How the Hyper-Feminine Aesthetic Is Redefining Gender Norms

Fresh from the retirement of the toxic #GirlBoss era, the hyper-feminine girl is reigning supreme with her affinity for pink accouterments. She delights in wearing makeup and adorning her nails with pastel shades. Her closet is a treasure trove of baby tees, frilly skirts, and bustier tops. She's an intelligent woman capable of making decisions, and she chooses to channel her sweet princess self in full confidence.

Such is the life of a girly girl, a trope that has been creating waves on social media for the past year. Liking glitters and tiaras are cool again. And with the new live-action Barbie movie, the cultural phenomenon only grows.

However, the hyper-feminine awakening opens a new discourse about the concept of feminism. Is it perpetuating traditional gender roles, or is it a form of girl power?

In the same way the sex-positive movement has redefined the slur “slut,” hyper-femininity is turning bimboism into a subculture of women who carry a lot of self-confidence in them and give zero care about how people perceive them.

But don't be fooled – the modern-day bimbos are far from vapid or childish as the term originally implied. If they want to, they can explain World War II in detail while standing ever so gracefully in 15-cm platform heels. They simply prefer spending time looking cute rather than proving themselves to mansplainers.

Although the reclamation of bimbos looks empowering on paper, it's a complete U-turn from the second-wave feminism of the late ’60s. Activists at the time rejected things they perceived as demeaning to women, including certain aspects of femininity. The afterclap? It further reinforced the patriarchal belief that traditionally feminine women are weak.

Thankfully, feminism is not a monolithic movement. It has evolved over the years, and now we know better. True liberation came from embracing femininity, not erasing it. You don't have to sacrifice your girliness to be seen as powerful.

Girl-on-girl hate was – and still is – pervasive in pop culture. P!nk's song “Stupid Girls” called out the stereotypical hyperfems, while movies like She's The Man portrayed masculine and feminine characteristics as mutually exclusive. Even on TikTok, the term “pick-me girls” emerged, referring to those who see other women as competitors in pursuing men's attention.

While this phenomenon is deeply rooted in internalized misogyny, sociologist Marion Braizaz points out that many women accept a minimum level of femininity to be seen as respectable by society's standards. You can like makeup but don't wear too much, or it'll hide your “natural beauty.” Too much pink makes you look like a ditz. If you show too much skin, you're boy-obsessed. But at the same time, going bare-faced and wearing casual clothing means you have no self-respect.

So why shouldn't you just do whatever you want if you're going to be criticized anyway? Besides, women are not one-dimensional. You can like dresses and soccer. You can be one of the boys and still stay true to the girly things you love. Being like other girls doesn't mean you're basic. It means overcoming the idea that your existence is solely to please others.

Let's not forget how the hyper-feminine aesthetics of the past catered to thin, white women. Today, it gets a major revamp. Unlike its Y2K predecessor, the new aesthetic doesn’t conform to narrow beauty ideals but, instead, celebrates individuality.

People of all genders, ages, and shapes are welcome to embrace their girliness on their own terms. On the red carpet, Helen Mirren stuns with her bubblegum blue hair, while Lizzo's head-to-toe Valentino pink ensemble exudes fierceness. Harry Styles fearlessly dons couture dresses and heels, boldly challenging toxic masculinity. Who cares if others love or hate it? What matters is that you have fun with it and feel empowered in expressing your authentic self.

Celebrating hyper-feminine trends like Barbiecore, coquette, and shabby princess is not just about curating your wardrobe. As the TikTok girlies say, the makeover starts by tapping into your feminine energy. One way to do it is by making self-care a priority.

In the shower, use Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Shampoo if styling your hair in total glam is your daily ritual. It’s infused with five flower essences to give you smooth hair for days. The vitamin B3 and collagen inside also work wonders in keeping your strands frizz-free.

Continue your pampering session with Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash. This delightfully pink body wash is made with a unique Microbiome Gentle Skin Prebiotics Formula, leaving your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. The sakura and Himalayan sea salt extracts also give you that glowing complexion. A bonus? It delivers a light scent reminiscent of a cherry blossom garden.

Finally, take care of your pearly whites with closeup Red Hot Toothpaste. Made with antibacterial zinc, it fights up to 99.9% of bacteria and gives you all-day fresh breath. Plus, it has brightening micro-shine crystals so you can shun the naysayers with your best smile.

The hyper-feminine trope is a step away from the cool girl persona as well as the antiquated “ideal woman” stereotype of the 1950s. As long as you feel beautiful and comfortable in your own skin, take ownership of your personal style, be it a hot pink velour tracksuit or crop tops and miniskirts.