Clean Girl Vibes: Thomas Mann, the OG of Effortless Elegance

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The Clean Girl aesthetic has taken over our feeds—think polished minimalism, glowing skin, and an effortlessly chic “I-woke-up-like-this” vibe. But here’s the real plot twist: long before TikTok and Instagram, one man was already serving Clean Girl perfection.

 

And no, it’s not some old Hollywood heartthrob—it’s Thomas Mann.

 

Yes, you read that right. The Nobel Prize-winning literary icon wasn’t just a master of words; he was a masterclass in style. With his signature side part, impeccable tailoring, and a self-care routine that would put today’s beauty influencers to shame, Mann was basically the original Clean Girl. Effortless sophistication? He invented it.

 

So, ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between—take notes. In three key categories—Hair, Fashion, and Lifestyle—Marie Limbourg, research associate at Lübeck’s Buddenbrookhaus, breaks down why Thomas Mann deserves a top spot on your Pinterest inspo board.

| by Marie Limbourg

Hair: That Signature Sleekness

If you know, you know—hair is everything in the Clean Girl aesthetic. It’s gotta be effortlessly perfect, never forced. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what Thomas Mann nailed with his iconic side part.

Brothers in Style: Heinrich Mann stands, Thomas Mann sits—and, of course, so does his perfectly sleek side part. Munich, circa 1900. #MannApproved

ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Thomas-Mann-Archiv / Photographer: Atelier Elvira / TMA_0017

💡 Mann-Approved Haircare Hack: A touch of lightweight gel or wax for a soft hold with just the right amount of shine. If you’re looking for a hairstyle that screams timeless elegance, look no further. A classic deep side part is the ultimate Clean Girl power move.

Fashion: Minimalism, But Make It Luxe

Thomas Mann understood a key principle of Clean Girl fashion: invest in high-quality basics. No fuss, no over-the-top styling—just timeless, effortless elegance.

🛍 Your Thomas Mann-Inspired Capsule Wardrobe:

Titel: Thomas Mann, Portrait Beschreibung: Thomas Mann, Brustbild, Halbprofil nach links, Zigarette in der linken Hand. Fotograf*in: Atelier Elisabeth, München Aufnahmeort: München Datierung: ca. 1910

✔️ A structured blazer in black or beige—because power dressing never goes out of style. Munich, circa 1910

ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Thomas-Mann-Archiv / Photographer: Atelier Elisabeth / TMA_0051

Aufenthalt in Sanary-sur-Mer. Lektüre an der Sonne Beschreibung: Thomas Mann, Ganzaufnahme, Halbprofil nach links, schräg in einem Korbsessel sitzend, Beine übereinandergeschlagen. Von Thomas Mann handschriftlich auf der Rückseite notiert: "In Sanary s/mer / Sommer 1933".

✔️ A perfectly tailored white linen blouse—chic, crisp, and effortlessly cool. Sanary-sur-Mer, circa 1933

ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Thomas-Mann-Archiv / Photographer: Unknown / TMA_0286

Aufenthalt in Sanary-sur-Mer. Thomas Mann, Portrait Beschreibung: Thomas Mann, Ganzaufnahme, Halbprofil nach links, im Türrahmen lehnend, Brille in der linken und Hut in der rechten Hand. Fotograf*in: Unbekannt Aufnahmeort: Sanary-sur-Mer Datierung: nach 1933-06-18

✔️ High-waisted trousers in neutral tones—because true style is all about clean lines and confidence.

ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Thomas-Mann-Archiv / Photographer: Unknown / TMA_0287

Lifestyle: The OG Self-Care Routine

Let’s be real: the Clean Girl lifestyle is all about routine—think hydration, movement, and mindful mornings. Turns out, Thomas Mann had this down long before it became an aesthetic. His diaries? Basically a masterclass in structured, intentional living.

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Morning Rituals, The Mann Way

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“Drank tea in the morning.” (Thomas Mann, Diary, 17.13.1939)
– Hydration is everything, babe.

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“Immediately shaved.” (Thomas Mann, Diary, 16.11.1937)
– Grooming = non-negotiable.

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“Went outside in the morning.” (Thomas Mann, Diary, 12.11.1938)
– Fresh air? Movement? Natural glow unlocked.

And when it came to fitness? No intense gym sessions here—Mann, just like today’s Clean Girls, preferred gentle movement.

“Walked alone in the sun for an hour,” he wrote. Mood. (Thomas Mann, Diary, 3.11.1933)

ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Thomas-Mann-Archiv / Photographer: Unknown / TMA_0529.

🏡 Mann’s Minimalist Home Inspo

Even his home was peak Clean Girl aesthetic: neutral tones, sleek architecture, and an obsession with natural materials like wood (seriously, his Pacific Palisades house is a clean girl's dream).

✔️ Warm, natural textures – Think woods and organic fabrics. Nida, 1930.

ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Thomas-Mann-Archiv / Photographer: Unknown / TMA_0195

In Blumenbüschen stehend, mit Brille und Hut in den Händen, sich eine Margerite ansteckend.

✔️ A love for plants – Because greenery = life. Los Angeles, circa 1946.

ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Thomas-Mann-Archiv / Photographer: Unknown / TMA_5373

Titel: Haus der Familie Mann in Pacific Palisades (1550 San Remo Drive) Beschreibung: Aussenansicht, Ausschnitt mit Garten. Fotograf*in: Unbekannt Aufnahmeort: Pacific Palisades Datierung: zwischen 1942-1952

✔️ Clean lines, bright tones – Classic, effortless, forever chic. Los Angeles, between 1942 and 1952.

ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Thomas-Mann-Archiv / Photographer: Unknown / TMA_8111

 

Thomas Mann: The Unexpected Clean Girl Icon

Discipline. Elegance. A perfectly curated life. Thomas Mann was the ultimate Clean Girl before Clean Girls even existed. Maybe it’s time we take inspo not just from his novels, but from his impeccable aesthetic, too.

So, are you ready to channel your inner Thomas Mann? #MannApproved

About the author

Marie Limbourg is a research associate at the Buddenbrookhaus – Heinrich and Thomas Mann Center in Lübeck and a doctoral candidate at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Her dissertation focuses on the works and narrative techniques of Walter Kempowski. Previously, she worked as a consultant for committee and project management at the administrative office of the Rhine-Main Universities and as a coordinator for the Marbach Weimar Wolfenbüttel research network at the German Literature Archive in Marbach. She is part of the leadership team of the Young German Schiller Society and the Young Forum Thomas Mann (the junior division of the German Thomas Mann Society).