E-Girl Outfits: How to Get the Look, Plus Celebrity Inspo
Want to nail e-girl outfits? Here are the key pieces, makeup and hair, easy outfit ideas and the celebrities who give the look their own spin.
If you spent any time on TikTok around 2019, you saw her. Striped long sleeves under a band tee, a plaid mini, chains everywhere, heavy pink blush on the nose and a tiny heart drawn under one eye.
That’s the e-girl. And she never really left.
The look has grown up a bit since then, but the basics are still everywhere, from festival crowds to Olivia Rodrigo’s stage outfits. So if you want to try it, or you just want to know what all the chains are about, here’s how to put together e-girl outfits that actually look good.
What Is the E-Girl Aesthetic?
The “e” stands for electronic. The term started as a mean little label for girls who were popular online, especially in gaming and streaming. Then TikTok came along and the girls just took it back.
By 2019, “e-girl” meant a whole look. Think skater and emo kid from the 2000s, mixed with anime, a bit of goth and a lot of internet humor. It’s playful, it’s a little dark and it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Even Emma Chamberlain announced that year that she was officially an e-girl. That’s when you knew it had gone mainstream.
If you’re into aesthetics like this, our guide to the different types of aesthetics breaks down 16 more.
The Key E-Girl Pieces
You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. Most e-girl outfits come down to a handful of things, and you probably own a couple already.
Striped long-sleeve tops
The black-and-white striped long sleeve is basically the uniform. Wear it on its own or layer a band tee or graphic tee over the top. The layered sleeves are the whole point.
Plaid mini skirts
Red, black or green plaid, short and pleated. Pair it with fishnets or knee socks and you’re halfway there.
Chains, chains and more chains
Wallet chains, chain belts, chokers with padlocks, layered silver necklaces. Pile them on. Nobody has ever looked at an e-girl and thought, “Hmm, too many chains.”
Baggy jeans and cargo pants
Not into skirts? Wide-leg jeans with contrast stitching or oversized cargo pants work just as well. Add a studded or grommet belt.
Chunky shoes
Platform boots, chunky Doc Martens, Converse or checkerboard Vans. The heavier, the better.
Beanies and accessories
A beanie, butterfly clips, little hair barrettes, striped arm warmers. It’s the small stuff that makes it look like e-girl and not just “wore black today.”
E-Girl Makeup
The makeup is the most recognizable part of the whole look.
Start with blush. Lots of it, swept across your cheeks and over the bridge of your nose, so you look a bit sunburned (in a cute way). Pink or red both work.
Then do a winged liner, but drag the wing down a little lower than usual and smudge it. Finish with a glossy, slightly blurred lip.
The fun part is the extras. Two tiny hearts drawn under one eye. Fake freckles. A few rhinestones. You don’t need all of them. One is plenty.
E-Girl Hair
E-girl hair loves color. The classic is split dye, half one color and half another, often black and a bright pastel. If that feels like too much, try a “money piece,” two bright strands framing your face.
Pigtails, space buns and half-up styles are all big. Add a couple of butterfly clips and you’re done.
5 Easy E-Girl Outfit Ideas
1. The classic
Striped long sleeve, black band tee on top, red plaid mini skirt, fishnets and chunky platform boots. Throw on a chain belt and you’re the most e-girl person in the room.
2. The everyday version
Baggy jeans, a cropped graphic tee over a striped long sleeve and a pair of Converse. Add a few necklaces and a beanie. Easy enough for class or running errands.
3. The soft e-girl
Go pastel. A baby pink cardigan, a pleated skirt, white knee socks and Mary Janes, with butterfly clips in your hair. Same vibe, way less dark.
4. The night out
A black slip dress over a mesh top, fishnets, platform boots and a layered choker. Heavier liner, extra blush.
5. The cozy one
An oversized hoodie (the bigger the better), bike shorts or a mini skirt, slouchy socks and chunky sneakers. A little bit e-girl, a little bit “just woke up.”
Celebrities Who Wear the E-Girl Look
Billie Eilish
Before she went platinum, Billie Eilish was pretty much the face of the e-girl era. Her black hair with neon green roots, giant baggy clothes and chunky chains were copied by teenagers everywhere.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo brings a polished version to her shows, with plaid skirts, combat boots and butterfly clips. It’s e-girl meets ’90s grunge, and it suits her perfectly.
Avril Lavigne
The original. Long before TikTok, Avril was wearing ties over tank tops, striped arm warmers, plaid and heavy black eyeliner. Half of what e-girls wear today started with her.
If you like the more laid-back side of this look, our guide to the indie aesthetic is worth a look too.
E-Girl Outfits FAQ
What’s the difference between an e-girl and a soft girl?
Soft girls are all pastels, cute prints and fluffy cardigans. E-girls borrow some of that but add darker stuff like chains, plaid, fishnets and heavy liner.
Is e-girl the same as goth or emo?
Not quite. It takes bits from both, but it’s more playful and less moody. Think of it as goth’s younger, very online cousin.
Where can I buy e-girl clothes?
Thrift stores are honestly the best place to start for band tees, plaid skirts and baggy jeans. For chains, striped tops and platform boots, places like Hot Topic, Dolls Kill and Urban Outfitters stock plenty.
Can you do e-girl style on a budget?
Yes. Most of it is about how you layer, not what you buy. A striped top, a thrifted skirt, some chains and a bit of blush will get you most of the way.
Final Thoughts
The e-girl look started as an internet joke and turned into one of the most recognizable styles of the last few years. The best part? There are no real rules. Start with a striped top and a few chains, steal an idea or two from Billie or Olivia and make it your own.
