A definitive guide to all of TikTok's 'seasons': From Ben Affleck Summer, to Christian Girl Autumn and Short King Spring

Gone are the days when we used to tell the changing of seasons by falling leaves or daylight hours. 

Now, it's all about what TikTok has coined as the cultural goal and aim of the month.

It would seem that there's something for everyone - no matter the weather outside.

While there's been a lot circulating around 'hot girl summer' and all its variants (brat, tomato and Ben Affleck just to name a few) there is just as much variety when it comes to the rest of the calendar.

As the weather grows colder, you could find yourself leaning into the cosy cuddly aesthetics of Christian Girl Autumn - or instead channeling the 'baddie' stylings of 'Thotumn'.

Elsewhere, winter brings with it the 'rot girls' who might want to commit to hibernating in the cold weather, or celebrate those partaking in 'cuffing season'. 

Finally, as the snow thaws so do the men who are under six foot hoping to find a partner - just in time for Short King Spring. 

Here, FEMAIL looks at all of the definitive 'eras' you could live out - 365 days a year - as declared by social media...

SUMMER

Hot Girl Summer

Perhaps the originator of all of TikTok's seasons - before there was anything, there was Hot Girl Summer, declared by the hit rap anthem by Megan Thee Stallion, 29, and Nicki Minaj, 41, of the same name.

The duo made internet history in 2019, when they proclaimed that 'it's a Hot Girl Summer, so you know she got it lit'.

With 'hot girls' basking in their last summer before the Covid-19 pandemic, the phrase made its way through the radio airwaves and into Instagram captions, TikToks and night clubs.

Perhaps the originator of all of TikTok's seasons - before there was anything, there was Hot Girl Summer, named the hit rap anthem by Megan Thee Stallion (pictured in 2020) and Nicki Minaj

Megan has also historically defined what it means to be a 'hot girl' - with her own X handle once being HOT GIRL MEG.

'Being a Hot Girl is about being unapologetically YOU, having fun, being confident, living YOUR truth , being the life of the party etc,' she said on social media.

Brat Girl Summer

Following the release of her sixth studio album, brat, singer-songwriter Charli XCX, 31, from Essex, has made Gen Z do a 180 on the once-fashionable clean girl aesthetic 

Following the release of her sixth studio album, brat, singer-songwriter Charli XCX, 31, from Essex, has made Gen Z do a 180 on the once-fashionable clean girl aesthetic.

But there's more to Charli XCX than her music, it's her brat aesthetic, characterised by her air of recklessness, eccentric behaviour, and risqué attitudes - traits that her brat friends, Julia Fox and Gabbriette Bechtel, also possess.

Now, Gen Z want to follow in their footsteps and adopt brat behaviours, meaning the trend is on every corner of social media, with over five million Gen Zers taking to TikTok to share snippets of their brat girl summer.

Brats are edgy, or in the words of Charli XCX during a BBC interview, they are: 'Trashy. Just like a pack of cigs and, like, a Bic lighter. And, like, a strappy white top. With no bra. That's, like, kind of all you need.'

The album, released in June, received universal acclaim, debuting at number two on the UK Albums Chart, as well as reaching the top ten in multiple other countries, including America.

The 15-song album encompassed various trademark features - from its slime green colour theme to its title - brat - all being in lowercases.

In a matter of days, Charli XCX spearheaded a new movement, with slime green flags waving in the crowds of Glastonbury declaring the start of brat girl summer.

Her hit track 365, with over 25 million streams on Spotify, encapsulates brat-like behaviours, with the lyrics reading: 'No I never go home, don't sleep, don't eat, just do it on repeat, when I'm in the club, I'm a 3-6-5 party girl'.

Ben Affleck Summer

As detailed by TikToker Michael Major , a Ben Affleck Summer is all about 'walking around drinking a Dunkin Iced Coffee while being really stressed out'.

The actor, 51, has often been pictured looking deeply stressed out as he holds onto a caffeinated beverage (usually from his beloved Dunkin Donuts) to get him through

A Ben Affleck summer is characterised by a key accessory - iced coffee. The actor, 51, has often been pictured looking deeply preoccupied as he holds onto a caffeinated beverage (usually from his beloved Dunkin Donuts) to get him through the day.

