Who started Very Demure, Very mindful trend?
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| Image of Jools Lebron and Selyna Brillare the trend setters of the viral very demure trend |
August 2023, TikTok was buzzing with a phrase that nobody saw coming, very demure, very mindful. Immediately, I noticed this word, demure, which is often used to describe majorly a woman who is modest and reserved, was everywhere.
And if you’ve been keeping an eye on the demure trend, it’s impossible not to have noticed how fast it took off.
But the question is, who exactly started this wave? The answer lies with Jools Lebron - a beauty content creator whose unintentional viral viral tiktok video reshape how we think about modesty today.
Although there's been a conflict of interest, as Selyna Brillare claims she first started the trend in her videos around 2020 - 2021.
So, was it Jools Lebron who put “very demure, very mindful, very cutesy” in our ears, or was Selyna Brillare the original pioneer of the concept, long before it went mainstream?
This post dives into their unique contributions, comparing their approaches, and unpacks the ongoing debate around the viral impact of the demure trend.
What Is the Demure Trend?
What is the demure trend, you ask? Briefly, the word “demure” refers to someone, mostly a woman, who is modest, reserved, and elegant.
But this very demure trend has evolved into a concept that resonates deeply with Gen Zs, thanks to Jools Lebron's viral interpretation.
On TikTok, being demure is not just about looking modest; it’s about mindful self-presentation and showing up authentically in various settings.
This very demure, very mindful trend offers an alternative to the flashy looks and lifestyles that dominate social media, it encourages people to embrace subtlety, mindfulness, and elegance without seeking excessive attention.
How the Demure Trend Took Off
By Jools Lebron: The Viral Face of Demure
The trend (arguably) began when Jools Lebron, also known as @joolieannie on TikTok, posted a short 38-second video of herself wearing a subtle makeup look for work.
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| Images of Jools Lebron: Very Demure Very Cutesy trend setter |
In the video, she described her appearance as “very demure, very mindful,” and just like that, a new trend was born.
Trending I believe because it was simple, humorous, and authentic. The very qualities that TikTok users love - and the video exploded with views.
In the video as I watched, Her commentary went beyond makeup. Jools used styles to critique how people often present themselves differently for interviews compared to how they show up at work. In her playful way, she pointed out:
"A lot of you girls go to the interview looking like Marge Simpson and go to the job looking like Patty and Selma - not demure."
That hilarious comparison, paired with her easygoing delivery, resonated with a lot of people. I knew it wasn't just about looking good, it was about being thoughtful in how you present yourself, which is exactly what made the phrase "very demure" relatable and engaging.
Jools’s demure videos focus on three key themes:
1. Makeup and Presentation: She shares how to achieve a well polished, professional look that isn’t over the top.
2. Mindful Behavior: Jools encourages people to be intentional with their words and actions, especially in public spaces.
3. Humor and Relatability: Her use of pop culture references makes the demure lifestyle easy to relate to and share with others.
So, because of her humor (majorly I believe), authenticity, and knack for turning everyday moments into life lessons, Jools’s take on the demure trend became an instant hit.
Selyna Brillare: The First Slang User.
On the other hand, Selyna Brillare, known as @selyna.brillare on TikTok, claims that her earlier videos laid the foundation for the demure trend.
According to Selyna, she made content about modesty and grace between 2020 and 2021 but deleted most of it before the concept took off.
Selyna describes the demure lifestyle as more than just appearance it’s a mindset and a way of engaging with the world.
She stated that her vision of being demure goes beyond professional makeup routines. It’s about being kind, authentic, and mindful in all areas of life.
Here are the key ideas behind Selyna’s version of the demure trend:
1. Authenticity – Selyna believes that being demure means staying true to yourself, even when society expects otherwise.
2. Community – She promotes the idea that supporting each other, especially in marginalized communities, is an essential part of the demure lifestyle.
3. Cultural Depth – Selyna draws inspiration from ballroom culture and LGBTQ+ history, which gives her interpretation of demureness a unique and deeper meaning.
Although her videos didn’t initially go viral, Selyna's vision provides a more philosophical perspective on what it means to live mindfully.
