The claim that TikTok "Fashion Girlies" lack personal style is a common critique in modern fashion discourse. This viewpoint argues that the platform's focus on micro-trends and aesthetic "cores" leads to the homogenization of style—a pervasive sameness—rather than individual expression.

However, the reality is complex, and the platform has also been credited with democratizing fashion and inspiring creativity.

Why the "Lack of Personal Style" Argument Exists
The criticism stems from several key factors related to TikTok's format and impact on the fashion industry:

Accelerated Trend Cycle (Micro-Trends): TikTok's algorithm rapidly spreads and then quickly discards trends, leading to the rise of micro-trends (e.g., "cottagecore," "dark academia," "coastal grandmother," "weird girl aesthetic"). The constant pressure to keep up means users often jump from one aesthetic to the next, buying and discarding items quickly, which critics argue is a superficial exercise in performance rather than genuine self-expression.

Aesthetic "Cores": The fashion is often categorized into specific "cores" (aesthetics). While these can be starting points for exploration, the highly prescriptive nature of the trends can lead to users simply replicating an entire look or aesthetic rather than curating a style that reflects their unique personality and long-term tastes.

Influence of Fast Fashion: The rapid cycle of micro-trends fuels the consumption of fast fashion brands, which are quick to replicate viral items cheaply. This affordability and accessibility mean many users buy the same trendy items, further contributing to a uniform look.

The Pursuit of Virality: The desire for a video to go viral incentivizes content creators to follow the most successful formulas, including current "it" items or outfit "hacks," which can stifle truly original ideas.

Personal Style as a Trend: Ironically, the concept of "personal style" itself has become a trend on the platform, where users feel compelled to make their style look "unique" or "one-of-a-kind" within the boundaries of what is algorithmically approved, which ultimately still results in a similar look across many creators.

The Counter-Argument: Democratization and Creative Expression
Opposing views and supporters of TikTok fashion point to its positive influences:

Democratization of Fashion: TikTok has broken down the barriers of traditional fashion gatekeepers (magazines, runway shows, elite influencers). It allows everyday people to become trendsetters and share their style, making fashion more accessible and inclusive to diverse body types, income levels, and geographies.

Niche Communities: The platform's algorithm, while criticized for creating echo chambers, also allows users to find highly specific, niche subcultures and aesthetics that may have been previously difficult to discover. This can foster a sense of belonging and support experimentation.

Source of Inspiration: For many young people, TikTok is a primary source of fashion inspiration, introducing them to new ways of styling clothes, DIY projects, and the history of certain fashion movements, all of which contribute to the development of personal style over time.

Shift to Comfort and Individuality: Early Gen Z fashion on TikTok often emphasized comfort (e.g., sweatpants, oversized fits) and, in some movements, a push for individuality and breaking traditional beauty standards, which is a form of self-expression.

Ultimately, while the platform's format and the culture of fast-paced trends may encourage a temporary, uniform adherence to viral aesthetics, it also serves as a massive, constantly shifting mood board that users can draw from to eventually develop their own distinct style.