Over the years, he has also gone viral for being snapped looking frazzled as he smokes a cigarette.

Hence, as detailed by TikToker Michael Major, a Ben Affleck Summer is all about 'walking around drinking a Dunkin Iced Coffee while being really stressed out'. 

Ben has long been known for being a fan of iced coffee - especially from Dunkin - and even starred in a 2023 Super Bowl commercial for the company.

The ad - which also features Jack Harlow, Fat Joe, and Jennifer Lopez - sees the musicians horrified when 'The DunKings' begin to preform. 

Entering the studio clad in a blinged-out jacket, Ben shouts: 'What up, Bronx?'

He performs awkward choreography as Jennifer looks on, stunned. At the end, she whispers: 'We talked about this,' and Ben looks dismayed.

As he and Matt Damon head out, Jennifer tells Tom Brady - who's manning the keyboard - that he can stay.

Ben has aligned closely with the brand and was even spotted handing out food at two locations in Massachusetts as part of a separate ad campaign.

Tony Soprano Summer

A Tony Soprano Summer is often about the fashion sported by James Gandolfini's character in the show - oversized button-ups and slacks. The style is demonstrated by TikToker liz75061

On an emotional level, it's also about 'having panic attacks in the pool', as shown by rocmanlymbizkit 

Other characteristics are 'fighting everyone', 'eating mortadella and pasta, wearing your robe all day, and going to therapy'

Tony Soprano is the beloved protagonist of The Sopranos, a hit TV show about a mafia boss.

However, thankfully a Tony Soprano Summer requires no illicit activity.

Instead, it's more often about the fashion sported by James Gandolfini's character in the show - such as oversized button-ups and slacks. 

The style is demonstrated by TikToker liz75061. On an emotional level, it's also about 'having panic attacks in the pool', as shown by rocmanlymbizkit.

Other characteristics are 'fighting everyone', 'eating mortadella and pasta, wearing your robe all day, and going to therapy'.

Tomato Girl Summer

The make up is also characterised by warm blush, to evoke a rosy sunkissed aura. In a tutorial, creator kianadalleave adorned her visage by strategic pink and red pigment on the cheeks, eyes, and lips

A video from projects.studio even advised how you can emulate Tomato Girl Summer with your table settings and dishware

To understand Tomato Girl Summer - it is important to first understand the Tomato Girl first and foremost.

Racking up millions of views on TikTok, 'tomato girl' style shaped up to be one of the most popular trends of last year. And it wasn't just the young fashionistas of social media who were wearing it; celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss and model Emily Ratajkowski were turning tomato, too.

As the name implies, the tomato girl aesthetic involves wearing plenty of hot red — however, that's just the start. 

Taking inspiration from the Mediterranean, this look is all about channelling La Dolce Vita in sun-drenched colours, romantic ruffles, vintage prints and easy-breezy fabrics.

Think Gwyneth Paltrow's Marge in The Talented Mr Ripley meets The White Lotus' Jennifer Coolidge. 

Puff sleeves, linen dresses, basket bags, espadrilles — if you can imagine wearing it on the back of a Vespa zipping along the Amalfi Coast, you're on the right track.

Perhaps the most recent tomato girl trend making its way through TikTok are tomato martinis - or Tomatinis. TikToker Kait Park made one in a recent clip, dubbing it her 'new summer drink'

The make up is also characterised by warm blush, to evoke a rosy sunkissed aura. In a tutorial, creator kianadalleave adorned her visage by strategic pink and red pigment on the cheeks, eyes, and lips.

A Tomato Girl Summer takes this aesthetic to the next level - which incorporates drinks and dining too.

A video from projects.studio even advised how you can emulate Tomato Girl Summer with your table settings and dishware.

Summery dinners with trendy heirloom tomatoes are encouraged. Perhaps the most recent tomato girl trend making its way through TikTok are tomato martinis - or Tomatinis. TikToker Kait Park made one in a recent clip, dubbing it her 'new summer drink'. 

