So, you've heard about the baddie aesthetic, and you want to try it for your own wardrobe? We're here to show you the way. In fact, you may have stepped out in a baddie-approved look [1] already. Picture yourself, for example, headed to brunch in a slinky ruched minidress [2], feeling as self-assured as ever. Or it's a slow Saturday at home, and a casual sweatsuit is all you have energy for. Or maybe a friend invites you to get coffee last-minute, and you opt for a fitted crop top and your favorite blue jeans [3]. In all these scenarios, you would be rocking the baddie aesthetic, which is rooted in wearing Y2K-inspired [4] and/or sporty pieces and walking into a room like you own the place.
The baddie aesthetic is going to be everywhere for spring and summer 2022, and we have Gen Z to mostly thank for its comeback. According to the trend's starters, to be a baddie is to wear Y2K-inspired or sporty pieces with the utmost confidence, like you barely put any thought into pulling your outfit together. In other words, you turn the street into your very own runway, exuding "main-character energy" [5] while you're at it. The key to mastering baddie vibes is opting for garments that deliver both style and comfort. After all, when you feel good, you look good.
Keep reading to learn even more about this growing trend and how to make your closet more baddie friendly.
What Is the Baddie Aesthetic?
Style staples of the baddie aesthetic include tennis skirts [6], cutout tops [7], graphic tees [8], and tiny spaghetti-strap dresses (often with short hems). But it's not all about these lighter pieces. You can also wear oversize sweatshirts, loose tracksuits, and cargo pants to achieve the baddie vibe, especially during the colder months (or for, say, a summer music festival when it gets a little chilly at night). On the footwear front, popular baddie-inspired options include strappy heels [9] and effortlessly cool retro sneakers [10].
Baddie-aesthetic outfits are all about being stylish without trying too hard, whether it's high-waisted jeans paired with crop tops and Jordans or slinky bodysuits tucked into miniskirts. Baddie 'fits emphasize a laid-back-yet-collected-and-poised attitude that places comfort above all. Fashionistas like Megan Fox [11] and Dua Lipa [12] have frequently embraced the baddie aesthetic in cutout tops, micro skirts, and leather sets.
Eager to experiment with warm-weather baddie outfits like skin-baring shirts and denim shorts? There's never been a better time than right now, because this season's top trends include plenty of baddie clothes and accessories in mood-boosting, vibrant colors such as neon green [13], illuminating yellow [14], and rich scarlet [15]. Put simply, the baddie aesthetic invites you to be yourself in items that make you feel in charge, but that are also really comfortable. It's kind of the ultimate fashion win-win, right?
Ahead, read through our list of baddie outfit ideas that will help you channel some baddie energy this season and beyond.
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Miaou Venus Corset
Miaou Venus Corset [17] ($245)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Marcella Manhattan One Shoulder Top
Marcella Manhattan One Shoulder Top [18] ($69)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Miaou Micro Mini Skirt
Miaou Micro Mini Skirt [19] ($155)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Arthur Apparel Flatlock Tee
Arthur Apparel Flatlock Tee [20] ($140)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Miaou Mini Tee
Miaou Mini Tee [21] ($98)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: & Other Stories Printed Kick Flare Trousers
& Other Stories Printed Kick Flare Trousers [22] ($89)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Lisa Says Gah Alex Mesh Tee
Lisa Says Gah Alex Mesh Tee [23] ($129)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Nasty Gal Recycled Slinky Asymmetric Neck Midi Dress
Nasty Gal Recycled Slinky Asymmetric Neck Midi Dress [24] ($44)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Pixie Market Flo Cut-Out Tank
Pixie Market Flo Cut-Out Tank [25] ($49)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Agolde Pieced 90's Pinch Waist Jeans
Agolde Pieced 90's Pinch Waist Jeans [26] ($244, originally $325)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Nasty Gal Printed Check Ponte Tie Front Crop Top
Nasty Gal Printed Check Ponte Tie Front Crop Top [27] ($19, originally $38)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Andrea Adamo Cut-Out Rib Knit Mini Skirt
Andrea Adamo Cut-Out Rib Knit Mini Skirt [28] ($436)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: & Other Stories Cropped Knit Cardigan
& Other Stories Cropped Knit Cardigan [29] ($89)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Lisa Says Gah Camilla Top Long Sleeve
Lisa Says Gah Camilla Top Long Sleeve [30] ($118)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Lisa Says Gah Ruby Tank
Lisa Says Gah Ruby Tank [31] ($71, originally $118)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Lisa Says Gah Elenor Crop Top
Lisa Says Gah Elenor Crop Top [32] ($71, originally $118)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Pixie Market Keyhole Checkerboard-Knit Top
Pixie Market Keyhole Checkerboard-Knit Top [33] ($89)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: H&M Flared High Ankle Jeans
H&M Flared High Ankle Jeans [34] ($35)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Who What Wear Darin Sweatshirt
Who What Wear Darin Sweatshirt [35] ($100)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Who What Wear Nary Relaxed Sweatpants
Who What Wear Nary Relaxed Sweatpants [36] ($100)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Mach & Mach Wool Mini Skirt
Mach & Mach Wool Mini Skirt [37] ($575)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Dion Lee Pointelle Corset LS Top
Dion Lee Pointelle Corset LS Top [38] ($650)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Dion Lee Lustrate Fork Mini Dress
Dion Lee Lustrate Fork Mini Dress [39] ($590)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: Saks Potts Sia Halterneck Wool and Silk-Blend Top
Saks Potts Sia Halterneck Wool and Silk-Blend Top [40] ($205)
Baddie-Aesthetic Outfit Idea: David Koma Paneled Denim Crop Top
David Koma Paneled Denim Crop Top [41] ($470)