What is Demure? Unpacking TikTok’s Most Recent Viral Trend

We're all talking about it, and those demure videos are everywhere. But what does 'demure' really mean? Let's unpack it.

What does demure mean?

Well, if we're getting technical, Merriam-Webster says "demure" means "reserved and modest," hinting at a quiet, serious vibe. Meanwhile, the Oxford Learner's Dictionary describes a demure person as someone who keeps it low-key, avoiding the spotlight and staying cool and collected. More specifically the Dictionary states that demure means: “(of a woman or a girl) behaving in a way that does not attract attention to herself or her body; quiet and serious.”

Who started the demure trend?

“Very demure, very cutesy, very mindful.”

The "Very Demure" trend on TikTok all kicked off with Jasmine Bahrami. Her videos, showcasing a chic and understated style, quickly took over our feeds. Suddenly, everyone wanted to join the 'elegance revolution,' swapping bold and flashy for timeless and classy. Now, TikTok is buzzing with creators putting their own spin on Jasmine’s trend, proving that sometimes less really is more!

How do I know if I’m being demure?

Curious if you're channeling those demure vibes? Check out these signs to see if you're on the understated side of the spectrum:

1. Keeping it Low-Key: If you’re all about simple, classic looks and steer clear of wild prints or blingy accessories, you’re definitely leaning into the demure style.

2. Master of the Listening Game: In conversations, do you enjoy hearing others' stories more than sharing your own? If so, your thoughtful and reserved nature might just be showing your demure side.

3. Privacy, Please: Not the type to overshare every moment of your day online? If you prefer keeping your personal life a little more under wraps, that’s a sure sign of a demure attitude.

4. Politeness Pro: Being considerate, showing respect, and putting others at ease comes naturally to you. If "please" and "thank you" are regulars in your vocabulary, your demure side is shining through.

5. Happy in the Background: Do you feel more at ease watching from the sidelines than being front and center? If the spotlight isn't really your thing, it sounds like you’re embracing a more demure approach to life.

If these feel like you, then congratulations—you’ve got the demure look and attitude down to a T!

What’s not demure?

Curious about what’s not quite demure? Here’s the scoop on actions and traits that definitely step outside the demure zone:

1. Center Stage Star: If you love soaking up the spotlight and being the life of the party, you’re straying from the demure vibe. Demure folks prefer a quieter presence.

2. Bold and Flashy Fashion: Rocking those vibrant colors and flashy accessories? That’s all about making a statement, not exactly the demure way, which leans towards subtle and understated style.

3. Social Media Overload: If your feed is a play-by-play of every moment, from breakfast to bedtime, you’re not quite in the demure camp. Being demure usually means keeping things a bit more private.

4. Loud and Proud: Being the loudest voice in the room and taking charge in every conversation? That’s the opposite of the quiet, reserved nature of a demure personality.

5. Daring and Dramatic: If you’re all about bold, adventurous stunts that grab attention, you’re moving away from the demure style. Demure is more about subtlety and restraint.

So, if any of these traits hit home, you might be embracing a bolder, more outgoing style rather than the demure approach!

Featured image: Photo by Hardeep Singh

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