool thing about Keiko and her style is that it truly reflects her essence. The key is in how she styles everything; she’s built a wardrobe that is interchangeable, like the interface of a high-level futuristic video game. She is the avatar, and if she had a default outfit, it would undoubtedly be her vintage red plaid skirt—the one she’s styled in hundreds of different ways since she first acquired it two years ago. 

 @keikodem on instagram @fukshi0 on tiktok @kaylaadempsey on twitter 

Once upon a time, repeating an outfit was a cardinal sin. We often see the rich and famous wearing new outfits. Not to shit on them, but that sucks for many reasons. One, it promotes the constant purchasing of new goods in a world where we have enough clothing to outfit the next six generations. Two, it shows us a lack of personal style. In my view, what makes personal style truly transcendent is that our wardrobes reflect not only our inner selves but also the experiences we have through the clothes we cherish. 

If Keiko’s plaid skirt could talk, you’d better believe it would have scrolls of stories to tell. The best part of having a strong sense of personal style, is not just rewearing your favorite pieces but also reinventing them time & time again. Clothes are meant to experience this life with you, signifying your self expression & originality. With fashion inspirations like my best friend Keiko, it’s so refreshing to see someone with a true sense of personal style. 

When we thrift together, we’re intentional about selecting pieces that enhance the narratives of our wardrobes. It’s like collecting loot in a video game—plus, choosing vintage and secondhand items means there’s a smaller chance anyone else will be wearing the same thing. 

Personally, I love my Medieval Weird Girl, her originality & style authenticity inspires me to embrace my own. So when I notice a crossover between what the internet labels as “next in fashion” and what I see in my real life, I embrace it as a fun, interactive way to explore fashion, and make connections to my real life. After all, fashion is meant to be expressive, authentic, and a reflection of the lives we lead.