How Do You Dress Like a Baddie? 17+ Aesthetic Outfit Ideas

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A complete guide to casual & glam baddie fashion

Co-authored by Bailey Bujnosek, BA Reviewed by Melissa Young

Last Updated: December 1, 2024 Fact Checked

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Everyday Baddie Outfits

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Baddie Birthday & Club Outfits

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Baddie Outfits with Thigh-High Boots

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Wardrobe Staples

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Dressing Like a Baddie

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What is the baddie aesthetic?

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Tips

If you’ve been on Instagram or YouTube in the last ten years, you’re probably familiar with the baddie aesthetic. Also called the Instagram baddie, this trend is all about dressing boldly and confidently with perfectly styled hair and glam makeup. A baddie exudes effortless style, whether she’s in sweats and sneakers or a stunning body-con dress and strappy heels. Read on for inspirational baddie outfits to try—plus baddie wardrobe must-haves. We even got tips on shopping and styling from professional stylists and image consultants.

The Best Baddie Outfits

High-waisted jeans, a cropped tee, hoop earrings, and chunky sneakers.
A baggy gray sweatshirt and sweatpants set with chunky sneakers.
A brightly-colored body-con dress with a clutch and matching heels.
A short button-up shirt dress and black thigh-high boots.

Section 1 of 6:

Everyday Baddie Outfit Ideas

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Camo Joggers & Cropped Hoodie For a moment, camo-print cargo pants were the must-have street-style bottoms. The pants remain a classic way to add a dynamic print to an otherwise simple silhouette. Pair camo joggers (in green, black-and-white, or a brighter hue) with a cropped black hoodie for a casual baddie outfit that will turn heads.^{[1]
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Research source} Complete the look with black sneakers.
- Since this baddie outfit is casual, you can keep your hair and makeup lowkey. Try sleek, flowy hair (or your everyday ponytail) and minimalist makeup. Add false lashes for a glam vibe.
- Make this baddie outfit school-appropriate by choosing high-waisted joggers that will cover your midriff. Or, wear a black camisole under the hoodie to have the same effect.
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Gray Sweat Set Nothing says sporty-chic like a cute pair of sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt. You can go oversized for a truly effortless look or find something fitted to show your figure—the baddie philosophy is choosing whatever option makes you feel the most confident.
- Let your impeccable skincare or flawless makeup be the star of this look. Pull your hair back into a slick bun—it’s an easy hair-do that still looks polished.
- If gray is too understated for you, there are plenty of colorful sweat sets out there. Plus, tweak the look for colder days by adding a puffer vest. Wear a fitted tank underneath so you can take off your sweatshirt during warmer days.^{[2]
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The viral fashion and makeup looks on HBO’s hit drama Euphoria have a lot of overlap with the baddie aesthetic, and Alexa Demie’s character Maddy Perez wears several killer baddie outfits. Cop Maddy’s style with a distressed tank top (one that has a slash across the front) and your favorite pair of high-waisted jeans, black leggings, or faux leather pants.^{[3]
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High-Waisted Jeans & Cropped Tee Baddies love high-waisted jeans because they create the illusion that you have longer legs. Plus, they make crop tops slightly more modest—whether you choose a fitted baby tee or a baggy cropped shirt. Complete the look with your favorite chunky sneakers and a subtle pair of earrings.
- If you want to make this baddie outfit a little extra, swap the sneakers for heels and the subtle earrings for bold hoops. If you’re wearing distressed jeans, consider layering fishnet tights underneath for added visual interest.
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Monochrome Co-ord Skirt & Top This baddie outfit has a feminine flair. It’s also versatile: choose a short skirt set (pleated for a sporty vibe) when you’re going to the gym or to hang with friends, and a long skirt set in a knit fabric for a low-key date night. Co-ords (matching sets) are a baddie staple for a reason: they’re easy to style but look thoughtfully put together.^{[4]
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- When choosing a mini-skirt, fabric is important. Celebrity stylist Kalee Hewlett says she tells clients to choose skirts that have “a little bit of stretch because it's really challenging to walk when it’s that tight and the fabric doesn't breathe.” As for fabric type, she recommends authentic leather, stretch denim, or heavy stretch knits.
- Monochrome means one color, but that color is up to you. A warm burgundy or brown set is perfect for autumn. A white or gray set might be better suited for summertime.
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Slim-fit Pants & Corset Top Beige cargos or light-colored slim-fit trousers are a solid neutral base for a baddie outfit. A corset top shakes up the look with its structured fit and sharp, sensual silhouette. Stick with a white or cream corset top for a neutral outfit, or find a patterned, colorful one to make this look a little louder.^{[5]
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- Sneakers are the ideal footwear for this casual baddie outfit. Accessorize with a pair of gradient sunglasses that have thin, geometric frames.

