My Greatest Weapon Against the Winter Scaries: Whimsy-Maxxing

If your TikTok feed is suddenly teeming with floral-embroidered corsets, beading DIYs, sprinkle-covered pancakes, and crochet keychains, it’s not just you. Some may say it’s the season of the witch, but according to the algorithm, it’s the season of whimsy.Whimsy-maxxing (or whimsycore if that’s your slang of choice) embraces stylistic joy and analog play, evolving from past microtrends like fairycore and cottagecore. Yes, it may be trending online, but it’s a style choice (and general lifestyle) meant to celebrate offline discovery—a response to adult burnout, screen fatigue, and, most recently, AI slop.To make your closet more whimsical, trade quiet luxury for a little girlish imperfection. Get dressed with joy rather than sophistication in mind, and embrace weird color combinations, excessive ribbons or beads, and playful accessories.But you don’t have to go full Renaissance faire to pull off the trend; small bits of whimsy are easy to work into your current wardrobe. You can add pieces you DIY yourself, or simply lean into unexpectedly creative ways to pull an outfit together. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are four different takes on whimsy-maxxing, from Sofia Coppola-coded to something more fantastical. Just remember, there isn’t one way to dress “whimsy”; if it sparks joy, then you’re doing it right!Girlish WhimsyMediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin//Getty ImagesGirlish whimsy is soft and feminine, styled through the lens of women like Sofia Coppola and Petra Collins. The palette is pastel, and the details are delightfully superfluous: ruffles, bows, lace. Channeling the gentle grace of balletcore, it’s lighthearted and sweet without being overly childlike.DIY WhimsyEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesYou don’t have to be an artist to channel DIY whimsy. With roots in craftcore, the style leaves minimalism behind, replacing it with mixed-media embellishments: think beaded bag charms, crochet sweaters, and button-covered tank tops.Storybook WhimsyMatt Jelonek//Getty ImagesAdjacent to cottagecore and a little bit boho-inspired, storybook whimsy channels a dreamy feel, perfect for romanticizing the simple pleasures of offline life. Embrace this take on the trend with soft florals, gingham, embroidery, and vintage-inspired details. It’s simple, yet imaginative, making an ordinary day feel like an occasion.Y2K WhimsyMoritz Scholz//Getty ImagesEarly-aughts whimsy taps into nostalgia, romanticizing the playful aesthetic of the 2000s (think Britney Spears’ iconic baby tees). Skinny scarves, low-rise skirts, and throwback color combos (never forget turquoise and chocolate) are all on the table, too.Ruby Ford-Dunker (McAuliffe) is a fashion and lifestyle journalist featured in Vogue, InStyle, Elle, Who What Wear, Marie Claire, Brides, the New York Post, Business Insider, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best vanilla latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com, and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe and Substack via Style Note.