Essentially, it's about the desire to explore the world at night, when humans are usually sleeping, and strange creatures are up and about. Often, those who follow this aesthetic prefer to explore nature, but urban landscapes are also acceptable. They enjoy hiding when they can, away from others. If they could, they would find their way to surreal spaces like the Backrooms, and they like to wander forests looking for magical creatures. Some of they key values are solitude and freedom.
The visuals might include cryptids and forests, or foggy beaches without a human in sight. Other visuals might be small creatures like slugs, or mythical ones like unicorns. The visuals generally include strange, funny things that you don't normally see in human society, but might come across often if you're wandering the woods. Other visuals might even include small, comforting objects, like stuffed animals, even if the object is hidden away in a backpack or satchel.
Fashion associated is very comfortable, like oversized T-shirts and overalls, with perhaps something to carry things in, like a backpack. Clothing is usually in earth tones, though there might be some clashing bright colours. All clothing should be loose and unrestricting, in the case that one might need to run or escape as quickly as possible. It should also be warm, because in some places, nighttime is very cold. It doesn't necessarily have to be warm, though, especially if it's summer.
Nearly all of the activities from this aesthetic can be done on one's own, simply because this aesthetic appreciates solitude. Some activities might be collecting things from nature, or wandering the woods in search of mystical things, like a unicorn or a portal to another dimension. Even if one cannot do these, they still might enjoy taking walks in the mist, or hanging out at their local park at night, observing how the world is quiet there. Photography is also a key part of this aesthetic, so one can capture a moment in time. People who enjoy this aesthetic appreciate calm music, but some may also like bold, loud music.
Philosophy[]
Those who follow this aesthetic feel strong urges to run and hide, preferably in nature. They feel safer when they are by themselves, and find peace in exploration. They often don't want to go home, simply because they feel safer in other places. They have a strong sense of freedom when allowed to explore, and it makes them happy, especially when exploring nature.
- Not wanting to go home
- Feeling safe when there are places to hide
- Feeling safe when in solitude
- Wanting to remain hidden
- Wanting to explore
- Peace in nature
- Desiring peace and calm
- Safety inside when it's raining
- Freedom while driving and/or exploring
- Relaxation from exploring
- Wanting to be one with nature
Visuals[]
Visuals for this aesthetic often contain outdoorsy things like forests or foggy beaches. They might have rain, too, or funny creatures like slugs. Sometimes the visuals can become very surreal, bordering on liminal spaces. It is very common for a visual of this aestheic to be set at dusk or nighttime.
- Tents
- Treehouses
- Attics
- Blankets
- Books
- Stuffed animals
- Comfort objects
- Lamps/flashlights
- Sleeping bags
- Hiding places
- Forests with mosses and lichens
- Forests that aren't bustling with energy
- Hazey beaches with no sun anywhere to be seen
- Moors
- Mellow, dreamy weather
- Misty, cool days
- Moss and lichen
- Rain
- Rain-soaked streets
- Snails, slugs and worms
- The inside of a car while it's storming outside
- Buttons and other small, strange objects
- Painted rocks and pebbles
- Mushrooms
- Frogs and toads
- Old, tarnished jewelry, such as rings and necklaces
- Insects
- Crystals
Fashion[]
This aesthetic's fashion is designed to be cozy. People who follow this aesthetic like to wear vintage clothing, for a worn and comfortable look. Those who follow this aesthetic like to blend in with their environment, so they usually wear earth tones. They also don't mind their clothes getting dirty, since they spend so much time outside. Their clothing also usually has many pockets to hide small things in.
- Jackets
- Coats with hoods
- Comfortable pants
- Beanies/toques
- Patterned socks
- Brown leather boots
- Canvas backpacks/duffel bags (containing books, snacks, stuffed animals, etc.)
- Water bottles/thermos bottles
- Denim
- Oversized, loose-fitting clothing
- Pullover sweaters
- Hoodies
- Grandpa sweaters
- Corduroy pants and jackets
- Oversized vintage graphic tees
- Overall pants/shorts
- Leg and arm warmers
- Hiking boots
- Slip-on Converse or Vans
- Raincoats
- Oversized band shirts
- Satchels
Activities[]
Most activities associated with this aesthetic are things you can do on your own, especially late at night, when strange creatures come alive and begin to explore with you.
- Reading
- Journalling
- Writing stories
- Drawing/painting
- Listening to music
- Cuddling with stuffed animals
- Packing and storing snacks for adventures
- Drinking something warm from a thermos
- Personalizing hiding places
- Collecting things
- Making backup plans in case your hiding place is found
- Keeping a lookout for unwanted company
- Walking/running
- Staying up late
- Cryptid hunting
- Making potions
- Counting clouds
- Exploring the forests and beaches
- Getting lost in the forest
- Jumping in puddles
- Singing in the rain
- Searching for frogs and snails
- Going on walks, hikes, or runs in the rain
- Taking early-morning walks in the mist
- Watching a storm through a window while drinking something warm
- Huddling under warm blankets
- Reading, baking, playing videogames or studying while listening to the rain
- Sitting in or on a porch, deck, or shelter while it rains
- Making art depicting rain
- Listening to music in a car
- Peeking out of the car window
- Driving or riding in a car while it's raining
- Collecting small objects
- Searching for funny, strange things to collect