Ever scrolled through TikTok or Instagram, envying “that girl” with her flawless routine and enviable lifestyle?
The truth is, the allure of the “That Girl” trend isn’t always as positive as it seems. It often leans into unattainable aesthetics, making us feel like we’re perpetually falling short.
But, fear not! There’s a silver lining. Amidst the curated content, there’s a wave of positivity waiting to be embraced.
Let’s redefine what it truly means to be “That Girl” in a way that’s healthy, positive, and uniquely you.
No green juice requirements or unrealistic expectations—just real, empowering habits. Join us as we dive into 16 ways to authentically become “That Girl” today. 🌸💪
What is the “That Girl” TikTok Trend?
We’ve all seen it — the early risers with impeccable exercise routines, the health-conscious girls with radiant skin, and the fashionistas showcasing enviable styles. We can’t help but watch, transfixed, and secretly wish we were living the “That Girl” lifestyle.
We live vicariously through them, wishing we were “that girl”? That’s what the “that girl” tiktok trend refers to— women who prioritize their health & wellness in a cohesive & aesthetic daily routine.
Is the that girl trend toxic?
In many ways, yes. The “that girl” trend can be pretty toxic.
Many creators of this type of content focus on the aesthetic of their “that girl” lifestyle rather than the mental & physical benefits. They often promote lifestyles that are unattainable for the majority of women who do not have the time and money to drink green juice every day & wear a brand new workout set.
This content can make you feel like you’re never doing enough, you don’t have enough, and you’ll never actually be “that girl”— you can only admire her from a far.
But the reason we’re all so attracted to this type of content can be positive, if we choose to approach it with intention. Amongst a sea of influencers who are only focused on crafting a certain aesthetic, there are creators out there that share positive tips & motivation for how you can be “that girl,” which can actually be really positive.
This type of “that girl” content can be inspiring & motivate you to practice self-care, mindfulness, and healthy habits.
A Positive Twist on the “That Girl” trend
So, what does it truly mean to be “That Girl” in a healthy and positive way? Let’s redefine the narrative:
What being that girl is NOT about:
- ❌ drinking green juice every day (I mean, definitely drink healthy beverages you enjoy, but the point is being the best version of yourself cannot be distilled to a single habit that looks aesthetic in videos.
- ❌ being somebody you’re not
- ❌ doing every single one of these things every single day
- ❌ being self-absorbed & image focused
- ❌ developing a certain “aesthetic”
- ❌ spending money
What being that girl is about:
- ✨ Developing healthy habits
- ✨ Finding a deep, positive connection with yourself & others
- ✨ Practicing mindfulness
- ✨ Learning & growing
- ✨ Being kind to yourself
Now that we’ve established what it means to use the “that girl” trend in a positive & beneficial way, let’s dive in to 16 ways to be “that girl” you can implement today.
How to be that girl: The ultimate that girl routine
🧴 Commit to a morning & evening skincare routine
A consistent morning & evening skincare routine is one of my favorite ways to practice self care every day.
Don’t get me wrong, I love having glowy skin throughout the day, but the benefit of a skincare routine stretches far beyond appearance. In the morning & evening, I really look forward to putting on some music & pampering myself in a small way.
And don’t feel like you have to start a 10 step skincare routine! Sometimes simple is better when it comes to skincare.
🪥 Brush your teeth (and floss!)
This might sound silly— but being that girl is about taking care of yourself in all ways, including your beautiful teeth!
When crafting your morning & evening routine, don’t forget your smile. A bright smile is your secret weapon. Your dentist will thank you, and your confident grin will light up any room!
💖 Practice positive affirmations
Being that girl is just as much about how you feel as it is your actual routine— and positive affirmations are the perfect tool to help you feel confident & ready to conquer the day.
Positive affirmations can be used in so many ways, but one of my personal favorites is to simply repeat them to yourself in the mirror a few times each morning.
You can write your own affirmations, or use some that are already written. I have a ton of positive affirmations on the blog for different use cases if you’re ready to incorporate affirmations into your routine!
🌞 Establish a good morning routine
Creating a morning ritual will help you prioritize & focus on yourself before you have to tackle all of your daily commitments.
It’s a way of telling yourself “I am important, and I deserve some time for myself before everything else.”
Many items on this list can be factored into a daily morning routine of your own. I recommend writing down your morning routine & placing it somewhere you can see every day while you get into the habit.
💭 Practice mindfulness
What does mindfulness have to do with being “that girl?” A lot, actually!!
And if you’re not familiar— mindfulness is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment, paying attention to your surroundings & your thoughts and processing them with non-judgemental kindness.
It can transform so many aspects of your life. In fact, it’s really foundational for this “that girl” routine, because it supports the development of positive habits through conscious awareness. It will also help you notice and transform any negative thoughts that prevent you from being that girl.