Feral Girl Summer

TikToker __mull said it was about bikinis on the beach, 'having the time of your life at a music festival or at a club in Ibiza'

In what could be seen as a precursor to Brat Girl Summer, Feral Girl Summer went viral around 2022 - but has continued to resurge in past years - to celebrate a party lifestyle that serves as an antithesis to the 'clean girl aesthetic'.

Documenting her version of 'Feral Girl Summer' in a TikTok, travel vlogger Emmy wrote: 'Me doing the violently  hungover, sweaty walk of shame through Lisbon in heels and clothes from the night before having not slept all night.

'Lost all my sh*t and morals but going to pass out poolside and repent my sins for the next 12 hours.'

Meanwhile, __mull said it was about bikinis on the beach, 'having the time of your life at a music festival or at a club in Ibiza'.

Speaking to Don't Let This Flop, Rolling Stone podcast in 2023, she said: 'I just wanted to remind people that your life doesn't have to fit this perfect mold that we see a lot of other influencers try to portray.

'It's okay to look a little bit messy. It's more just about being who you are, not caring as much what people think about you and enjoying your time.' 

Slasher Summer/Summerween

The resurgence of the 80s has brought back with it an obsession for horror movies from the era

Usually accompanied by the theme from Stranger Things, Abi Evans on TikTok explained that it's usually characterised by the nostalgic era of spending your summer holidays with friends mixed with whimsy of horror movies, which tend to start off being set during school vacation

The resurgence of the 80s has brought back with it an obsession for horror movies from the era. Enter, Slasher Summer.

Usually accompanied by the eerie theme from Stranger Things, Abi Evans on TikTok explained that it's usually characterised by the nostalgic era of spending your summer holidays with friends mixed with whimsy of horror movies, which tend to start off being set during school vacation.

'I can feel it in the air... slasher summer is finally here,' Abi wrote. 'Time for exploring the woods with friends. Telling scary stories around the fire.

'Canoes and lake swims. Ghost hunting. Friendship bracelets.

'Having absolutely no idea what time it is.' 

Its sister - Summerween - as recounted by Calling Beauty is also rooted in the strict appreciation for horror movies and is channelled by people who tired of summer by July, and want spooky season to come quick.

AUTUMN

Christian Girl Autumn

However, since its inception Christian Girl Autumn has become a beloved season by all, with many online leaning into the cosy - even if at times cheesy - warm aesthetics.

The fall-friendly update to the 'Hot Girl Summer' meme was spawned by a 19-year-old college student who shared a three-year-old picture of influencers Emily Gemma and Caitlin Covington sporting matching curls and oversized scarves on X in 2019. 

The Long Island native, who asked to keep his last name private, told BuzzFeed News he had no idea who the women were when he tweeted their photo along with the caption: 'Hot Girl Summer is coming to an end, get ready for Christian Girl Autumn.'

Giovanni said he came across the snapshot when he Googled 'cute church outfits' and 'all scarf outfits,' admitting he had no idea his post would go viral when she shared it.

Emily, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, runs the blog The Sweetest Thing, while Caitlin from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is the woman behind the blog Southern Curls and Pearls. 

In the snapshot, the bloggers are wearing scarves wrapped around their necks, strategically ripped skinny jeans, ankle booties, and matching handbags. 

The image was taken by Caitlin's mother when they traveled to Highlands, North Carolina, in 2016 to shoot their 'fall content' for the season.

The tweet inspired countless memes, and people were quick to make negative assumptions about the influencers based on their aesthetics, which are associated with white women who love all things pumpkin spice come September.  

Some also made assumptions about the girls beliefs, branding them 'racist' and 'homophobic' based entirely on the one image being shared on social media. 

Caitlin (pictured) even gives social media fans updates on when she's going to take her fall photos

The meme eventually made its way to Emily and Caitlin, who have been friends since they lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, together in 2013. 

The two have laughed it off, admitting that they completely understand why people are mocking the photo.  

'We were kind of matching. It was cheesy,' Emily told BuzzFeed News,' while Caitlin added: 'We look so basic in our blanket scarves and holding our Pumpkin Spice Lattes.'

The women are both Christians, but they have made it a point to set the record straight when it comes to the misconceptions that they're intolerant. 

