With the ever-growing success of TikTok (you might have heard of it?), a new generation of pensive young adults has been experimenting online with the gothic stylings of the past.
However, these emo-centric, edgy outfits and make-up looks have been updated by Generation Z to form the ‘E-girl’ trend.
Even celebrities have gotten involved in the past, such as Billie Eilish and Doja Cat taking inspiration from the style with their love for neon, oversized clothes, and layered chains.
What is an E-girl?
As always, we must look to the pillar of knowledge, Urban Dictionary, to learn more. It defines E-girls as “a girl on TikTok that wears an excessive amount of blush, hearts under their eyes, cute hair, watches anime and dresses kinda Lolita”.
Looking at the book Japanese Street Style by Pat Lyttle, we can see how Japanese street fashion from 2012 has influenced the E-girl style in 2021. Iconic fashion styles always seem to emerge from the streets of Tokyo.
Related: Channel your inner soft girl with these aesthetic outfit ideas
Essentials E-girl accessories
Before we search the high street to create the ultimate E-girl style guide, we first must nail down the fundamentals of the look. Notepads at the ready - to establish your E-girl wardrobe, you must own:
• A black & white/navy striped long sleeve t-shirt (don’t ask us why, but it seems to be the number one staple in any E-girl look)
• Layers, so many layers...
• N E O N
Basically, anything that makes you look like a mixture of a toddler and a gothic vampire. Trust us - somehow, it works. Need some help? Heat has got you covered with the top E-girl clothes from the high street.
Related: Maddy from Euphoria's most iconic outfits and where to buy them
CHECK OUT: Best E-girl style clothes from the high street 2022
Here it is folks, the main event: the long-sleeved striped tee. A must-have for an E-girl, and goes underneath any graphic tee.
Debenhamswww.debenhams.com
Or to switch things up a LOT, go for this multi-coloured, rainbow shirt from Debenhams.
Etsywww.etsy.com
Butterfly patterns are back, which means noughties trends are going to slowly take over the planet in 2022. We're both excited and terrified.
AmazonYou see these types of E-girl skirts all over TikTok, and for good reason- they're punk AF. There are 23 colours to choose from, although the black version is our fav.
ASOSwww.asos.com
A black, pleated mini skirt is a staple item in E-girl attire.
AmazonPreppy realness. This skirt is available in a whopping 13 colours.
ASOSwww.asos.com
You can't have an E-girl wardrobe without some fishnets. Some people like to rip even bigger holes for extra grudge.
AmazonIt is essential that the sleeves are long enough to hide your hands - it's part of the E-girl charm.
ASOSwww.asos.com
Slip dresses are perfect for layering on top of turtlenecks and tights. If you haven't got the hint already, layers are key.
ASOSwww.asos.com
Collusion is the top brand to look into when searching for E-girl fashion, and luckily for us, ASOS stocks it in abundance. This dress is perfect for layering up.
Boohoowww.boohoo.com
For the bottoms, rock these soft graffiti joggers. Even if you are as gothic as they come, no one can resist a comfy pair of joggers.
Skinnydipwww.skinnydiplondon.com
Billie Eilish loves wearing cycle shorts underneath her oversized tees, and these cut out printed ones from Skinnydip are fab.
Jaded Londonjadedldn.com
Or go for these wonderfully punk shorts from Jaded London.
All Saintswww.allsaints.com
E-girl fashion has its gothic roots, which means lots of skulls. Deathly cute.
Zavviwww.zavvi.com
Black is the go-to gothic colour, but black graphic tees bring it into the E-girl realm with that burst of colour, like this Exorcist themed one.
ASOSwww.asos.com
Or go white with this cute graphic unisex tee from Collusion.
AmazonAs well as black, there are 14 other colours to choose from.
ASOSwww.asos.com
Smock dresses are arguably an E-girl essential, and this neon purple one from ASOS is perfect.
Etsywww.etsy.com
This T-shirt is influenced by Tokyo streetwear and will make you feel like an anime character.
ASOSwww.asos.com
Loving the Clueless vibes.
Debenhamswww.debenhams.com
Nothing says E-girl more than an oversized T-shirt, and this beauty from Nasty Gal really blurs the lines between T-shirt and dress. We are here for the Billie Eilish vibes...
Young Savageyoungsavage.uk
Giving us major Morticia Addams energy....
Etsywww.etsy.com
You can see these types of chunky, layered jewellery pieces all over E-girl TikTok. Defo check out the other E-girl jewellery from this Etsy shop, too.
Etsywww.etsy.com
Add a pop of colour to your outfit with these flower earrings, which are super affordable as well.
Urban Outfitterswww.urbanoutfitters.com
Scrunchies are a must-have for any E-girl hair-do, and you get seven chic scrunchies in this Urban Outfitters pack.
Koi Footwearwww.koifootwear.com
These are the cutest frickin' shoes ever.
AmazonThese shoes bring in the Lolita, Japanese Streetwear element into the E-girl style. And that's your E-girl wardrobe sorted.
And there you have it, our picks for the best E-girl fashion on the high street right now. Darn you TikTok for making us buy so many things... but we love you for it.
Related: 8 iconic Madison Beer outfits and how to recreate them on the high-street
Main image credit: @trishlikefish88, @herondaleann, @strawb3rryswitchblad3