So, both Jools and Selyna offer valuable insights into the demure lifestyle, but their approaches differ. While Jools’s version is playful and relatable, Selyna’s version carries more emotional depth and reflects her personal values.
So, both Jools and Selyna offer valuable insights into the demure lifestyle, but their approaches differ. While Jools’s version is playful and relatable, Selyna’s version carries more emotional depth and reflects her personal values.
Why Did Very Demure Catch On?
At first glance, you might wonder, why would such an old-fashioned word suddenly become trendy among Gen Z?
The answer lies in how Jools and others have adapted the term to fit modern life.
Instead of just meaning modesty in the traditional sense, being “very demure” has become a mindset:
1. It’s a Reaction to Excess: With social media often promoting extravagance, many people are now gravitating toward simpler, more mindful aesthetics.
2. It’s About Self-Awareness: Being demure is not just about appearance but about knowing how you show up for others.
3. It’s Playful: Gen Z has embraced the phrase in humorous ways. For example, someone might post a photo of themselves quietly sipping tea and caption it: “Living my best life, very demure.”
Everyday Uses of Very Demure
The phrase "very demure" has become a fun and flexible way to describe various situations:
- Makeup tutorials: Influencers now use the phrase to describe soft, natural looks.
- Fashion choices: People say they’re going for a "very demure" vibe by wearing simple, elegant outfits like blazers or maxi dresses.
- Daily habits: Someone might joke about eating “very demurely” by carefully cutting their sandwich into neat pieces.
- Social interactions: When someone listens quietly during a group conversation, others might tease them for being “too demure.”
This lighthearted twist has made the phrase a staple on TikTok and beyond.
The Impact of the demure Trend
The rise of the demure trend reflects a growing cultural shift. In a world that often glorifies extravagance, people are starting to appreciate authenticity and simplicity.
For many, embracing the "very demure" mindset is empowering, it allows them to express their individuality without needing to be loud about it.
Moreover, the humor behind the trend keeps it fun and engaging. The playful tone fits perfectly with Gen Z’s love for irony and self-aware jokes, which is part of what has kept the trend alive.
So, Who Truly Started the Demure Trend?
Jools undoubtedly brought the trend into the mainstream, using her humor and relatability to connect with a wide audience.
But Selyna’s earlier work provides a foundation that adds depth to the conversation. It’s clear that both creators have contributed in meaningful ways.
Verdict
To me, the demure trend isn’t just about one person’s vision. It’s a collaborative effort that has grown and evolved through multiple contributions.
Jools and Selyna each brought their unique perspectives, and together, they’ve shaped a movement that resonates with many.
Whether you prefer Jools’s light-hearted take or Selyna’s deeper message, both creators remind us that being demure is about more than just how you look, it’s about living authentically and mindfully.
Trends come and go, but the values behind the demure lifestyle will likely stick around.
Final Thoughts
The very demure, very mindful trend isn’t just about makeup or fashion, it’s about fostering mindfulness and embracing simplicity in a world that often feels overwhelming.
Thanks to Jools Lebron and Selena Brillare, the term now carries a richer meaning that blends humor, authenticity, and personal expression.
FAQs
Who started the demure trend?
Although Jools Lebron appeared to be the trend setter, the origin of the demure trend still can't be attributed to one specific person. It rather gained traction through social media influencers and fashion movements that emphasize modesty, elegance, and simplicity.
Why did the demure trend become popular?
The trend became popular because people began appreciating minimalist styles and calm, reserved behavior as refreshing alternatives to bold and extravagant expressions. Social media (TikTok, YouTube, etc.) trends promoting mindfulness and elegance further fueled its rise.
Did celebrities influence the demure trend?
Yes, over time, celebrities and influencers have contributed to the trend by showcasing more modest outfits and calm, composed personas in public appearances, inspiring fans to embrace similar styles.
How does the demure trend reflect in fashion?
In fashion, the demure trend features clothing that prioritizes modesty, like high-neck dresses, long skirts, soft colors, and minimal accessories. It’s all about looking elegant without being flashy.
Is the demure trend only for women?
No, the demure trend isn’t limited to women. Men can also embrace it by adopting a reserved, composed style in both behavior and fashion, focusing on neat, understated looks and calm attitudes.
What do you think you?