Trending 6th August 2026 by Stellar Magazine

Why Is Everyone Suddenly Obsessed with Being Whimsical?

Wake up the inner child that’s been there all along.

via Instagram @lalislean / lizbooknook

Maybe you’ve noticed people buying toy figures as an adult, carrying digital cameras again, learning to crochet, dressing like a real-life fairy, or making pancakes shaped like flowers on a random Tuesday morning. But why are so many people trying to make ordinary life feel magical?

This whimsical way of living is not something that can be bought. It’s more of an attitude towards life. The dictionary defines it as “playfully quaint” or “fanciful behaviour”. In reality, there’s much more to being whimsical than a dictionary definition.

To me, being whimsical is finding joy and amusement in everyday life. The great thing about being whimsical is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as experimenting with colourful fashion or trying a new hobby.

It seems as though Gen Z are looking for a form of everyday escapism by embracing whimsy. Searches on Etsy for ‘whimsical jewellery’ and ‘whimsical decor’ were each up by 50% from last year. Not only are we craving whimsical products, but we have turned whimsy into its own aesthetic. Use of the word ‘whimsy’ has tripled since 2021 and was a contender for The New York Times’ “Vibe of the Year”.

But why has whimsy become so popular all of a sudden? For Gen Z, who entered adulthood through COVID-19, the cost of living crisis, climate change and AI uncertainty, this playful approach to life is like a rebellion against all the seriousness we see on the news, day-in and day-out.

Last year, it felt like the “clean girl” aesthetic was so prominent, and it leaned towards minimalism, discipline and polish. It focused on slicked-back buns, minimal makeup, and it all felt a bit corporate.

Instead, whimsy is less about fitting into one aesthetic and more about embracing whatever genuinely brings you joy.

Living more whimsically rejects the fear of being cringe or “too much” and replaces it with trying new hobbies, decorating creatively, dressing dramatically, and expressing your most authentic self.

Expressing my inner whimsical self really reconnects me with my childhood. Everything I loved doing when I was 12 is still something I enjoy today, whether that’s collecting stickers, doing crafts, playing the Wii or baking. Allowing yourself to play as an adult is at the core of whimsy.

Not only is reconnecting with your inner whimsical self fun, but it’s also good for your mental health. Engaging in these lighthearted or silly activities can help reduce cortisol while also releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins.

But how can you create whimsy in your life? Trying little moments of curiosity, such as watching the sunrise, trying a new café, or taking a different route home, are all tiny moments that can make everyday life feel a little more magical.

If you want to make an extra effort, you could try recreating a fancy breakfast from Pinterest, using your favourite mug every morning, or taking extra care when getting dressed for the day.

Creative play is a great way to engage with your inner whimsy. Trying a new hobby, whether that’s painting, crocheting or photography, can help you relax and get your creative juices flowing.

Lastly, exploring is one of the easiest ways to embrace whimsy. A day trip to the zoo, a hike through the forest, a swim in the lake or cycling home instead of taking the bus are all great, simple ways to feel more whimsical.

Being whimsical is about noticing the micro-joys in everyday life instead of waiting for major life milestones in order to feel happy. It’s choosing delight, wonder and play as an adult. It’s rejecting embarrassment before adulthood convinces us that childlike joy has an age limit.

Instead, all we have to do is wake up the inner child that’s been there all along.

Words by Katie Walsh