Grab a tie-dye T-shirt, running shorts and some sandals and you can be Gen Z's latest craze this Halloween! The term “VSCO” in VSCO Girl refers to the photo-editing app of the same name, pronounced “vis-co,” and largely references the 2017 meme illustrating what exactly a VSCO Girl looks like: She wears an oversized tie-dye shirt, sporty running shorts, wears Crocs or Birkenstocks, dons a puka shell necklace, and carries a stylish water bottle.
A VSCO Girl is someone with a dressed down, beachy style who cares about the environment and loves brands like Brandy Melville and Fjällräven Kånken. In short, a VSCO Girl is a stereotype of a girl with a signature look defined by a chilled-out vibe who loves using filters to achieve that look on Instagram. 2019 was the year of the VSCO Girl, thus making it one of the most relevant Pop Culture Costumes of the year.
Core elements of the VSCO Girl aesthetic
There are three items you absolutely, 100 percent need if you're going to pull off a recognizable VSCO Girl: An oversized T-shirt, athletic shorts, and sandals. The look often features pastel or faded colors and a size that's large enough to hit mid-thigh. Shorts are typically very short, sometimes disappearing beneath the hem of the oversized shirt. Shoes of choice include sandals, clogs, slides, or Crocs with customizable Jibbitz.
Footwear and accessories define the vibe: Vans or Birkenstocks are common, with black slide sandals being a budget-friendly option that still captures the aesthetic. A shell necklace, a bundle of scrunchies, a Hydro Flask, and friendship bracelets are staples. The Hydro Flask is especially iconic, tied to the “save the turtles” ethic often associated with the trend, and Pura Vida bracelets are a frequent addition.
Wardrobe essentials and starter pack
An oversized T-shirt or hoodie paired with biker shorts or denim shorts creates the base look. Graphic tees with calming statements like “chill out” are popular, ideally in loose fits and pastel tones. Hair is typically styled in high messy buns or long beachy waves, achievable with sea salt spray. Other recurring pieces include White Vans, Birkenstocks, Crocs or chunky sneakers, and a shell necklace for a signature touch.
Popular starter pieces mentioned in coverage include a tie-dye T-shirt, mid-thigh shorts, and a simple, casual hoodie. The starter pack also emphasizes a water bottle decked out in stickers, a lot of scrunchies, and a classic shell necklace paired with friendship bracelets. These items form the backbone of the VSCO Girl costume and are easy to assemble on a budget.
How to style for a convincing VSCO Girl look
The look blends 90s-inspired casual wear with beachy, California casual vibes. Accessories and branding matter: a Hydro Flask, a shell necklace, and a stack of colorful scrunchies signal the aesthetic. Shoes like Crocs or Birkenstock slides complete the casual, laid-back vibe. A simple tank top, destroyed mom jeans, and a few well-chosen accessories can anchor the outfit in a believable way.
In terms colors, prioritize pastels and faded hues, while keeping silhouettes oversized for a relaxed feel. The overall vibe is “basic,” in a playful, self-aware sense, and is often paired with laid-back beauty approaches such as natural-looking makeup and casual hair.
Common phrases and meme culture
Part of the VSCO Girl stereotype is a set of catchphrases and memes. The most well-known is “and I oop,” used to express surprise or shock. Another popular term is “sksksksksksk,” a vocalization used to respond to everything in a playful way. A running theme is the call to “save the turtles,” which ties back to the environmental ethos of the look.
These phrases and memes have become part of the costume’s humor and are often used as running jokes at events or parties. They help convey the identity of the VSCO Girl beyond clothing, contributing to the overall cultural aura of the trend.
Practical tips for crafting the costume on a budget
You don't need to spend a lot to nail the VSCO Girl look. Reuse items you already own: a loose-fit T-shirt, denim shorts, and simple sandals can form the core. Look for affordable graphic tees with peaceful or catchy statements under $10. If you already have black Nike Tempo Shorts or similar items, they can fit into the starter pack nicely.
Budget-conscious shoppers can substitute higher-end items with readily available alternatives: simple tie-dye tees, plain five-toed socks, and inexpensive slides or Crocs. The key is to capture the vibe rather than replicate every brand exactly, keeping the color palette light and breezy, with an emphasis on comfortable fabrics and easy-care pieces.
Variations and considerations
VSCO Girls are associated with a variety of branded options, but the essential idea is a casual, environmentally aware aesthetic. Some sources emphasize the Brandy Melville and Fjällräven Kånken connection, while others focus on the starter items and a carefree attitude. Understanding the trend helps you tailor the costume to your context-whether aiming for a highly recognizable recreation or a more understated homage.
For a broader cultural context, VSCO style is described as a blend of 90s nostalgia, boho, and skate culture, with emphasis on filters and photographic self-expression. It’s helpful to be mindful of the trend’s social commentary and use it as a playful costume rather than a target for mockery or offense.
| Item | Details | Budget hint |
|---|---|---|
| Tie-dye T-shirt | Oversized fit, pastel or faded colors | Under $10 on many retailers |
| Shorts | Very short, hit mid-thigh, often denim or athletic | Look for simple styles with high-rise fit |
| Footwear | Crocs, Birkenstocks, sandals, or slides | Budget options available; Jibbitz optional |
| Accessories | Hydro Flask, scrunchies, shell necklace, friendship bracelets | Mix of inexpensive pieces |
| Hair/ makeup | Messy bun or beachy waves; light makeup | Sea salt spray and tinted balm suffice |
Whether you intend to reference specific brands or focus on the broader aesthetic, the VSCO Girl costume remains accessible and adaptable, allowing for creative interpretation while staying true to the recognizable elements of the trend.
