Succubus Chic is a fashion microtrend that gained popularity on TikTok in 2023, characterized by a dark and seductive aesthetic. It is inspired by the mythical figure of the succubus and the femme fatale trope. Some interpretations also incorporate elements of vampire and ghost aesthetics. Succubus Chic draws heavily from the personal styles of Gabbriette, Morticia Addams from the Addams Family , and the actress Angelina Jolie, particularly during the early 1990s .

The trend typically involves dark and black clothing that can range from everyday wear to high-fashion pieces. Long, dark hair, typically parted in the middle, is another common feature, styled in a messy or "undone" way. High cheekbones and hollowed-out cheeks, whether achieved through makeup, contouring techniques, or cosmetic procedures, are also typical of this aesthetic.

Succubus Chic frequently features really thin models and influencers, similar to Waif . Bleached eyebrows are another common feature, which has attracted controversy due to its dangers and their association with the " Heroin Chic " trend of the 1990s, which promoted an extremely thin, emaciated, and unhealthy ideal.

Succubus Chic draws inspiration from the folklorical figure of the succubus, a demon in female form who seduces men in dreams. The aesthetic also references the " heroin chic " trend of the 1990s, with its emphasis on a pale and extremely thin appearance. The trend incorporates elements of the goth subculture, such as dark clothing and dramatic makeup, albeit in a more consumerist form. Angelina Jolie's style in the 1990s, particularly in the film " Girl, Interrupted ," is a major influence, as is Madonna's look in her 1998 music video for " Frozen ." The aesthetic also combines elements of various Kibbe body types from the yin/yang chart. The aesthetic aligns with "Dramatic" and "Gamine," known for angularity and a lean physique, as well as "Romantic" and "Angelic", reflected in the otherworldly and sensual appareance of the models.

Succubus Chic began in early 2023 on TikTok, coinciding with a shift away from the Clean Girl aesthetic. The "clean girl" look focuses on skincare, a polished appearance, and wellness, whereas Succubus Chic uses a darker and arguably more unhealthy style, influenced by the resurgence of Indie Sleaze . It rejects conventional beauty standards and the "male gaze," favoring self-expression and individuality, even if that means potentially harming oneself through cosmetic procedures.

The trend's popularity also shows interest in stereotypical portrayals of the Goth subculture and alternative aesthetics, seen in the popularity of shows like " Wednesday " and the resurgence of " Euphoria ."  However, unlike the original Goth subculture rooted in gothic rock music, Succubus Chic is heavily influenced by wealth and high fashion. The look is often achieved through cosmetic procedures like buccal fat removal and the use of Ozempic for weight loss. This creates an unachievable and unhealthy ideal that requires many financial resources, unlike countercultural movements that do not focus on consumerism.

Figures and influencers associated with Succubus Chic include singer and TikTok creator Gabbriette Bechtel, who has been frequently described as an "it girl," model Amelia Gray Hamlin, actress Mia Goth, and musician Arca. Other notable people who have embraced this aesthetic include Noah Cyrus, Dove Cameron, model Amata Alp, and Italian content creator Matilda Morri.

Succubus Chic is characterized by a dark and androgynous aesthetic with clear ties to goth fashion. Black is the dominant color, frequently appearing in dresses, pants, skirts, and tops. Designer clothing and high fashion are the most common choices, although dark everyday wear is also used. Common materials include lace, leather, and velvet, while small accents of white may be incorporated.

The hair is usually dark and dyed black, usually styled with a center part and a messy or "undone" look. The aesthetic features dramatic makeup with pale skin, dark eyes (frequently achieved with smokey or siren eye makeup), and bold lips in natural tones. Contoured cheeks and the use of cosmetic procedures like fat buccal removal are also common, which create a "emaciated" look reminiscent of the controversial Heroin Chic trend of the 1990s. Eyebrows are often thin or bleached.

Accessories such as chokers (often made from materials like leather or metal), crosses worn as necklaces or earrings, spiked jewelry, and fishnet stockings paired with boots or heels are also used in the Succubus Chic aesthetic. Pale makeup is frequently used, but it is not as requirement, as seen with some models who are tanner. The look is typically finished with a "dead-eyed" stare and a confident "don't mess with me" attitude.

The trend has drawn comparisons to the " heroin chic " trend of the 1990s due to its emphasis on extreme thinness and an "ill" appearance. Many social media users have accused the aesthetic of being a new version of Heroin Chic repackaged for a younger generation. Aesthetics like Heroin Chic and Indie Sleaze were associated with a lifestyle of drug use or partying, whereas Succubus Chic is simultaneously connected to wellness culture. This creates a paradoxical situation where women participate in dangerous practices in the pursuit of a specific aesthetic. The trend's association with the succubus figure is also paradoxical, who, despite being a symbol of female empowerment and independence, is traditionally depicted as serving male desires.

Some have criticized Succubus Chic for glamorizing illness and reinforcing harmful beauty standards. The aesthetic's reliance on cosmetic procedures like buccal fat removal, bleached eyebrows, and the use of the diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss has the potential to promote eating disorders and body dysmorphia. The trend's accessibility is also criticized, as achieving the look often necessitates great financial resources, potentially excluding those without the means to undergo cosmetic procedures or purchase designer clothing. Others argue that the trend is a form of rebellion against traditional beauty ideals and the "male gaze," even if it ultimately reinforces them. However, this argument is challenged by the fact that the trend promotes a very specific and narrow beauty standard, one that is largely unattainable without effort and money.

The aesthetic has also been criticized for attempting to capitalize on alternative subcultures and turning styles associated with the Goth subculture into a quickly consumable internet trend. This stems from the observation that Succubus Chic borrows heavily from goth aesthetics, such as dark clothing, pale makeup, and inspiration from death and the macabre, but strips these elements of their subcultural context. The Goth subculture has traditionally been associated with DIY fashion and rejecting mainstream culture, while the Succubus Chic trend almost entirely consists of high fashion and designer clothes.