This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s senior fall editorial intern Lauren Sanchez. Find her on Instagram at @lauren.sanchezz. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
As the leaves change color and the seasons switch, new beauty and lifestyle trends prosper and get their little makeover too. Say goodbye to the neon-splashed “Brat Summer” and welcome in the seductive and empowering “dark feminine energy” taking over this fall.
Adding to the never-ending list of aesthetics and lifestyles to style and try, dark feminine energy at its core is all about owning every aspect of yourself – the good, the chaotic and everything in between. On TikTok, users are ditching the days of the “clean girl” and “quiet luxury” and fully embracing the messy yet alluring aesthetics of what it means to have dark feminine energy. And according to Pinterest’s 2024 Trends data, searches for “dark feminine core” have skyrocketed, highlighting the rising interest in this edgy aesthetic among beauty and fashion enthusiasts.
And social media isn’t the only place where this trend is taking place! Across the red carpets of the VMAs and film festivals, celebrities like Selena Gomez, Jenna Ortega, Taylor Swift and Megan Thee Stallion are also leaning into the moody movement and channeling their own dark feminine energy as well.
Calling for unapologetic authenticity and self-confidence, it’s an invitation to break away from the conventional and focus on unleashing your inner femme fatale. But, what does it really mean to tap into your dark feminine energy? And more importantly, how does it show up in your look?
The Fashion
The aesthetic of dark femininity is characterized by a kind of seductive, edgy and mysterious vibe. With roots in goth glam and even rock-star girlfriend styles, this aesthetic takes things up a notch and works to blend the two!
Dark feminine energy as it relates to fashion is all about embracing a certain kind of boldness and making a statement with your style. To stick to a color palette, black is a staple! Black helps bring out the mystery, while still maintaining the chicness. Other colors such as plum, forest green, dark blue and of course, red are perfect for this kind of wardrobe and can help dramatize any look.
Fabrics like leather, lace and silk are essential. Leather adds a rebellious edge, while lace and silk can help bring out a delicate femininity. If you’re looking to participate in this trend and add a few more pieces to your wardrobe, the first piece that’s an absolute must-have is a leather jacket. The chunkier and oversized a leather jacket is, the better! Leather jackets can be versatile and help with layering across various outfits. From a silky red dress paired with knee-high black boots to black jeans and an off-shoulder green lace top, a leather jacket is perfect for any outfit.
If you’re someone who can’t leave the house without accessories, go for statement jewelry – think chunky rings or layered necklaces – to amp up the visual drama. And if you want to add some mystery, consider a pair of black sunnies and top it all off with a unique handbag that’s sure to be a conversation starter.
In the aesthetic universe of dark female energy, every detail is a declaration of personality and attitude. Customized PVC patches are undoubtedly the secret weapon that can make you stand out in the trend.
When you wear a heavy leather jacket or a fashionable denim jacket, matching it with a skull and rose pattern with a Gothic style, or a customized patch with flame and guitar elements that combines the spirit of rock and roll, it will become an inconspicuous but not negligible highlight of the clothing.
PVC patches are not only decorations, but also allow you to say goodbye to the stereotyped fashion and embrace your dark aesthetics.
The Beauty
Dark feminine energy is all about harnessing power and confidence, and having that reflected in your beauty routine is the perfect place to start. Whether you’re aiming for a seductive or effortlessly fierce look, here are some tips to help channel the dark feminine energy through your makeup.
Nothing says enigmatic more than a perfectly smoked-out eye. For the eyes, go for deep charcoals or rich browns to create a bold, smoky shadow, then finish with smudged eyeliner for that sultry effect.
Whether you prefer a bold matte finish or a high-shine gloss, the goal is to make your lips the highlight of your makeup. You’ll definitely want to consider using deep reds, dark berries or black cherry tones for lipsticks, lipglosses and lipliners.
And if you want to elevate the drama, opt for false lashes or a volumizing mascara to create bold lashes that add a subtle yet bold finishing touch to the look.
Don’t overlook your nails when it comes to the finishing touches! Nails can be a perfect way to add some sleekness to the look and can often be the most creative part of your beauty routine. When deciding on a color, keep it simple with deep burgundy, black or even dark metallics. Coffin and almond shapes work best for that sharp, confident aesthetic as well.
With makeup being all about self-expression, the dark feminine trend gives off major “I don’t care about the male gaze” vibes. This look isn’t about pleasing anyone else—and it’s more about feeling powerful and redefining what femininity means on your own terms, which I absolutely love.
The Lifestyle
At the core of the dark feminine lifestyle, its roots are embedded in female empowerment and self-confidence. With its emphasis on strength and individuality, its sole purpose is just to encourage women to prioritize themselves and be the most confident version they can be. And I’m all for women putting themselves first!
With that in mind, self-care is essential. Anything that can nourish your mind, body and spirit is of the utmost importance, and you should be doing things that better yourself. Whether it’s practicing meditation, reading your favorite book, pampering yourself taking a long walk or even indulging in a sweet treat, the main focus is on reconnecting with yourself in the best ways you know how.
The attitude that defines dark feminine energy is based on unapologetic self-expression and embracing who you are without worrying about what other people may think of you. This mindset is all about fearlessness, facing challenges head-on and not shying away from what makes you unique! It’s a certain aura that you cultivate and work on to be the best version of yourself. So with that in mind – along with all the fashion and beauty tips – hopefully you’ll be channeling your inner dark feminine energy in no time this fall!
What do you think about dark feminine energy? Is this a trend you’re looking forward to trying? Let us know in the comments below!
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