Who are the Metropolitan Muses? All about the style that's all the rage online
From Instagram to TikTok, there’s a new aesthetic dominating the scene, or perhaps it has always existed, and only now have we learned to give it a name. It’s the Metropolitan Muse. Creator @ChicWithKels describes Metropolitan Muses as cozy, chic, and sophisticated, as well as the first cousins of the Downtown Girl. And if you’re not ready for your exam on viral archetypes, no worries, here’s a quick recap. The Downtown Girl draws inspiration from underground aesthetics; her favorite color palette reflects dark academia, a perfect blend of grunge, punk, and bohemian vibes. She often wears long denim skirts, oversized sweaters, faux leather pieces, chunky boots, slip dresses, tank tops, and above all, she loves layering. Metropolitan Muses are definitely edgier; their looks are carefully curated down to the smallest detail, perfect for the urban environment, yet with an elegant touch.
What’s inside a Metropolitan Muse’s wardrobe?
The trend was born on the streets of major European capitals or among the buildings of the Big Apple. Urban centers, upper-class neighborhoods, editorial offices, historic cafés: these are just some of the places where you can spot these muses commuting on public transport. The girl riding the subway isn’t dressed for a red carpet, yet she’s so chic and put-together that she becomes an effortless source of inspiration for other passengers or curious onlookers. They’re easy to recognize: they often wear flat cap hats, newsboy caps in different patterns and colors, berets like Julia Roberts in Notting Hill, or warm fur hats. The tie is their secret weapon, though thin scarves come in at a close second. They gravitate toward oval eyeglass frames and switch between denim jackets, leather bikers, animal-print furs, and furry coats, wardrobe essentials. The color palette defining the Metropolitan Muse aesthetic is made of specific tones: black, charcoal gray, chocolate brown, cream white, camel, with a touch of deep red or burgundy.
Metropolitan Muse-style makeup, TikTok’s latest viral trend
Now that we know how a Metropolitan Muse dresses, it’s time to discover what’s inside their beauty bags. When it comes to makeup and hair, their go-to colors are warm tones like caramel and copper. As for the base, forget your matte foundation and embrace a glowy, radiant finish. Their contouring is warm and diffused, but never too harsh. If there’s one product subway girls can’t live without, it’s definitely blush. Creators suggest applying a cream formula first, then setting it with a powder version in the same shade, usually wine or cherry. Their eyebrows, often full, are brushed upward with a good gel. For the eyes, a dark brown liquid eyeliner and some faux freckles are essential, echoing the effect of the viral toasty makeup trend. Finally, when it comes to lips, the key words are dark and glossy. To define them, simply apply a brown lip liner on the outside and a lip oil in similar tones on the inside, making the lips the unmistakable signature of this chic look.
