If you have viewed any social media platforms this summer, the phrase “VSCO girl” should conjure a pretty clear image. The term “VSCO girl” refers to girls who sport the popular Hydro Flask water bottle, puka shell necklaces, oversized t-shirts, scrunchies, and Birkenstock sandals. VSCO girls give off relaxed, carefree vibes. They also support the environment through their use of metal straws and “save the turtles” social media posts. But how did this trend start?

VSCO is actually a photo editing app, originally created for photographers to edit and post pictures. Now, fifty percent of subscribers are under the age of twenty five, most of them female. Most people’s “VSCO feeds” have a common color scheme, achieved by using the same filters when editing photos. The app and its aesthetic really started taking off when YouTubers such as Emma Chamberlain and Hannah Meloche began creating videos embodying the VSCO girl style.

While this trend is extremely popular with today’s teenage girls, the original VSCO girl style dates back to the 90s, when oversized tees, puka shell necklaces, and Birkenstocks were all the rage. Now, thirty years later, this style has made a roaring comeback, especially on the Pine Crest campus. Its widespread success can be attributed to social media apps that focus on sharing aesthetically pleasing photos. Without new apps such as Tik Tok, where VSCO girls are infamous for phrases such as “sksksk” and “and i oop,” this trend would not be nearly as popular. 

VSCO girl style shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon, so grab your Hydro Flasks and get ready to change the world one turtle at a time!

Sources: Buzzfeed, Vox