Say it, out loud – Twilightcore. It’s a Gen Z aesthetic rooted in Stephanie Meyer’s literary-turned-film saga, Twilight. The aesthetic started sometime after Netflix syndicated the films in July and has only risen in popularity since. Now, you can be transported to Twilight’s setting with a “Driving Through Forks Washington” playlist or learn to dress like one of the Cullens with countless TikTok creators’ how-to style guides

@sk1nnyho3

edward cullen is literally the man of my dreams #twilight #bellaswan

♬ ac loverrmore – a

For Millenials and Zillenials (born between 95-99), this aesthetic can be a shock to the system, since the standard Bella Swan look (Abercrombie henley shirt layered with bootcut jeans and hightop chucks) was what they were wearing 10-15 years ago. The difference in the style now is that it’s partly ironic fanfare with Twilight merch, like the Vampire Love bag and part cosplay of Bella Swan and the rest of the Cullens. 

Instagram @oliviarodrigo
Instagram @oliviarodrigo

Twilight is at the crux of the aesthetic. However, this Gen Z style also encompasses the emotional and sartorial elements of other sub aesthetics, from the moody and studious Dark Academia style to the paradoxical Grunge Fairycore fantasy. Collectively, these elements are curated and aestheticized across all platforms with romantic imagery, videos, and playlists. Things like weathered leather-bound journals, being out in fog-dense woods, and Edward’s piano ballad to Bella are curated together by content creators with the goal of creating a fantasy-inspired corner on the internet; home to an identifiable strain of dark romance. Fashion-wise, the style comprises deep earth tones and modest clothing. It includes henley tops with lacey tanks underneath and warm jackets that are perfect for fall and back-to-school fashion. And for a generation obsessed with “main character energy,” following Bella Swan’s style is a way to embody all that this aesthetic entails in their offline life too.   

@blakeyfairy

the first film is elite #twilight #edwardcullen #bellaswan #forkswa #twilightcore

♬ ac loverrmore – a