‘Fairycore’: Whimsy, magic, and… TikTok

By now, there is a collective understanding that TikTok can turn anything and everything into an aesthetic, from characters to songs, from animals to TV shows, and now it is taking on fairies and whimsy. 

However, this is not the first time that this type of aesthetic has graced the app: not too long ago, ‘cottagecore’ took centre stage, with the ‘clean girl aesthetic’ arguably dethroning ‘cottagecore’. Do not worry though, it is back and has taken on a new name: ‘fairycore’, which has been frequently accompanied by the word ‘whimsy’, which surely must be in the running for 2026’s word of the year. You cannot escape the act of intending to add whimsy to your life on your TikTok feed, as it is everywhere and in everything. It could be adding colour, star-shaped ice cubes, or even just putting a flower in your hair or walking barefoot along the mossy grass. Could it be ironic that an app which is so addicting and takes you away from reality is promoting this whimsical lifestyle? Maybe, but perhaps it is something that everyone could need in their day-to-day lives. So, how do you attain a ‘fairycore’ lifestyle? 

How to look the part

Imagine yourself in a forest, accompanied by the sounds of a nearby waterfall. You are walking amongst the trees, but what are you wearing?

[‘Fairycore’] resembles a deep sense of nostalgia and connection to childhood

On TikTok, creators present the ‘fairycore’ look with an emphasis on colour. Both pastels and bold bright colours need to be worked into every outfit that you wear in order to achieve this mystical look. Wearing thin flowy tops are also a staple, especially if they have a detailed embroidery to them, alongside jewels and gemstones. To add to this whimsical aesthetic you should be layering as it adds a sense of character to an outfit. You should also think about your accessories and make sure that they represent your status as a fairy who is connected to nature. Wear beads, flower necklaces, old vintage gem bracelets and earrings. It is easy to find accessories like these in your local charity shop –  the older and more unusual, the better. In terms of footwear, whilst it would be ideal to walk around barefoot, you might not be ready for that level of whimsy just yet. Therefore, flip flops and sandals are key to achieving a soft touch to your mystical outfit.  

How to embody ‘fairycore’

Not only are you now looking the part, but you need to embrace the spirit of ‘fairycore’. Maybe you could turn to the Tinkerbell movies for inspiration, but really think deeply about what it means to be a fairy and what lies under the aesthetic. In mythology, fairies are described as being playful, knowledgeable, and having a connection both to nature and to humanity, whilst in some cultures they can be described as evil. Broken down, these characteristics reveal what it means to be down-to-earth.

These small joys that arise in our memories fuel that inner child within us

It resembles a deep sense of nostalgia and connection to childhood, which perhaps is why this aesthetic has gained so much attraction, as it symbolises that yearning for childhood joy. If you are like me, you also loved fairies as a child (and still do). Maybe you also sent letters to the fairies in your fairy garden and would endlessly believe in magic. The ‘fairycore’ aesthetic is beautiful, both to the naked eye and on a deeper level, so a key way to embody this lifestyle then is to dig back into your childhood roots and reconnect with that whimsical joy. 

Whilst this may just be another trend that generates a wave of attraction only to collapse in a few months, it does highlight the importance of stepping back into your childhood for a little while. Old shows and movies have resurfaced, like Tinkerbell, Winx Club, and many more. These small joys that arise in our memories fuel that inner child within us, reminding us of a world outside of our busy lives, slowing us down for a second.