Whimsy is back, and it’s showing up everywhere—especially on TikTok. From playful videos of tiny trinket collections to quirky outfit combinations, people are sharing lighthearted ways to make everyday life feel just a bit more magical. Whimsy isn’t just a visual trend; it’s part of a lifestyle. It encourages creativity, sparks imagination, and brings back the genuine curiosity of childhood. In a world that feels fast and stressful, small acts of silliness and sparkliness can turn an ordinary day into something special.
In the past, being whimsical meant having an imaginative, quirky, almost childlike personality. Today, especially among younger generations, it has evolved into a lifestyle. Whimsy is less of a personality trait and more about creating small, joyful rituals that express individuality. It’s all about embracing what makes you feel good (even if it’s a little silly!)
Why is Whimsy Trending Again?
In recent years, whimsy has experienced a resurgence, and it’s easy to see why. It is more than just a passing trend. People are responding to the daily challenges of modern life, and being whimsy has become one of those options.
Amid economic challenges and global uncertainties, our fast-paced lives have created a desire to find small, simple moments of joy. Engaging with nostalgic memories and pastimes is one way that people are finding comfort, evoking memories of simpler times. From childhood toys to vintage fashion, people are seeking to recreate the warmth they remember from earlier times.
Another reason whimsy is trending is because of how younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are engaging with it. Many young people are approaching whimsy through curated styles and aesthetics online. The cottagecore aesthetic is an example of this, and shows how people are finding whimsical ways to express themselves while connecting with others through social media. That being said, not everyone participates this way. Some people enjoy whimsical acts simply for the fun of it without thinking about how they appear online or if they’re being “performative.” For them, it’s purely about making daily experiences feel lighter and brighter.
Whether you approach whimsy as a curated vibe or just casually, the most important thing is that it is always personal and uniquely yours. Below are just a few of my favorite ways to recapture that joyful, childlike whimsy we once knew—and the best part? There’s no single right way to do it.
Seeing the World Through a Playful Lens
Whimsy starts with how you see the world. You can turn something as simple as people-watching into a fun little game by inventing backstories for the strangers you pass—what might their job look like? Where might they be heading? You can even do this with pets at the park or neighborhood cats, imagining what kind of secret life they might have. It’s all about looking at ordinary moments with a sense of curiosity and wonder. The next time you sit at a café, take a moment to observe the world around you, and create your own stories from what you see.
Accessorize Boldly
Don’t be afraid to have a little chaos when it comes to jewelry! Layer necklaces, stack rings, mix charm bracelets, and wear all the earrings you own—even if it feels like “too much.” Whimsy loves bold, unexpected combinations. The clinking of your jewelry isn’t just noise; it’s an announcement of your presence in a room in a subtle, fun way. Whether it’s a mix of vintage finds or sparkly statement pieces, accessories help you express your individuality.
Tiny Treasures
Trinkets are back and bigger than ever. Tiny figurines like Calico Critters, Sonny Angels, Smiskis, and Sanrio collectibles are all making a comeback online. Collecting these little items can be more than just for show. They can be the thing that adds a touch of personality to your space. You can take it a step further by choosing one special trinket to be your “lucky charm”: a plushie, a phone charm, or even a tiny figurine that you carry or keep nearby. It doesn’t even have to hold significance at first; the fun is in randomly picking one and assigning it meaning, letting it grow into a personal symbol of whimsy.
Dress up for Yourself
Who says dressing up has to be for going out? Slip into a flowy nightgown, a cozy robe, or a coordinated pajama set and pretend you’re the main character in your own movie. Don’t underestimate how much dressing up in your cutest outfits, all by yourself at home, can boost your mood! Whimsy is all about living intentionally—celebrating small moments and treating yourself with care, which includes getting all dressed up just for the fun of it.
You can even take it a step further by turning your evening into a ritual. Create a dedicated routine for yourself—turn on the cozy lighting, play your favorite playlist, light some candles, and even journal. Dressing up for yourself and creating these little moments will help you slow down, savor your evening, and sprinkle a bit of whimsy into what would have been an ordinary night.
Spread Kindness
Whimsy is also about the way you interact with the world around you. Start giving more compliments when you think of them. Tell someone that you love their laugh, that you think their outfit is cool, or how warm their energy is. Little compliments make a big difference, for them and you!
It doesn’t have to stop with people, either. Say nice things to your plants when you water them. Thank your car for getting you where you need to go. You can even make washing dishes more fun by announcing, “It’s bath time!” like this TikTok user did. It’s small and a bit silly, but that’s the point: it makes mundane moments more fun.
Writing Letters
Let’s bring back physical letters! There’s something so beautiful about sitting down to write a physical note with a pen and paper. You can decorate it with doodles, stickers, or glittery pens, if that feels fun for you. When you write a letter, you leave a tangible imprint of something uniquely yours that someone else can hold, read, and cherish. It doesn’t have to be for a birthday, holiday, or any big occasion; it can be a “just because” letter. An update about your day, a sweet cheer-up message to a friend, or a random thought you want to share. Each one feels personal, slows you down, and makes life a little more meaningful.
The takeaway
No matter how you choose to embrace being whimsical, try not to overthink it. Instead, see it as something simple and precious that brings you comfort and boosts your mood. The real magic of this trend is that it unites people in their love for the little things. So why not sprinkle a little whimsy into your day?