The Epitome of being a Girl
By Kitty Tilbrook
Floordrobes, messy buns, slick backs, dainty jewellery and fresh manicures. Even though society tries to split the female population into categories, who cares whether you are styling the ‘Frazzled English Woman’? Who truly can depict what a ‘perfect girl’ is supposed to look like, act like, or even dream of in 2024?
For me, I wonder, why does that matter? We are all part of this incredible sisterhood, sharing universal experiences that bond us in ways society’s labels could never. Who cares what ‘aesthetic’ society tries to box us in, beneath it all, there is a diverse community of girls and women, lifting each other up, pushing forward to build a future that’s vibrant, inclusive and totally ours. There is no rule book for being a girl, in fact, the epitome of a girl today is something totally different and entirely individual. It’s about being fun, unique and fierce without any filters needed.
When I think about being the epitome of a girl I think of my own room, it’s a box of nostalgia, photos and mini shrines of my friends that consume my walls, but sometimes it’s more than the fashion advice and gossip sessions you receive from your best friends which describe experiencing ‘girlhood’, its deeper than that.
There is not one word to pinpoint the feeling of being a girl in 2024, it’s a mix of, uncertainty and chaos, it’s a temperamental sensation. Love, hate, affection, isolation, comparison... well, the list could go on! Being a girl today means redefining what it means to be you, breaking down stereotypes, and creating a vibe that is unapologetically authentic.
And while each woman is constantly going through a million emotions and experiences at once, the least we could all do is be true to our self, being yourself is what it's all about now. Forget about ‘fitting in’ – who cares about that anymore! Want to throw on a crazy vintage t shirt? Do it. Feel your best in a jumper three sizes too big? Wear it.
We are in an age where there is no right way to look or live our lives, there is no true ‘perfect’ style to achieve. So, set your own rules, not just regarding fashion but everything. Being a girl today means having the freedom to express yourself however you feel. I used to spend hours trying to look and act a certain way, I wanted to fit into this picture of being ‘likeable’, but now I just want to be me. And guess what? I have never been happier, I have found my style, I have found my way of life, and I love it.
Being a girl, is tiring to say the least but equally it is just as exhilarating. Recently, women have really fought to re-define the stereotype of femininity, and it is packed with empathy, intelligence, and authenticity, ensuring we embrace each facet which makes someone unique.
Woman all over the world from diverse backgrounds in a variety of careers are constantly fighting to stand up and fight for all of us women: Kamala Harris - American politician, Vice president of the United States and the first Black American to be elected for the position of Vice-President in 2021.
She fought extremely hard against Donald trump in an attempt to become the first female POTUS (President of the United States) One of Harris’s main campaign points were abortion rights -she continued to advocate for legislation that would safeguard reproductive rights nationwide, promising to sign the restoration of reproductive freedoms into law if she became President.
Well, as most of us know, that didn’t exactly happen…
But even if we’re not President of the United States yet, our voices still matter.
Girls today are going after what they want, taking risks, learning from mistakes, redefining success but most importantly, we are doing what we love, being unapologetically bold and curious despite societal pressures.
As I wrap up this article, I remind myself that though the world can be rather confusing and even a bit scary at times, there’s a wave of incredible, powerful women rising up…When we remember that, the future doesn’t seem so daunting, it starts looking like a place we can shape, filled with voices like ours, dreams we will make real, and challenges we are ready to tackle together. So, maybe, the future isn’t as terrifying as it seems – it’s ours, and its overwhelming with possibilities.
The epitome of a girl is the awareness of the support from millions of women, some famous, some unknown. Remembering it is not about how others define you; it is about the things which light you up, the kindness and empathy you show, the strength you carry so elegantly. She is true to herself, unapologetically.
Don’t forget to be you. Remember you are never alone, you have a whole community of other women right behind you, rooting for you. Chase your dreams... be the best version of yourself that you can be.
