Gen Z declares it the summer of the ‘Garden Girl’ — here’s how to dress for the trend

There’s a new trend in bloom.

The “garden girl” aesthetic is growing roots online as Gen Z fashionistas adopt the summer style trend perfect for tending to — or taking pictures in — a blossoming garden.

A cousin to the once-popular “tomato girl,” “grocery girl” and “cottagecore” aesthetics of years past, the “garden girl” look, sometimes called #gardencore, incorporates light, airy fabrics — printed with gingham or florals — as well as accessories like woven straw bats or bags, gloves and silk scarves.

“To live your best Garden Girl life, linen is your go-to,” Dayna Isom Johnson, a trend expert at Etsy, told InStyle. “It’s super breathable, adds an effortless touch of elegance, and feels light as a feather. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, aprons, bedding, or table linens, linen’s versatility has got you covered.”

The trend, according to InStyle, evokes a growing desire for a “soft life,” an idolized lifestyle exemplified by the likes of influencers such as model Nara Smith, who regularly whimsical dresses and creates most foods and other products from scratch in her aesthetically pleasing kitchen.

Pamela Anderson also often frolics in white linen frocks, and Kylie Jenner’s latest clothing drop of white poplin pieces from her label KHY have a dainty, feminine flair fit for a #gardengirl.

Who What Wear reports that searchers for “garden aesthetic” on Pinterest soared 34% month-to-month, with “gardentok” queries on TikTok up 30% and more than 181,000 Instagram posts using “#gardengirl” on Instagram.

A more literal interpretation of the nature-centric trend might involve actual clothes those with a green thumb might wear, such as denim overalls or footwear like Plasticana Gardana clog that had Brooklynites in a chokehold this spring. But many are opting to embody the overall vibe of being one with nature, rather than assembling practical outfits for repotting greenery, harvesting berries or planting bulbs.

Amy Abrams, the co-founder of Shop Extraordinary Enterprises that created Artists & Fleas and The Manhattan Vintage Show, says the “garden girl” aesthetic is the perfect excuse to shop vintage.

Not only is the ethical shopping method more eco-friendly — no fast fashion necessary — but it is easier to find pieces that emulate the trend.

“Hit up your neighborhood vintage boutiques where you can peruse the sun-worn fabrics and see the pastel hues in natural light. Look for cotton and linen dresses that carry the softness of an English garden with their florals and gingham checks,” Abrams told InStyle, advising shoppers to take their time perusing the racks, as the “real gems” are often hidden “just out of plain sight.”

When scanning the options for the perfect “gardencore” frock, she recommends looking for “classic florals reminiscent of an old cottage garden or bold blooms that echo the ’60s and ’70s flower power.” Stripes, plaid and gingham are also viable options, and fabrics such as linen, silk and cotton are perfect “for a garden affair.”

“For those unique accessories like basket bags, local antique shops and flea markets are often goldmines,” Abrams said, adding that woven bags made out of “sisel or straw” are best. “And of course, a giant vintage straw hat —with a flower— may be the perfect touch.”