The term “It-girl” typically brings about images of the gorgeous Blake Lively, trend-setting fashionista Alexa Chung and pop sensation Britney Spears (circa 2000). The it-girl is characterized by her charming personality, her impeccable style and her flawless hair. Defined by Oxford Dictionary as “a young woman who has achieved celebrity because of her socialite lifestyle,” the classic it-girl is beautiful, stylish and cool… or is she? Do you need to be born with obnoxiously great genes, a closet that’s three times as big as your bedroom and a calendar full of parties to be an it-girl? Once upon a time maybe, but these days it seems the answer is a resounding no.

Originally coined by Rudyard Kipling, the term has to do with magnetism, something that is certainly notin short supply with this generation of it-girls. However, that’s not to say that this era is like the others. Over recent years, the term has been redefined – the it-girl has evolved and she’s cooler and dorkier than ever. 

Still in possession of all the traits that make up an it-girl – self-confidence, coolness and charisma – this generation feels more real and more approachable than it-girls of the past. These girls probably weren’t the most popular kids in highschool but they could be your best friend. You could imagine yourselves clad in onesies eating ice-cream out of a tub together. That’s right. These it-girls wear onesies, and not ironically either.

Take Lena Dunham for example. She writes, produces and acts in her own HBO show Girls which has evoked almost as much criticism and controversy as it has applause. What makes Dunham an it-girl is her realness both on the show and in life (at least her life via Twitter and Instagram). Dunham teaches us that not everything has to be glamorous all the time, nor do you need to take yourself seriously all the time… Her Emmy tweets for example: “It’s probably best we didn’t win any Emmy’s because I definitely would have dedicated the award to Al Pacino’s girlfriend” and “Best quote of the night: ‘if you want to be left alone at a Hollywood party just stand near the food.’”

These girls are achieving “it” status by being unapologetically themselves. Taylor Swift’s relentless yet empowering documentation of her perennially unsuccessful love-life, Jennifer Lawrence’s infamous Oscar trip that made her only more endearing. “It” isn’t about being perfect. “It” is about honesty and having fun. Most importantly, “it” is about embracing your inner dork.

These new it-girls leave us with the message that you don’t have to (and shouldn’t!) apologize for who you are. Have no fear and forget about embarrassment. Amy Poehler said it best: “There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do.” 

Originally published in Muse Magazine.