'That's not me at all,' Caitlin said. 'I'm a nice person and I love everyone and I'm accepting of everyone.'

'I'm white and Christian but none of the tweets were accurate,' Emily explained. 'I laughed at all of it but... none of it's true. We don't ever want to speak to the manager!'

Caitlin even tweeted some of her best photos in response to the meme, writing: 'If all of Twitter is gonna make fun of my fall photos, at least pick some good ones! Super proud of these. For the record, I do like pumpkin spice lattes. Cheers!'

When asked about her thoughts on the LGBT community, she shared rainbow emoji and said 'love is love.' She also said that she wasn't a Republican like many people had assumed. 

However, since its inception Christian Girl Autumn has become a beloved season by all, with many online leaning into the cosy - even if at times cheesy - warm aesthetics. 

In a TikTok, creator Simone Umba dubbed Caitlin 'one of the OGs' when it comes to seasonal content on social media. 

Caitlin even gives social media fans updates on when she's going to take her fall photos - having officially become the reigning queen of Christian Girl Autumn.

Thotumn 

As modelled by TikToker Kiki - Thotumn is not about embracing the end of Hot Girl Summer, but rather, prolonging it into the fall seasons

As modelled by TikToker Kiki - Thotumn is not about embracing the end of Hot Girl Summer, but rather, prolonging it into the fall seasons.

On an aesthetic level, this is characterised by ensembles which carry the energy of summer - be it form-fitting tank tops or short skirts and heels - but adorned with extra layers or padding to shield from the cold.

Thotumn comes from the world 'thot' - which in slang stands for 'that h*e over there'.

While the term has been used to degrade and insult women, many have reclaimed the word to be all about empowerment and sexual liberation.

Meg Ryan Fall 

TikToker Shelby Taylor shared her guide to perfecting it. 'First, coffee shops are everything - you are going to find a nice quiet quaint coffeeshop,' she explained

Much of Meg Ryan fall can be attributed to the chokehold the actress, 62, had on romcom movies in the 90s and early 2000s.

An autumn characterised by the star consists of embodying the cosy seasonal aesthetics embodied in hits like When Harry Met Sally and You've Got Mail.

It's also very activity based, focusing on the lifestyles led by Meg's heroines in the flicks.

TikToker Shelby Taylor shared her guide to perfecting it.

'First, coffee shops are everything - you are going to find a nice quiet quaint coffeeshop,' she explained.

'Have a cup of coffee, sit there, read your book, people watch a little bit or get your coffee to go.'

Next on the list was bookshops - for 'is there anything more Meg Ryan than bookshops?'.

Also included on the agenda were pumpkin-adjacent activities, handwritten letters, drinking red wine and lighting candles. 

Equally as important to a Meg Ryan Fall are fashion picks worn by her characters - marked by bulky sweaters, deep autumnal tones and chic layers.

A Meg Ryan Fall goes hand-in-hand with many people's annual rewatch of Gilmore Girls. 

Sad Girl Autumn 

Instead of pumpkin patches and coffeeshops, Sad Girl Autumn is marked by listening to folklore and evermore by Taylor Swift while lighting candles in your room. Swift_tok described it as both the most 'depressing' and 'beautiful' season in a video

Perhaps the antithesis to Meg Ryan Fall, Sad Girl Autumn has all of the sweaters and suede but none of the whimsy and excitement.

Instead of pumpkin patches and coffeeshops, Sad Girl Autumn is marked by listening to folklore and evermore by Taylor Swift while lighting candles in your room. 

The singer, 34, has even recorded a 'Sad Girl Autumn' version of  her hit All Too Well (10 minute version).

Swift_tok described it as both the most 'depressing' and 'beautiful' season in a video. 

In 2022, Meredith Clarke, writing for The Independent dubbed Sad Girl Autumn 'Hot Girl Summer's cool aunt'.

'She lives in a haunted cottage in the woods, and believes pumpkin-scented candles can cure almost any heartbreak,' she penned.

'Her colour palette is strictly green, orange, and brown tones, and she relates a little too closely to Taylor Swift's 'All Too Well', a plaintive banger about a breakup.'

