Expect To See the Y2K-Inspired “Coconut Girl” Aesthetic Everywhere This Summer

An early 2000s-inspired look complete with temporary glitter tattoos, tropical prints, shell necklaces and flouncy minis is the latest Y2K look gaining popularity on TikTok.

Tropical prints, temporary glitter tattoos, halter tops. Ever wanted to relive those early aughts fashion choices — judgment-free? Well now, you can. Introducing “coconut girl,” a made-for-summer aesthetic that has been all over TikTok lately. Like many current what’s-old-is-new-again fashion trends such as Juicy Couture tracksuits and low-rise denim, the coconut girl look brings us right back to 2000s style, with its flowy skirts and beaded necklaces. Think early 2000s Rihanna with splashes of Blue Crush and early The O.C. vibes. Here’s a little background on the coconut girl aesthetic and some tips on how to achieve it.

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What is the coconut girl aesthetic and where did it come from?

A coconut girl is breezy, bright and reminiscent of the early 2000s. Full of pastel pinks, blues and yellows, this aesthetic brings Y2K to the beach. With some Floridian influence, it has also been dubbed the “Key West kitten aesthetic.”

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Though new to some, this style was first popularized years ago, notably in TV shows and movies that are set near the beach, such as Aquamarine (2006) and H20: Just Add Water (2006-2010). Heavily used imagery of the hibiscus (Hawaii’s state flower) and the word “coconut” implies influence from tropical locales. Acknowledging this influence is important, so that wearers of the trend are not simply appropriating Hawaiian or Caribbean cultures when sporting their favourite 2000s beach-inspired looks.

Thanks to its renewed popularity, the coconut girl aesthetic is fast becoming a favourite micro trend for summer 2021. In comparison to mainstream trends that typically stick around for three to seven years, a micro trend stays “trendy” for only a few months. A word of caution: the fleeting popularity of micro trends can contribute to overconsumption, as people often stop wearing the clothes once the trend cycle ends. A way to combat this is by shopping more intentionally: buying something because you like it, not just because it’s trendy, and shopping more sustainably by thrift shopping.

How to achieve the coconut girl look

The coconut girl aesthetic is simple yet unmistakable. To start, pair a tropical- or floral-print top with a pastel-coloured mini-skirt. Add a knit bag, and accessorize with layered shell or beaded necklaces and crochet bracelets and anklets. Take the Y2K beach-goer look a step further by adding a temporary sparkly tattoo (bonus points if it’s a dolphin), and voilà!

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The coconut girl aesthetic has hit Gen Z folks and millennials alike with a wave of nostalgia. Is it possible the reason these Y2K trends have become so popular is because they remind us of simpler, more carefree times? Whatever the reason may be, early 2000s aesthetics like the coconut girl are not done making their way back into our lives.