You’re It!

How “Weird” Girls Have Become the New “It” Girls

What is an “it” girl? This title has long been associated with young women in the centre of the public eye. “It” girls’ personas are typically emblematic of current social standards and thus, they have an undeniable influence on beauty, aesthetics, and lifestyle trends. Through the demonstration of their often glamorous lives (whether that be on their Instagram feed or in blurry paparazzi photos,) “it” girls represent what is considered desirable in the social sphere. Although these figures are known for their impact in influencing various generations, questioning what makes an “it” girl also requires a consideration of the values that these women possess. What about them is so cool? What makes them “it?”

Right now, the new brand of “it” girls have found fame through their rejection of longstanding social norms. This presents a significant contrast from previous generations of “it” girls, who often embraced and embodied such norms. In pushing back against perspectives that favour white, “conventionally attractive” celebrities who conform to patriarchal standards, the current “it” girls have broadened our understanding of what makes women deserving of large-scale popularity. Many of these figures are known for their unconventional styles, identities, and attitudes that directly subvert the status quo. In demonstrating these qualities, these women are taking up space in a new, bold way.

Artist Charli XCX’s recent music video for her song “360” perfectly exemplifies the essence of the current generation of “it” girls. Featured are actresses Julia Fox, Hari Nef, Rachel Sennott, and Chloe Cherry and models Gabriette, Richie Shazam, and Alex Consani. Established “it” girl Chloë Sevigny is later featured, along with other prominent social media influencers. In the video, XCX attends a dinner with members of this crowd. Together, they work to “fulfil the prophecy of finding a new hot internet girl.” The video’s featured figures and its criteria for who can be considered a “hot internet girl” reveals an overarching trend: the most significant “it” girls are cool because of their differences, not in spite of them.

This trend is first revealed aesthetically. As the group discusses the characteristics of a “hot internet girl,” Gabriette notably states that “it’s about being really hot- in like, a scary way.” Her companions enthusiastically agree. This quote first elucidates the current “it” girl’s departure from dressing and performing in a way that appeases the mainstream eye. The featured “it” girls in this video further exemplify this notion. Julia Fox, for instance, has gained notoriety for her unconventional street style, which has included outfits made of watches and shower curtains. As a marked twenty-first century “it” girl, however, Fox has taken pride in the fact that “men hate [her] outfits.” This perspective is emblematic of the attitude widely adopted by the most recent “it” girls.

The “360” video’s background visuals are considerably neutral. In clips that depict XCX and her companions in day-to-day locations, including a restaurant, a gym, a hospital, and an office, it’s clear that the “it” girls are the most notable attraction. Thus, their unique styles are put on full display. Abundant in this video are bleached or razor-thin eyebrows, fur

coats, and wrap-around glasses. In popularizing what has long been considered unfashionable, it is evident that these women have been instrumental in influencing current style trends.

The diverse identities of the “it” girls featured in the “360” music video also distinguish them from previous “it” girls. At the forefront is XCX herself, who has publicly spoken about her Indian heritage. Other featured figures have also celebrated their diverse cultural identities: models Richie Shazam and Gabriette are of Guyanese and Mexican heritage, respectively. In recruiting current “it” girls to her music video, XCX has also taken the opportunity to recognize the prominence of figures who subvert the gender binary. Along with Shazam, who identifies as non-binary, trans models Hari Nef and Alex Consani are included. Thus, the “360” music video demonstrates that the label of an “it” girl can be applied to figures other than white, cisgender celebrities.

In a final reflection on the uniqueness of the current generation of “it” girls, a comparison can be made with previous “it” girls of the twenty-first century. Almost a decade ago, Taylor Swift’s music video for her song, “Bad Blood,” was released. The video, which featured members of Swift’s infamous “squad,” confirms that the “it” girls of the mid-2010s were a far more homogenous crowd. Swift’s collaboration with the likes of Gigi Hadid, Lily

Alridge, and Karlie Kloss- who remain iconic “it” girls in their own right- reveals that previous understandings of “it” girls were centred around women with mainstream, marketable public personas and appearances. Swift’s rumoured feud with Katy Perry was a driving force in the “Bad Blood” video’s plot, which followed the singer and her companions preparing for battle against Swift’s female archnemesis. The “360” music video, in comparison, serves as a celebration of the diverse identities and boundary-defying attitudes that are prevalent amongst the new group of “it” girls. Thus, a culture of support and acceptance has been established within this collective, rather than one of competition and rivalry against other women.

Public perceptions of what makes an “it” girl reflect prominent societal values. In this generation’s willingness to accept quote-unquote “weird” girls as the new hottest “it” girls, a long-awaited departure from patriarchal standards must be noted. As previously underrepresented traits are now celebrated in pop culture, it is clear that being different is now considered an “it” factor.

A New Type of Woman Just Dropped!

Putting On Your Oxygen Mask