For example, if you scroll across another toxic “that girl” video on TikTok, you may notice it makes you feel bad about yourself if you’re being mindful of your thoughts. You can kindly accept this thought and recognize why it made you feel that way.
Mindfulness could use a whole blog post on it’s own. If you want to learn more about the benefits, start here!
🏠 Become a minimalist
Why is it that every “that girl” on Tiktok seems to have a well-decorated & peaceful apartment?
This may make you want to redecorate and go out and buy new furniture— but there’s actually something way easier (and free) to make your home a more calming & aesthetic place— minimalism!
I’m not saying you have to get rid of all your belongings— but if you’re looking to create a space that supports your mental health, the first step is to declutter. Pay attention to your surroundings and start donating or selling things that you just really don’t need.
In time, you’ll find your environment less cluttered, cleaner, and calmer. Trust me, this will make such a bigger impact than buying anything new.
🏃🏼♀️ Find a healthy and sustainable workout routine
To be “that girl” you don’t have to spend hours in the gym every day. It’s all about finding an exercise routine that you can stay consistent with over time.
For me personally, my entire exercise routine is walking. Yes, walking! I find that the number one way I can stay active is to go on frequent walks throughout the day and make sure I’m getting lots of steps in. Sometimes I add in 12-3-30 for a little more intensity.
So what will work for you? You don’t need a new work out set or fancy gym membership to get started, it’s just about finding ways to move your body.
📓 Journal every day
This is one area of the “that girl” routine where you can focus on the aesthetic— by finding a cute journal! But, you have to commit to writing in it every day.
There are so many ways you can use a journal but the best thing is just to commit to writing in it every day, whether thats just your random thoughts, gratitude journaling, or goal-setting.
👭 Be a good friend
A lot of “that girl” content of TikTok is a bit… self-absorbed.
And don’t get me wrong, self-love is amazing and so essential, but one of the major complaints about “that girl” trend is that it makes it seem like you can become happier just by doing all solo tasks, while ignoring one of the key scientifically proven ways to be happier— connecting with others.
So, think about how you can take time in your routine to reach out to a friend or family member and foster those connections.
💦 Hydrate
You know the drill— you need to be drinking water! Do what you need to do to get 8 cups of water in each day, even if that means investing in a new cute water bottle.
Or, you can make your hydration routine feel a bit more luxurious by adding some fresh lemon.
But when it comes down to it, you really just need to be drinking plain ol’ H2O.
🎧 Read educational books & listen to podcasts
I’m the type of gal that loves to have a podcast on in the background whenever i’m doing anything, and this is a great way to focus on a key aspect of being “that girl”— learning new things & self improvement.
Here’s a couple of my favorites:
- Huberman Lab: Health & wellness from a neuroscientist
- Unlocking Us with Brene Brown: all about emotions, meaning & purpose
🌸 Find a signature scent
Sometimes, finding joy in the simple things can make a big difference.
One super simple thing you can do is find or create a signature scent that you love, and wear it every day.
Even if you’re not going anywhere, think of it as a little sprinkle of joy in your life & a way to engage your senses.
🥗 Try healthy (and filling) recipes
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but “that girl” eats more than just the green juice & salad she shows in her videos. Can you tell I have a personal vendetta against green juice?
When it comes to diet, it’s all about finding a healthy balance. Not all of your food needs to be light & aesthetic. Have pasta for dinner, but start the day with a healthy breakfast like avocado toast. Indulge occasionally, but try to fit in fruits & vegetables where you can.
👗 Find your unique personal style
Being “that girl” is not about following trends. You do not need that new sweater, that matching workout set, or those new Uggs to be that girl. What will make you feel so much better than following trends is to invest in finding your own personal style.
When you’re getting dressed, focus on what clothes make you feel your best & most confident. Wear those and try to incorporate more of that type of clothes in your wardrobe instead of following the latest trends. (yes, this is a mindfulness practice!)
You’ll feel better about yourself if you focus on intentionally curating items you love, rather than buying the latest fast fashion.
💞 Compliment others often & sincerely
So we’ve focused on how you can be that girl, but how about making others feel like “that girl”?
Receiving a compliment always feels amazing, and giving one does too! As you work on your self-love journey, try spreading the love to others by giving compliments generously. Complimenting others is an amazing way to radiate positivity and help others in their own self-love journey.
“That Girl” Free Checklist
Conclusion
Again, the point of this list is to give you some ideas to add to your own routine, not to say that you necessarily have to, or should, do every step! Your wellness journey is personal to you.
Remember, being “That Girl” is not about conforming to a predetermined mold but about embracing the practices that resonate with your essence. Your journey is a personal narrative, and every step you take should align with your values, desires, and well-being. Feel free to cherry-pick, modify, or completely reimagine the elements of this list to suit the rhythm of your life.