Tired of Copying Trends That Don’t Work? ‘What We Said’ Breaks Down the 7 ‘Essences’ You Need to Know

You know that outfit you were so sure was going to change your life? The one that looked insane on TikTok, flawless on your bestie, and borderline offensive once it hit your body? Same trend. Same pieces. Completely different energy. Suddenly you’re spiraling in the mirror asking, “Is it me…or is something deeply off here?”

According to What We Said hosts Jaci Marie Smith and Chelsey Jade Curtis, it’s not your taste or your confidence, but your essence. And in this week’s episode, they unpack exactly that—why some trends feel effortless on other people and cursed on you, even when you’re doing everything right.

What even is your ‘essence’ anyway?

“Alert, alert, new brain rot term…on my essence,” Curtis jokes, before explaining she first saw it on TikTok. “[It] basically helps you understand your makeup, your hair—what essence you give off and therefore what to lean into.”

In other words, essence is less who you want to be online and more what you already give off IRL. It’s the vibe people clock right away—soft, sharp, playful, polished, chaotic, grounded—whether you mean to or not. And when what you’re wearing doesn’t line up with that? “There’s clashing going on,” Curtis says. Which honestly explains a lot. You’re not bad at styling. You’re just forcing an aesthetic that doesn’t agree with the energy you naturally give off.

She compares it to color palettes. “You don’t have to stay in that,” she says, “but once you kind of find it, and you know like, okay, this is my best look—this is when I’m leaning into my essence.”

When Smith asks if it’s mostly fashion, Curtis says it goes beyond that. “Fashion, hair, makeup…your outward appearance,” she explains. “Basically how to make your outward appearance match your essence and kind of like, accentuate your essence.”

The seven essences

Curtis points out there are actually seven essences in the system—and the easiest way to figure out yours? A little imagination. “This little test is like, okay, here’s some people,” she explains. “If you could play this person in a movie, then your essence is this.”

Here’s the breakdown:

• Natural is that easy, no-stress kind of cool. “If you could play Elizabeth James in Parent Trap, then yours is natural,” Curtis says, also name-dropping Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Picture relaxed silhouettes, undone hair, and the kind of look that accidentally eats every time. Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts live here too.
• Classic is “sophisticated and elegant.” This is your timeless, pulled-together energy—Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, clean lines, and pieces that’ll never feel dated. You like structure, but you hate anything that feels costume-y or try-hard.
• Romantic is “sensual and alluring. Think Rose from Titanic,” Curtis says. Soft fabrics, curves, luxe textures—it’s feminine in a way that feels intentional and indulgent. Beyoncé and Sofia Vergara? Textbook Romantic essence.
• Ethereal is “angelic and mystical”—the most otherworldly of the bunch. Flowy, dreamy, almost fairy-like. If Cate Blanchett or Tilda Swinton just feels right to you, you probably have some Ethereal in your blend.
• Ingénue is “sweet and girly…like a Disney princess vibe. Like Tangled, Rapunzel,” Curtis explains. It’s soft, youthful, and gives “I brought homemade cookies to the party.” See also: Ariana Grande, Emma Stone.
• Dramatic is “striking, powerful,” and Curtis fully claims this one. “I’m actually dressed exactly like her today,” she says, referencing Trinity from The Matrix. “People tell me I look like her all the time, especially once I cut my hair.” Sharp angles, bold choices, and a presence that commands attention. Angelina Jolie and Cher also fit the bill.
• Gamine is “playful and bold,” which Curtis compares to Lily from How I Met Your Mother. It’s the girl who mixes prints, cuts her own bangs, and somehow makes it work every time. Kristen Stewart and Olivia Rodrigo live here.

When Smith admits she’s not sure which one fits her, Curtis floats a combo: maybe Gamine with a little Natural mixed in. Which brings up the best part—you don’t have to pick just one. And that’s kind of the whole point. These aren’t strict labels. They’re shortcuts for understanding why certain looks feel like you and others never quite do. 

And if you don’t immediately see yourself in any of them, that’s normal too. “It’s a lifelong journey to find out your essence,” Curtis says. Smith agrees, adding that it’s “not something I have mastered yet, but something I’m trying to get closer to this year—figuring out my essence, my personal style. We’re getting warmer.”

You’re not behind, you’re not doing it wrong, and you don’t need to overhaul your closet overnight. You’re just paying attention now. And that’s usually when things start clicking.

For the full conversation, tune into What We Said, streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

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