The entire Red album is known for being a driving force behind the trend, beloved by many of her fans for its fall album décor. 

WINTER

Rot Girl Winter

It's about being bed bound as you take part in several safe-care activities - be it snuggling up with a book, doing a face mask or getting your z's in; as demonstrated by thenycbookworm in a video last year

As described by TikToker starrysteph, Rot Girl Winter is when you - much like a bear - 'hibernate in bed for the season'.

While the name carries a negative connotation isn't strictly about letting yourself fester away.

It's about being bed bound as you take part in several safe-care activities - be it snuggling up with a book, doing a face mask or getting your z's in; as demonstrated by thenycbookworm in a video last year.

'I am having a pretty rot this winter,' __mull wrote. 'Like doing my skincare before getting in bed. And only ever leaving my enclosure to do 12-3-30. I plan on emerging from my cocoon like a beautiful butterfly come spring.'

However, for some - like Nieve Ella - it more describes a struggle than a lifestyle.

'My rot girl winter: Forcing myself out of bed to have a shower, put on some gossip girl on and attempt to be a clean girl.' 

For most, it's exiting the Rot Girl Winter era - and thawing into Spring - that is celebrated. 

And much like Hot Girl Summer - it even has a song - by Princess Xixi. 

SPRING

Short King Spring

Datingbyblaine said Short King Spring is more than just seasonal - but is also part of a cultural phenomena

When the leaves turn green again and the snow melts - so emerge the Short Kings. 

Datingbyblaine said Short King Spring is more than just seasonal - the tilt towards more petite men is also part of a cultural phenomena.

While a tall man used to be a prerequisite for many women when searching for a potential beau, the popularity of actors such as Barry Keoghan and Jeremy Allen White have spurred an interest - and thirst - for men on the shorter side.

At the recent Golden Globe Awards, short kings swept the categories with high profile actors like Succession's Kieran Culkin - standing at 5ft6 - winning Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Drama and The Bear's Jeremy Allen White - at 5ft7 - coming away with his second Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Comedy.

Saltburn's 5ft8 Barry Keoghan is one of the newest short kings on the scene, with the height difference amplified by his co-star Jacob Elordi's 6ft5 frame - while in the past, the height difference may have been a point of contention, it has now left fans wanting more.

'Barry Keoghan has a confidence that can be found only in short men,' one X, formerly known as Twitter, user declared.

'Barry Keoghan, Jeremy Allen White, Kieran Culkin, Timothee Chalamet… it's short king season and I'm here for it,' another fan wrote.

'I don't PLAY about my short man agenda Kieran Culkin, Changbin, Barry Keoghan, Oscar Isaac, Kim Hong Joong, Andrew Scott... I don't PLAY,' said another.

Saltburn's 5ft8 Barry Keoghan is one of the newest short kings on the scene, with the height difference amplified by his co-star Jacob Elordi 's 6ft5 frame - while in the past, the height difference may have been a point of contention, it has now left fans wanting more. Barry pictured in May

While a tall man used to be a prerequisite for many women when searching for a potential beau, the popularity of actors such as Jeremy Allen White (pictured in June) have spurred an interest - and thirst - for men on the shorter side

According to psychotherapist Dr. Jenn Mann, the short king movement - which she deems to concern men under 5ft9 - has resulted in men rejecting society's notion that they have to be 6ft tall, and them becoming more secure in their height.

'They are also rejecting the outdated concept that women need to be shorter than a man they are dating,' she continued.

'Short king spring is the new hot girl summer,' the psychotherapist quipped.

'Short kings [are] embracing their self worth and seeing themselves through new eyes,' Jenn explained. 'Men are moving away from measuring their value based on height.'

She added that shorter men can also me more secure, as they don't mind a date that is taller than them.

'Women are recognizing this untapped market of eligible men too,' she added. 'This is widening the dating playing field in wonderful ways.'

Thalia agreed, saying she's noticed a definite shift in women actively seeking a short man, regardless of their height.

'As a matchmaker I interview women in my day-to-day and I have found that height is becoming less of an importance,' she said.

'My guess would be that people are now seeking a deeper connection and less focused on height!'