"Bimbofication" and freedom from within

The bimbo aesthetic has risen to great heights within the past months, taking on different forms with different people. There is a bimbo manifesto, college course and degree. What does the bimbo aesthetic look like, and how has this style helped so many with their confidence?

Before getting into its representation and influence, what does "bimbocore" really look like? The stereotypical version is one we all know from early 2000s stars, movies, etc. The aesthetic is most commonly presented as a hyperfeminine "skimpy" look, trashy y2k but luxurious at the same time. The clothes are form-fitting, intended to show off the body, like mini-skirts and crop tops. Sparkles, sequins and bling are a must. Most bimbos rock false eyelashes, bleach blonde hair, long acrylic nails and heavy makeup. Also, pink. Duh.

This aesthetic does not look the same for everyone as people of all genders, races and styles have found comfort in the bimbo lifestyle, but the focus for all is to simply be overtly extra. This is what personally drew me into the bimbo world. As with many others, fashion is an important outlet for me in expressing myself and my individuality. It wasn’t until recently, however, when I realized how much focus I had been putting on how I look and how others perceive me did the bimbo manifesto truly get through to me. I always admired those who embraced this aesthetic and its liberations, but I never realized how much I needed it myself. How I needed to truly let go of "toning myself down" for others, to not try too hard. Where’s the fun in that?

The bimbo originates from blonde bombshells like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, the original "dumb blondes." The overly-sexualized women told their intellectual limits based on their cup size and hair color. Years down the line, women still have not escaped being forced into this image, which has only pushed misogyny further as women feel the need to tear each other down in order to appease and impress men. Mainly in the ’90s and early 2000s, the "bimbo" woman was seen as anti-feminist and not a real woman because of her hyper-feminity. Soon the "not like other girls" character came into play, and "pick me" girls put on their flannels and picked up their books, ready to explain to guys how, unlike the girl who likes pink and makeup, she has a brain.

Being a bimbo has been reclaimed by so many due to the freedom it offers. It is about embracing being ultra-girly and feminine, not being worried about these misogynistic beliefs people have about them solely because of how they enjoy presenting themselves. It is about enjoying your own sexuality, not because you feel you must for men, but because it’s fun! Sure, maybe no one will take me seriously, but what does that have to do with me? The point of being a bimbo is to focus on self-actualization and self-love, doing all and the most because it is what makes you feel happy. Plus, this world is insane! No thoughts, head empty sounds like a great way to be.

"I’ve done business with men who think I am as silly as I look. By the time they realize I’m not, I’ve got the money and gone." – Dolly Parton