Hot Mess, But Make It Couture: The Rise of the Messy Rich Girl Aesthetic

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so I earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you! Thanks for supporting the blog!

She’s late to brunch, her oat milk latte is already cold, and her designer tote is filled with receipts, lip glosses, and probably a croissant she forgot about — and yet, she still looks like she walked out of a Vogue editorial. Welcome to the world of the messy rich girl aesthetic: a chaotic mix of effortless glamour, quiet luxury, and IDGAF energy.

This isn’t about looking perfect — it’s about looking expensive without even trying. Think slept-in eyeliner, tousled hair, and a $3,000 coat thrown over an old college tee. She’s got money, but more importantly, she’s got vibe — and she’s too busy living her life to care if her outfit matches.

In a world obsessed with curated perfection and “clean girl” minimalism, the messy rich girl is the cool, unbothered rebel — and her reign is just beginning. Let’s break down why everyone suddenly wants to look like they inherited an estate but forgot to brush their hair.

What Is the Messy Rich Girl Aesthetic?

Picture this: you overslept, threw on a vintage cashmere sweater, and left the house with yesterday’s eyeliner still intact — but somehow, you still look like you belong on the guest list for a fashion week afterparty. That’s the messy rich girl vibe in a nutshell.

This aesthetic isn’t about perfection or polish. It’s about effortless luxury with a side of chaos. She’s not “put together” in the traditional sense, but she’s intriguing, magnetic, and always dressed in a way that says I have money, taste, and better things to worry about than matching socks.

It’s the spiritual opposite of the “clean girl” aesthetic. Where clean girl is slicked-back buns and glazed skin, the messy rich girl is tousled waves, chipped gel polish, and an outfit that somehow cost $5,000 but looks like it was picked up off the floor (because it was). She lives in a world of soft chaos and unapologetic abundance — and she owns it.

Signature Style Staples

The messy rich girl doesn’t follow trends — she accidentally starts them. Her wardrobe is a mix of designer, vintage, and whatever was on the floor this morning. Key pieces?

• Oversized sunglasses (even indoors)
• Claw clips or loosely-tied silk scarves
• Cashmere sweaters + wrinkled trousers
• Ballet flats or designer sneakers that have been through things
• A half-zipped designer bag overflowing with “essentials”

Beauty That’s Effortless (But Expensive)

The messy rich girl’s beauty routine looks low-maintenance — but it’s giving “I have a facialist on speed dial.”

• Smudged eyeliner that’s somehow intentional
• Fluffy, brushed-up brows and glowy skin
• Lip gloss in every purse she owns
• Hair that’s perfectly undone (read: slept-in blowout or claw clip magic)

She’s not aiming for flawless — just expensive, dewy, and a little too cool to care.

The Rich Girl Attitude

The messy rich girl isn’t just about the clothes — it’s the energy. She’s the girl who walks into a room and somehow, the world slows down. She’s not rushing, she’s just living. She doesn’t need to explain herself because her vibe speaks louder than words. She’s the one who’s always a little late, but somehow still owns the room as if it’s on her time. She doesn’t even try to be perfect, and that’s exactly what makes her so magnetic.

She leaves a text on read, but you know it’s not personal. She’s sipping her iced coffee, casually flipping through the latest Vogue, and giving off the vibe that she’s too busy living her best life to even care about the little things. Her chaotic cool is her superpower, and it’s why we’re all obsessed.

She’s got the kind of confidence that doesn’t need to be loud, just effortlessly there. And honestly? It’s kind of the most luxurious thing about her.

How To Rock The Messy Rich Girl Aesthetic on Social Media

If there’s one place where the messy rich girl truly thrives, it’s on social media. But not in the perfectly curated way you’d expect — this aesthetic is all about the realness that makes you feel like you’re scrolling through someone’s impromptu fashion diary.

• Blurry selfies are a thing — and they look expensive. No need for perfect lighting when you’ve got natural glow and a designer bag in the background.
• Unpolished, unfiltered moments: Think chaotic mornings with half-done makeup and messy hair, paired with a luxury coffee cup or the latest high-end accessory.
• Candid shots: From rushing to an event to lounging at home in oversized loungewear — it’s all about capturing the “real” but with a luxe twist.
• Vibes over perfection: No captions needed, just vibes and pictures that says it all.
• Behind-the-scenes glamour: Showcasing the messy moments in between the glam — like leaving a shoot or grabbing brunch, but still looking like a million bucks.

It’s social media that feels real, even if it’s completely staged. And honestly, that’s what makes it so addictive.

How to Get the Look (Without the Billionaire Budget)

You might not have a trust fund, but that doesn’t mean you can’t channel the messy rich girl aesthetic. Here’s how to pull it off — minus the Cartier price tag:

• Start with oversized pieces: A loose, vintage cashmere sweater, an oversized blazer, or a slouchy trench coat instantly gives you that “I woke up like this” vibe. Bonus points if you thrift or shop second-hand for authentic luxury finds.
• Messy hair, don’t care: The messier the better. Embrace tousled waves, a half-up ponytail, or a casual claw clip.
• Mix high and low fashion: You don’t need a full designer wardrobe. Pair a basic white tee or an old hoodie with a luxe accessory — like a designer bag, watch, or sunglasses. It’s all about those little touches.
• Add some intentional chaos: Let your outfit feel lived-in. Don’t stress if your bag is overflowing, your shoes have scuff marks, or your nails are chipped. It’s part of the charm.
• Shop at places that mimic luxury vibes: Brands like Zara, Aritzia, and Mango offer trendy pieces that look expensive without the high-end price tag. And don’t forget to hit up vintage stores for the ultimate rich-girl-on-a-budget treasures.

It’s not about spending big; it’s about investing in the right pieces and letting your confidence do the rest. After all, messy is just another word for effortlessly cool.