Aesthetics drive engagement. Master these popular visual styles to create content that resonates with specific audiences.
Dark Academia
The Aesthetic
Scholarly, moody, classical education vibes. Think old libraries, autumn leaves, and vintage books.
Visual Elements
- Warm, muted tones (brown, burgundy, forest green)
- Classical architecture
- Books, candles, fountain pens
- Autumn atmosphere
- Scholarly settings
Prompt Templates
Library Scene:
Grand old library with towering bookshelves, warm lamplight, dust motes in sunbeams, dark academia aesthetic, scholarly and mysterious atmosphere
Study Scene:
Vintage desk with open books and handwritten notes, candle flickering, rain on window, dark academia, studious and contemplative
Exterior:
Gothic university building on autumn day, falling leaves, overcast sky, dark academia, prestigious and timeless
Cottagecore
The Aesthetic
Rural romanticism, simple living, nature connection. Handmade, wholesome, pastoral vibes.
Visual Elements
- Soft, warm natural lighting
- Flowers, gardens, meadows
- Baked goods, tea, preserves
- Linen, wicker, vintage kitchenware
- Butterflies, bees, wildlife
Prompt Templates
Kitchen Scene:
Cozy cottage kitchen with fresh-baked bread, wildflowers in mason jar, morning light through lace curtains, cottagecore aesthetic, warm and wholesome
Garden Scene:
Overgrown cottage garden with blooming flowers, butterfly landing on lavender, golden hour light, cottagecore, peaceful and romantic
Interior:
Rustic cottage interior with handmade quilts, dried flowers, soft natural light, cottagecore aesthetic, simple and charming
Minimalist
The Aesthetic
Clean, uncluttered, intentional. Less is more, with focus on quality over quantity.
Visual Elements
- Neutral colors (white, black, gray, beige)
- Clean lines
- Negative space
- Simple objects
- Soft, even lighting
Prompt Templates
Space:
Minimal interior with single statement piece, clean white walls, soft shadows, minimalist aesthetic, calm and intentional
Product:
[Product] on simple surface with dramatic negative space, clean minimalist style, focus on form, sophisticated simplicity
Abstract:
Abstract minimal shapes, soft gradient background, zen-like simplicity, minimalist art, serene and balanced
Clean Girl
The Aesthetic
Effortless beauty, natural glow, put-together but not trying too hard. Health, wellness, simplicity.
Visual Elements
- Dewy skin, natural makeup looks
- Slicked-back hair
- Neutral tones
- Self-care moments
- Fresh, healthy glow
Prompt Templates
Skincare:
Minimal skincare moment, dewy glowing skin, soft natural light, clean girl aesthetic, effortless and radiant
Morning Routine:
Peaceful morning routine scene, fresh and clean, neutral tones, clean girl aesthetic, healthy and put-together
Lifestyle:
Aesthetic healthy moment, green juice or wellness item, soft bright light, clean girl vibes, naturally beautiful
That Girl
The Aesthetic
Aspirational routine, productivity, wellness goals. The "best version of yourself" energy.
Visual Elements
- 5 AM wake-up vibes
- Workout scenes
- Healthy meals
- Productivity setup
- Journal and planning
Prompt Templates
Morning:
5 AM sunrise morning routine, peaceful productive energy, that girl aesthetic, motivated and inspiring
Workout:
Aesthetic workout moment, athletic and healthy, clean gym or outdoor setting, that girl energy, disciplined and strong
Productivity:
Aesthetic desk setup with planner, healthy snack, laptop, that girl aesthetic, organized and ambitious
Coastal Grandmother
The Aesthetic
Nancy Meyers movie vibes. Linen, light, beach houses, effortless sophistication.
Visual Elements
- Soft, airy lighting
- Linen and natural fabrics
- Beach/coastal settings
- Light neutral colors
- Timeless elegance
Prompt Templates
Interior:
Bright airy beach house interior, linen curtains billowing, soft coastal light, coastal grandmother aesthetic, elegant and peaceful
Outdoor:
Peaceful beach scene at golden hour, soft sand, gentle waves, coastal grandmother vibes, serene and sophisticated
Lifestyle:
Elegant coastal moment, fresh flowers, soft natural materials, coastal grandmother aesthetic, timeless and refined
Y2K
The Aesthetic
Early 2000s nostalgia. Cyber, metallic, playful, futuristic-retro.
Visual Elements
- Bright, saturated colors
- Metallic and chrome
- Butterfly and star motifs
- Low-rise, bedazzled, glossy
- Tech-futuristic
Prompt Templates
Tech:
Y2K futuristic tech scene, metallic surfaces, bright colored lights, early 2000s aesthetic, playful and cyber
Fashion:
Y2K aesthetic moment, glossy and metallic, bright saturated colors, early 2000s vibes, fun and nostalgic
Abstract:
Y2K inspired abstract, chrome and bright colors, futuristic-retro, early 2000s digital aesthetic
Soft/Cozy
The Aesthetic
Warmth, comfort, hygge vibes. Blankets, warm drinks, rainy days, gentle contentment.
Visual Elements
- Warm, golden lighting
- Soft textures (blankets, sweaters)
- Hot beverages
- Candles
- Rain/snow outside
Prompt Templates
Cozy Scene:
Cozy blanket scene with warm drink, soft golden light, rain on window, ultimate cozy aesthetic, warm and comforting
Reading:
Cozy reading nook, soft throw blanket, steaming tea, fairy lights, cozy aesthetic, peaceful and content
Evening:
Cozy evening atmosphere, candles flickering, soft textures, warm tones, hygge vibes, deeply comforting
Vaporwave
The Aesthetic
Retro-futurism, 80s/90s nostalgia, surreal, internet culture.
Visual Elements
- Pink, purple, cyan colors
- Greek statues
- Retro tech
- Palm trees, sunsets
- Glitch effects
Prompt Templates
Classic:
Vaporwave aesthetic, pink and purple sunset, retro palm trees, 80s vibes, nostalgic and surreal
Abstract:
Vaporwave digital art, neon colors, geometric shapes, retro-futuristic, internet aesthetic
Scene:
Surreal vaporwave landscape, classical statue, neon lighting, 80s retrowave, dreamy and nostalgic
More Aesthetics Quick Reference
Grunge
Moody grunge aesthetic, dark tones, edgy and raw, 90s alternative vibes, rebellious energy
Fairycore
Magical fairy aesthetic, soft pastels, mushrooms and flowers, ethereal light, whimsical and enchanting
Goblincore
Goblincore aesthetic, moss and mushrooms, found objects, earthy chaotic energy, nature appreciation
Light Academia
Light academia aesthetic, bright scholarly vibes, classical with warmth, golden light, intellectual and hopeful
Romantic
Romantic aesthetic, soft florals, vintage feminine, dreamy and emotional, love and beauty
Indie
Indie aesthetic, warm film tones, eclectic and artistic, vintage with modern edge, creative individual
Old Money
Old money aesthetic, quiet luxury, timeless elegance, understated wealth, refined and sophisticated
Using Aesthetics Strategically
Match Aesthetic to Audience
- Gen Z: Y2K, Clean Girl, That Girl
- Millennials: Cottagecore, Minimalist, Cozy
- Broad appeal: Minimalist, Soft/Cozy, Romantic
Mix for Unique Style
Combine elements: "Minimalist cottagecore" or "Dark academia with cozy vibes
Stay Consistent
Pick 1-2 primary aesthetics for brand consistency.
Choose your aesthetic and start creating content that resonates with your specific audience.