The defining characteristics of the Gen Z aesthetic are most obvious when sidled up next to the Millennial aesthetic. So let's first recap the last 5 years...
Taylor Lorenz notes "Fast-rising young influencers such as Emma Chamberlain, Jazzy Anne, and Joanna Ceddia all reject the notion of a curated feed in favor of a messier and more unfiltered vibe.”
But the aesthetic has become so saturated and manufactured, that a new generation of consumers are painting an entirely new canvas. And it ain't pretty. I've personally been referring to the aesthetic as "intentional ugly"