Of all the aughts trends to make a loud and viral return on TikTok, the go-see outfit might be the one that has shocked me the most. For those who haven’t heard the term before, a “go-see” refers to when fashion models get together with casting agents, designers, and clients for a quick, in-person meeting. The once-insider concept was thrust into popular culture in the late 2000s, when Tyra Banks, host of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), sent the contestants on an exaggerated version of the practice as a challenge. The most important part? The outfit.
What is a go-see outfit?
Traditionally (a.k.a. in the ANTM world), the go-see outfit is simple, form-fitting, and chic. Think: black tank top, jeans, and a pair of heels. Also, models usually wear little to no makeup when doing go-sees. The idea is that clients who meet with a model can see them outside of a particular aesthetic or style — they’re a blank slate.
DUTCH/Bauer-Griffin
Why are go-see outfits trending now?
The go-see outfit trend of ANTP has now resurged on TikTok as an outfit formula for those days when you’re overwhelmed by all the options in your closet and all the looks the algorithm is pushing your way.
TikTok content
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TikTok content
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TikTok content
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The idea of a neutralized style making a comeback right now isn’t all that surprising. The look is easy, and in many ways, a step outside of trend fatigue. It’s also most likely to include pieces you already have in your closet.
But I do want to add a note of caution: When the go-see outfit first emerged, many of the model- off/on-duty trends of the 2000s were centered on idealizing a thin body type, with form-fitting clothes meant to show off a small frame. As diet culture continues to grow in every corner of social media, a trend that centers standard model aesthetics might quickly become sinister.
Outfit formulas are great, but you don’t have to neutralize down to something that doesn’t work for you just because a TV show from 20 years ago says so. A go-see look (if you’re not actually on a go-see) is an essence, not a science. For one person, it can be a T-shirt and jeans; for someone else, it could be a leather jacket and slacks. The key is paring things down and being comfortable. Whatever that might look like is up to you only.
