close-up portrait of ariana grande with a retro style makeup and hair

One of the most captivating trends to have emerged in recent years is the soft feminine look. Characterized by its delicate charm and ethereal grace, the soft feminine aesthetic has taken the beauty and fashion industries by storm. With my love for all things trendy and aesthetic, I simply couldn't pass by this beautiful trend. So, in today's blog post, we will delve into the origins of this trend, explore its key features, and learn a few tricks on how to achieve a soft feminine look, from makeup to clothing.

The Origins of the Soft Feminine Aesthetics


Unlike the dark feminine aesthetic, the soft feminine draws inspiration from various sources, including vintage styles and modern interpretations of femininity. It is rooted in the idea of embracing softness, grace, and vulnerability as strengths rather than weaknesses. 

The term "soft feminine aesthetics" is thought to have originated in the early 2010s, but it gained popularity in the late 2010s, particularly on social media platforms like Tumblr and TikTok. It is an aesthetic that celebrates all things cute, girly, and feminine, and it is often associated with pastel colors, floral prints, and delicate fabrics. 

collage with three images of soft feminine outfits

  • Some of the early influences on the soft feminine aesthetic include:

‣ Kawaii culture: Kawaii is a Japanese term that means "cute," and it is a popular aesthetic that is known for its use of bright colors, pastel shades, and childlike motifs. 

‣ Y2K fashion: Y2K fashion is a nostalgic style that is inspired by the clothing and trends of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Soft feminine aesthetics often incorporate Y2K elements like butterfly prints, bedazzled accessories, and crop tops. 

‣ Anime and manga: Anime and manga are Japanese animation and comic books, respectively, and they have a significant influence on Japanese popular culture. Soft feminine aesthetics often draw inspiration from anime and manga characters, who are often depicted with large eyes, delicate features, and flowing hair. 

  • Early influences...

One of the prominent influences of the soft feminine look is the vintage aesthetic of the mid-20th century. The fashion and beauty icons of that era, such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, epitomized elegance, with their timeless style characterized by soft, flattering silhouettes and minimalistic makeup. These iconic figures paved the way for the resurgence of a more feminine and graceful approach to beauty and fashion.
  • Soft feminine is not only about makeup or fashion...

The soft feminine aesthetic is not just about fashion. It is also a way of life that emphasizes kindness, compassion, and self-love. Soft girls are often known for being gentle and caring, and they often have a strong sense of community.

Soft Feminine Celebrity Icons: Emma Watson, Adele  and Hailey Bieber
Soft Feminine Celebrity Icons: Emma Watson, Adele  and Hailey Bieber 

What Are the Main Features of the Soft Feminine Style?


The soft feminine style is all about embracing a gentle and ethereal vibe. Here are a few elements and main features of this style:

‣ Soft and Romantic Makeup: A soft feminine makeup look emphasizes natural beauty, featuring soft, muted tones on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. Think pastel eyeshadows, rosy blush, and subtle lip colors.

‣ Effortless Hair: Soft, loose waves or romantic updos are often preferred hairstyles for achieving this look. The goal is to appear effortlessly beautiful as if you woke up looking that way.

‣ Feminine Clothing: Soft feminine clothes are characterized by flowing fabrics, delicate prints, and pastel colors. Dresses with A-line or wrap silhouettes, lace detailing, and floral patterns are commonly seen in this style.

‣ Accessories: Accessories like pearl jewelry, dainty necklaces, and lace gloves can elevate the soft feminine vibe.

‣ Graceful Posture: To truly embody the soft feminine energy, consider your posture. Stand tall with elegance and poise, exuding confidence and grace.

close-up portrait of a beautiful woman with a delicate soft makeup look and glowing skin

How to Get the Soft Feminine Look?


Now that we understand the core elements of the soft feminine style, let's explore how to achieve this look step by step, starting with makeup:

  • Soft Feminine Makeup Look:

Begin with a clean, moisturized canvas. Apply a hydrating primer that feels light on the skin to create a smooth base. Opt for a sheer or light-coverage foundation that evens out your skin tone without hiding your natural radiance.

Use a soft, rosy blush to add a healthy flush to your cheeks. Apply it lightly on the apples of your cheeks for a natural look. Choose neutral and pastel eyeshadow shades to create a soft-eye look. Keep eyeliner thin and smudged for a softer effect, and finish with mascara for fluttery lashes. Opt for soft, pink, or nude lip colors. 

  • Soft Feminine Hair:

Wavy Tresses: Create soft waves using a curling iron or curling wand. Keep the curls loose and natural-looking.

Updo Elegance: For a more formal appearance, consider an updo like a loose bun or a low chignon. Leave a few face-framing strands for a soft touch.

  • Soft Feminine Clothing:

Flowing Dresses: Look for dresses with flowing skirts and soft, feminine prints. Pastel colors like blush pink, lavender, and mint are ideal choices.

Lace and Floral: Embrace lace detailing and floral patterns in your clothing choices, whether it's a dress, top, or skirt.

Wrap Silhouettes: Wrap dresses and tops are both flattering and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for the soft feminine style.

Let's summarize...


The soft feminine look is a captivating trend that celebrates the grace, beauty, and vulnerability within all of us. Drawing inspiration from vintage styles and modern interpretations of femininity, this aesthetic empowers individuals to embrace their softness as a strength. Whether you're experimenting with soft, romantic makeup or choosing flowing feminine clothing, the key is to let your inner softness shine through.

Lots of love,
Liz