Tomato Girl Summer

Tomato Girl Summer
A collage representing the aesthetic by Liz Coulbourn.
Other names	Tomato Girl
Decade of origin	2020s
Key motifs	Sun-drenched landscapes, red dresses, Italian cuisine, straw bags, flowy dresses, espadrilles
Key colours	Tomato red, white, cream, olive green
Key values	Escapism, romance, romanticization, tourism, escapism
Related aesthetics	Cherry Emoji Twitter Coastal Grandmother Picniccore Romantic Italian Summer Tropical

Tomato Girl Summer is a fashion microtrend that gained popularity on TikTok during the summer of 2023. It draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, especially regions like the Amalfi Coast, Santorini, and Barcelona. The aesthetic romanticizes summer life in these areas, featuring images of beaches, gardens, and leisurely activities like reading at cafes or enjoying picnics.

The name is a nod to Megan Thee Stallion's "Hot Girl Summer" and the prevalence of tomatoes in Mediterranean cuisine. The color palette centers around red, complemented by neutrals like white, tan, and black, with accents of green and blue.

Fashion choices lean towards romantic and summery styles, with an emphasis on light fabrics like cotton and linen. Flowy dresses, midi skirts, and puff sleeves are common, often featuring ruffles and lace. While the aesthetic celebrates the beauty and relaxed atmosphere of the Mediterranean, it has also drawn criticism for potentially promoting unrealistic expectations and escapism.

Visuals

Tomate Girl Summer draws inspiration from a romanticized Mediterranean vacation, especially in Italy. Images often feature market scenes with colorful produce, beaches with blue waters, and villages with cobblestone streets. Leisurely activities like reading at cafes, enjoying picnics, or strolling through markets are frequent themes. Food and drinks are also important elements, with images of salads, pasta dishes, Aperol spritz cocktails, and tomatoes. The visual style is bright and cheerful, evoking a carefree, summery atmosphere.

Fashion

Tomato Girl Summer fashion is inspired by a romanticized vision of a Mediterranean vacation, particularly in Italy. The style emphasizes flowing silhouettes, natural fabrics, and a relaxed, summery vibe, drawing inspiration from vintage advertisements and models. Key pieces include vintage sundresses, delicate jewelry, and light linen sets.

Pops of color like yellow, orange, and blue complement the dominant red. While literal fruit and vegetable patterns are uncommon, some people might incorporate bright orange-reds and bold patterns for a more literal interpretation. Makeup trends for Tomato Girl Summer lean towards flushed, glowing looks that enhance the natural complexion and complement the simple, classic clothing.

In response to concerns about fast fashion consumption, some TikTok creators have embraced sustainable practices, such as spotlighting sustainable brands, re-wearing existing pieces, or even DIY-ing their own clothing.

Activities

Activities associated with the Tomato Girl Summer aesthetic often center around enjoying a relaxed summer lifestyle, such as:

• Visiting beaches and soaking up the sun.
• Organizing picnics with fresh, local ingredients.
• Savoring Mediterranean cuisine, especially dishes featuring tomatoes.
• Dressing in a vintage-inspired style, sometimes reminiscent of an "Italian grandmother."
• Cooking and experimenting with Mediterranean recipes.
• Wandering through farmers' markets and discovering local produce.

Destinations

Destinations associated with the Tomato Girl Summer aesthetic evoke a sense of idyllic summer living. While the trend originated with a focus on Italy, it has expanded to encompass various locations that capture a similar spirit. Some of the specific places associated with the trend are the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Abruzzo, Sorrento, Lake Como, areas of Eastern Spain (such as Barcelona, Valencia, Mallorca, and Alicante), Oia (Santorini), and areas of Southern France/Occitania (such as Marseille, Toulouse, and Carcasonne).

However, the trend has also expanded beyond the Mediterranean, encompassing destinations that evoke a similar atmosphere. This reflects the escapist nature of the aesthetic, acknowledging that not everyone participating in the trend can travel to Europe. These include locations in Mexico (Los Cabos, Puebla, Merida), California (Carmel, Temecula, San Diego), Virginia (Bristol), Jamaica (Ocho Rios), and Saint Lucia.

Criticism

The escapist nature of Tomato Girl Summer has led to criticism, with some viewing it as a form of "cosplay" where individuals portray an idealized version of a Mediterranean vacation on social media. By focusing on a romanticized ideal and even pretending to go on vacation while actually staying at home, it can create a sense of inadequacy for those who cannot afford to travel or experience this lifestyle firsthand. This can also lead to feelings of "FOMO" (fear of missing out) and contribute to a distorted view of reality.

Moreover, the trend has been accused of cultural appropriation, as it often borrows or depicts elements from Italian culture without demonstrating genuine understanding or respect for their traditions and heritage. This superficial engagement with cultural elements can be seen as disrespectful and contribute to the erasure of authentic cultural experiences.

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