Section 2 of 6:

Baddie Birthday & Club Outfits

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Bold Cutout Dress & Heels Crazy cutouts are a baddie signature, although they aren’t necessarily school or workplace-appropriate.^{[6]
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Research source} For a birthday night out with the girls, however, a dress with side, back, or stomach cutouts could be the move. Find a fitted dress with cutouts in one color that you feel sexy and confident wearing. Pair with simple heels in the same color. Finish the look with your favorite hoop earrings.
- Stylist Christina Santelli advises you to pick one curve to highlight and cover up elsewhere for a balanced, classy look. “Every woman has a part of their body, curves-wise, that they love. I would stick with [showing] that, [...] whatever it is.”
- Want to go bolder? Add sparkly gladiator heels to your look like fictional baddie Maddy Perez does in the show Euphoria. It’s perfect for a baddie birthday outfit.
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Bright Body Con Dress Since the baddie aesthetic is about being bold and confident, bright colors are a must. A colorful body-con dress (one that fits very closely to your body) lets you show off your curves.^{[7]
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Research source} Adding a neon hue or vibrant pattern into the mix guarantees you’ll turn heads on a girls’ night or at your birthday dinner.
- Look for heels in a similar color to the body-con dress to avoid your footwear clashing with your outfit. Or, make the look comfortable with slim-fit sneakers and ankle socks.
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Embellished Minidress Bring the glitz and glam with a sparkly embellished minidress. Choose metallic or nude heels that match the sequins or applique gems on your dress. This dazzling baddie outfit is especially on-brand for birthday trips to showy locales like Las Vegas, Miami, and NYC.
- Gem stud earrings or small gold hoops are the perfect accessory to add more shimmer to an embellished minidress without overdoing it.
Having your birthday at a restaurant or other formal venue? A long gown or fitted maxi dress is just right for a classier baddie outfit. Metallics like gold and silver (or shiny sapphire hues like red, blue, and green) will help you shine like the star you are.
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Form-Fitting Jumpsuit Every baddie needs a good jumpsuit. It’s one of baddie Kim Kardashian’s go-to looks for a night out or an event.^{[8]
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Research source} Your choice of fabric or color is key to picking a look that’s eye-catching and extra, just like this aesthetic. Go for bright colors like pink, red, and blue—or interesting materials like velour, lace, and mesh.
- Finding a form-fitting jumpsuit that’s exactly your size and shape can be a challenge. If you’re wearing one for a big day (like your b-day), get it tailored to be just your size. It’s an extra investment, but it will go a long way to making the look a real show-stopper.
Not everyone is over-the-top. To achieve this demure—but still baddie-approved—birthday look, throw on your favorite little black dress. Cover it with a moto jacket (a leather jacket, either black or printed) to add texture and street style flair. You can go for black heels or combat boots for a more comfortable version of this baddie outfit.

Section 3 of 6:

Baddie Outfits with Thigh-High Boots

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Short Shirt Dress & Thigh-High Boots Because of their confidence, baddies own the room when they walk in. Power dressing amplifies this effect—like a street-style twist on workwear that combines a button-up shirt dress with black leather thigh-high boots. You can also pair your boots with a short sweater dress.
- Heeled boots make a serious statement, but consider how much walking you’ll be doing before you put them on. Regular thigh-high boots have just as much of an effect.
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Oversized Hoodie & Thigh-High Boots Turn an oversized hoodie into a dress like Ariana Grande, who was an icon of baddie style in the 2010s.^{[9]
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Research source} The simple look is great for tapping into the no-pants trend. You can pair any color hoodie with black or gray boots, or opt for a monochrome look with a colorful hoodie and matching colorful boots.
- To really emulate Grande’s baddie-era style, put your hair in a high ponytail and do a thick eyeliner wing.
Serve school-girl chic with this fall ensemble. Pair black, over-the-knee boots with a plaid miniskirt in a muted shade like gray or beige. Finally, throw on a black turtleneck sweater and a gold chain or hoops to capture that subtle elegance vibe.
On windy days, skirts and dresses might be a no-go. Trade them out for a pair of blue skinny jeans. Put your brown or gray thigh-high boots on and complete your baddie outfit with a cropped white tee. Layer with a neutral-colored cardigan to give this look more of a fall vibe—and stay warm without compromising on style.
The baddie aesthetic involves a lot of co-ords. The cute matching sets are effortless and easy to style. Elevate a gray skirt set with black thigh-high boots. Or, pair a pink skirt set with light-pink boots for a colorful twist on a classic baddie ensemble.

