: High collars, muted or structured color palettes, neatly tied hair, and meticulously buttoned clothing serve as an external suit of armor.
Below is a blog post exploring this concept as a trope within modern storytelling.
Movies and TV shows that feature such characters often use them to drive plot forward by creating conflict or to serve as a foil to other characters. For example, in a coming-of-age story, a buttoned-up girl might be a classmate or friend of the protagonist who challenges the protagonist's views on life and societal norms. : High collars, muted or structured color palettes,
The name De Chica Abotonada refers to the idea of being "unbuttoned"—loosening the rigid, formal expectations of how a woman should talk about pop culture. Castrillo’s style is:
The aesthetic is more than just a fashion choice; it is a narrative archetype. In popular media, this look often represents a character who is disciplined, intellectual, or hiding a rebellious streak beneath a polished surface. It contrasts the "messy girl" trope by prioritizing composure and curated "preppy" details. Why It’s Trending Now For example, in a coming-of-age story, a buttoned-up
Music, as a form of popular media, might not directly feature a "de chica abotonada" character but can certainly reflect themes associated with this archetype. Songs may address the tension between conforming to societal norms and expressing one's true self.
On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, creators lean into hyper-organized, minimalist, and "buttoned-up" visual styles. This content focuses on structured tailoring, meticulous routines, and academic productivity, transforming what was once seen as boring or restrictive into an aspirational lifestyle of discipline and self-possession. In popular media, this look often represents a
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how the "buttoned-up girl" is represented in popular media. With the rise of more progressive narratives, the strict definitions of femininity and modesty have begun to blur.
In the realm of popular media, the "chica abotonada" style is characterized by a "minimal chic" or "classic elegant" look. Content creators often use this term to describe outfits featuring fully buttoned shirts or satiny blouses, framing them as symbols of refinement and authority. This aesthetic is a direct response to louder, more revealing "fast-fashion" trends, positioning the "buttoned-up" look as a form of "quiet luxury."
: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have popularized "Dark Academia" and "Old Money" aesthetics, which borrow heavily from the "chica abotonada" look—emphasizing vintage button-down shirts, blazers, and modest, structured clothing. Color Theory Influence