What a ‘go-see’ outfit really means – and how to pull it off

If you’ve spent even a fraction of your scrolling life on Tiktok lately, you’ve probably seen it: the ‘go-see outfit’. 

Unless you’ve been hiding under a fashion rock, you might have caught Tiktok creator Kayla Ryan’s video – which, at the time of writing, has racked up over 2.8 million views. 

In it, she debuts her go-see ensemble: a snug, plain white tank top, medium-wash wide-leg low-waisted jeans, New Balance sneakers, a simple tangle of gold necklaces, and oblong black sunglasses. 

Her pitch? The ultimate “cure for getting-ready anxiety”.

What is a go-see outfit?

To Gen Z, this might feel like a fresh trend. But, like most recent fashion cycles, it is anything but. 

The term has been floating around for at least a decade, evolving through various not-so-different incarnations – from ‘model off-duty’, ‘capsule wardrobes’, to countless influencer-approved ‘clean outfit’ formulas.

Popularised among the mainstream audience by Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model, a go-see outfit refers to what a model wears to a casting: the simplest possible look. 

Clean denim, a fitted tank, minimal makeup, and bare-bones jewellery – basically, a blank canvas letting your body and presence be so strong that it’s coffee. 

Today, Kayla Ryan and the horde of Tiktok natives have revived the aesthetic as a breath of fresh air – the stripped-back antidote to overthought outfits, and the fatigue of trend-chasing. It’s pared down, neutral, and ‘effortlessly’ chic – just what you need in an era where scrolling through fashion content can feel like a full-time job.

Why is the go-see outfit trending now?

Part of the allure is, of course, its status as a quick-hit cultural product: a scrollable moment that sticks in your brain, if only briefly. It is, fundamentally, another iteration of the “model-core” trend – an homage to simplicity and effortless cool that feels almost nostalgic in a world dominated by over-curated social media aesthetics.

Unlike the early-2000s Tumblr-era trends, however, this isn’t an over-the-top flannel print revival. The go-see outfit works across contexts – from brunch to work, from humid Singapore streets to Manhattan sidewalks. It does have that rare, adaptable quality: “effortlessly” chic without trying too hard.

And yes, let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: the ongoing obsession with thin, diet-culture–influenced bodies – with and without Ozempic – that echoes the early aughts ANTM era. 

Still, the magic of the go-see outfit is that it shouldn’t be about the number on the scale, but confidence and comfort in whatever you wear.

How to put together a go-see outfit

Outfit formulas are handy, but there’s no need to strip your look down to something that doesn’t work for you – or your body – just because a TV show from 20 years ago said so. The true spirit of a go-see outfit is simplicity with confidence, not conformity.

For some, it could be a classic cropped T-shirt paired with low-waisted jeans.

For others, it could be a tank top and a lightly-accessorised mini skirt.

If anything, timeless investment pieces are your secret weapon. A pair of neutral heels or sneakers, a crisp white tank, well-fitting denim – these mix-and-match staples form the backbone of countless go-see ensembles.

Elevate your look with a few statement pieces if you like, but keep the foundation simple.

Loewe, Anagram Tank Top in Silk, $990 

Credit: Loewe

1/4

Acne Studios, Loose Fit Jeans - 1981, $960

Credit: Acne Studios

2/4

Prada, Patent Leather Slingback Pumps, $1,840

Credit: Prada

3/4

Hermes, Mini Maillon Pendant, $1,100

Credit: Hermes

4/4

At its core, the key is paring things down and feeling comfortable, confident, and yourself. Whatever that looks like for you – be it T-shirt-and-jeans casual or elevated with statement accessories – it is uniquely yours. 

And that, truly, is what makes a go-see outfit effortlessly chic.