Section 4 of 6:

Baddie Wardrobe Staples

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The baddie aesthetic is sporty, so many baddie outfits incorporate athletic apparel. Athletic apparel includes loungewear like velour tracksuits, sweatpants, oversized sweatshirts, cropped hoodies, and bike shorts.
Tops for baddie outfits tend to be cropped or form-fitting. Turtlenecks and bodysuits help you layer baddie outfits with ease. Cropped tees, meanwhile, let you show a little skin and balance proportions when wearing a baggier pant or flared skirt.
Street style has always been an influence on the baddie aesthetic. Many casual baddie outfits feature jeans and sneakers—the street-style uniform. Look for high-waisted and distressed jeans that are appropriate for everyday wear. On dressier (or warmer) days, have a reliable supply of miniskirts, whether as part of a co-ord set or individual staples like denim skirts and pleated skirts.
In the spring and summer, body-con dresses are the baddie’s night-out staple. Whether or not they have cutouts, body cons can be revealing in the sense that they’re tight against your figure. Find the right lengths, fits, and colors for you so you can confidently rock these dresses. When it gets chilly, a sweater dress can have the same effect as a body-con.
Outerwear helps to put the finishing touch on your baddie outfit, and keep you looking cool even while you’re trying to stay warm. When it comes to outerwear, baddie outfits are typically completed with leather jackets, cropped puffers, and a quality denim jacket.
Choose chunky sneakers, heels, and tall boots. Sneakers are the best choice for going to school, traveling, or running errands. In the fall and winter, tall boots are always on trend, but ankle and combat boots will do for more low-key looks. Heels are best left for dressier events and nights out unless you’re trying to elevate a jeans look.
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Accessories Opt for sunglasses, bags, jewelry, and hats. Tinted sunnies add an air of mystery (and they’re practical on bright days). A bright or blingy clutch can enhance any night-out look. As for jewelry, many baddies rock hoop earrings or chunky bracelets in gold and silver.
- Hats are an easy way to finish a streetwear look, whether going for a casual beanie, an aesthetic silk bandana, or a throwback bucket hat.

Section 5 of 6:

How to Dress Like a Baddie

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Wear clothes that make you feel confident. The baddie aesthetic is body positive—all shapes and sizes are embraced because there’s no one mold that a baddie has to fit into. Being a baddie is about dressing for yourself first and foremost. If you wear clothes you feel confident in, you’ll give off the unapologetic energy baddies are known for.
- Want to look sexy, but not sure about showing skin? Stylist Candace Hanna explains how “not everyone is comfortable [showing skin]. Women need to remember the idea that the silhouette is sexy—so you can be covered, but in something fitted, and it's super sexy.”
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Take care of your skin to enhance your natural beauty. Baddies are known for having amazing, flawless skin. There’s no need to go buy an entire Sephora haul—just use trial and error to find the skincare routine that helps your skin stay healthy and glowing, and try to wear sunscreen every day. Self-care is the secret to confidence.^{[10]
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- On dressier occasions, do a soft glam or full glam makeup look to really channel your inner baddie.^{[11]
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There’s no specific hairstyle that defines the baddie aesthetic. Still, most influencers on the baddie scene are known for having sleek, polished hair at all times. Whether you feel best with voluminous, shiny natural hair or a slick-back bun or ponytail, master your signature look. That way, you’ll have a go-to style for every occasion.
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Follow baddie style icons on social media for inspiration. Social media is the place to go for outfit inspiration, as celebrities and influencers flood Instagram and TikTok with looks you’ll want to steal and trends to try. Famous women who are often labeled as baddies because of their outfits and glam include Cardi B, Rihanna, Saweetie, and Doja Cat.
- Find influencers who post baddie outfits by searching hashtags like “#instabaddie” and “#baddiefashion.” Or, look at the baddie style advice page on TikTok.
- Use baddie captions to make your Instagram or TikTok more in line with the baddie aesthetic.

Section 6 of 6:

What is the baddie aesthetic?

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Sources report that Black women, sharing their style and makeup in online communities like Twitter and Instagram in the 2010s, were the first to popularize the baddie aesthetic. They reclaimed the term “baddie” from its historically villainous connotations.^{[12]
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Research source} Today, baddie fashion takes cues from Instagram influencers, celebrities, and beauty gurus who have big baddie energy.^{[13]
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The baddie aesthetic has sub-genres like Insta baddies and Y2K baddies. The baddie sub-genre labels are meant to separate between different micro-trends that some baddies like and others may avoid. There’s no one way to be a baddie, as the many versions of the aesthetic show. Below are some common types of baddies.
- Luxurious Baddies: Celebrities and wealthy influencers who wear designer baddie outfits.
- Insta Baddies: Baddies who may be Instagram models, influencers, or beauty gurus.
- Baddie on a Budget: Baddies who emulate the aesthetic using drugstore makeup and affordable fashion.
- Y2K/McBling Baddies: Baddies who focus on bling, pastel colors, and silhouettes from the Y2K era of fashion.
- Retro or Vintage Baddies: Baddies who lean into ‘80s and ‘90s trends like bucket hats and bike shorts.

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Tips

Look for clothing that makes you feel confident and beautiful to help you channel baddie energy! Pay attention to the trends, but don’t let them define your style. You can make the aesthetic into whatever you like, as long as you stick to the principles of effortless fashion and glowing, glam beauty.

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