What Is Tomato Girl Summer? TikTok’s Latest Trend Is Not What It Seems

Don't let the name fool you.
Collage board depicting TikTok's trending tomato girl summer aesthetic featuring images of Kendall Jenner Natalia Bryant...
Composite: Getty Images. Art treatment by Liz Coulbourn.

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Another day, another aesthetic brought to you by TikTok. While super-specific styles aren’t new to the app, the latest trending style has a rather unexpected name: Tomato girl summer. Last year, we saw trends like Barbiecore, fairycore, and whimsigoth take over. Now, TikTok's aesthetic palettes are becoming more niche. During the spring, the coastal cowgirl aesthetic was the reigning trend on the app, with celebrities like Sydney Sweeney joining in on the fun. Now, with summer starting up, it’s time to refresh your coastal look with the Mediterranean-inspired tomato girl summer aesthetic.

The name “tomato girl summer” takes inspiration from Megan Thee Stallion's “Hot Girl Summer” and combines it with Gen Z’s affinity for hyper-specific, location-inspired aesthetics. However, it does admittedly leave a lot to wonder. What exactly is tomato girl summer? Who is a tomato girl? Are there other fruit aesthetics? Ask, and we shall answer. Here’s everything you need to know about the tomato girl summer trend.


What is tomato girl summer?

In the spring, predictions, inspirations, and moodboards for a tomato girl summer began to create buzz on TikTok, thanks to the unique name and picturesque look. Though anyone anywhere can participate, the tomato girl aesthetic is largely inspired by the Mediterranean coast or anywhere where tomato-based dishes are popular. Think Amalfi Gardens, Santorini beaches, and Barcelona streets.

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images.

In addition to frolicking through Europe, you can find tomato aesthetic lovers reading romance novels at cafés, lounging at the beach, and watching the sunset from their backyard garden (literally or via TikTok). This unique and picturesque summer experience is encapsulated in the tomato girl summer aesthetic so that it can be enjoyed anywhere from Crete to Kansas City.

Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images

How to get the tomato girl summer aesthetic?

True to its name, the color palette of tomato girl summer is centered on red. The next key colors are neutrals, especially white, tan, and black. Add in dashes of green hues you’d find in a garden and blues you’d spot on the beach or ceramics. For jewelry, warm gold tends to be the default, but delicate silver can be incorporated, too, if the TikTok filters have convinced you it's the better tone for you.

NINO/GC Images
NINO/GC Images

When it comes to fabrics, the most popular options are cotton and linen. Since it’s summer and it's hot outside, the light and breezy materials just make sense. Lace and crochet are also a given, and add a certain je ne sais quoi to the look.

For silhouettes, you’re going to want to lean into the romance novel aspect. Puff sleeves, midi skirts, and maxi dresses are key to the tomato aesthetic. Ruffles, sweetheart necklines, and ruffles are also great choices.

Ser Baffo/Getty Images

Effortless beauty is also a key component of the tomato summer aesthetic. An absolute must is sunscreen to keep your skin safe and healthy. Go for a light base with a lot of glow, a bit of blush, subtle contour, and highlight on the nose and cheekbones for a sun-kissed look. Try a brush of mascara and a soft lip for daytime fun, and go for a bolder lip and a flick of eyeliner for nighttime reservations. Finish the look with beach waves or tousled curls. Most importantly, have fun with it and make it your own. The spirit of a tomato girl is easy-going, confident, and always down for an adventure.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Are there other fruit-inspired aesthetics besides tomato girl?

Yes! There’s something for everyone in the world of fashion, especially on TikTok. If tomatoes aren’t your cup of tea, perhaps there’s another fruit or vegetable that resonates with you. Maybe strawberry, peach, or blueberry will evoke more inspiration. Just take a quick scroll through TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest to find something that fits you.

While tomato girl summer is just the latest trend to take over TikTok, it doesn’t have to be a fad. This aesthetic is pretty simplistic and easy to adopt. You can probably find pieces in your wardrobe that fit the style and pair them with basics to get your own tomato girl summer look. Because of its charm, you’ll also probably be able to find some great pieces at the thrift store. That said, if you’re looking to buy new, we’ve got you covered! 

Shop tomato girl summer looks below:

& Other Stories Heart Shaped Blouse

ELOQUII Cold Shoulder Satin Blouse

Floral Released Pleat Midi Skirt

ASOS DESIGN Tiered Midi Skirt

Drama Puff Sleeve Poplin Top

Curve Corset Puff Sleeve Dress

Poplin Ruffle A-Line Midi Dress

The Frolic Plus Puff Sleeve Milkmaid Mini Dress


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