Boys World Is the Girl Group I Needed When I Was Younger

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(Image credit: Tyrell Hampton)

In my teenage years, I was completely boy band-obsessed (Big Time Rush, One Direction, The Wanted—you name it), so I was more than excited to hear about the newest girl group on the pop scene, Boys World. They formed after KYN Entertainment scouted each of them individually on Instagram, and in true Gen Z fashion, they have garnered quite a following as a group on TikTok. After watching their music video for "Wingman," I wanted to learn more about the group of five, so I chatted with the girls to get their perspective on their personal style, where they find their inspiration, and, of course, their new music.

I don't know how else to describe my Zoom call with them other than that it felt nothing like an interview but instead like I was sitting with five best friends who were extremely passionate about creating music and eager to share anything with me, whether it was an eyeliner they're obsessed with or how much they loved a Juicy Couture bag they found at an Ohio thrift store. I was enamored by their confidence, and all I could think about was that they were most definitely a group of girls I could've used to look up to when I was in my teenage years. Why? Because they were so unapologetically themselves, but it was also the way they worked with each other in conversation and uplifted each other's opinions. I know there have obviously been girl groups in the past, but something about this team seems different—from the strong communication they've garnered with each other to the respect they have for each other's coherent individuality. They differ in terms of liking chill R&B and gothic rock but still find middle grounds in Megan thee Stallion and Justin Bieber. Not to mention they aren't afraid to push boundaries with fashion and beauty. They even did their own makeup and hair for some of their recent videos.

Keep scrolling to learn all about Boys World, and don't forget to listen to their latest EP, While You Were Out, which is streaming on all music platforms.

How did Boys World come to be?

BW: We were all found on social media. We were posting covers and doing our thing when someone reached out to us, and they asked, "Do you want to be in a girl group?” It was definitely a surreal and crazy experience. Some of us were minors and young. We all had to meet each other and make sure the chemistry was there. We went into the studio and sang an Ariana Grande song together to see how we sounded on the track. The most important thing was to see how we interacted as people, and that's how we came to be.

What can your fans expect from your EP and the music that’s to come?

BW: Emotional storytelling. It’s all a circle, and each song goes hand in hand and makes sense when you listen to it all at once. You can expect the Boys World energy in our songs with hints of friendship and togetherness, while also dabbling in different genres and sounds. 

What do you think about TikTok’s impact on the music industry?

BW: I think it’s allowing smaller artists to be seen, and I love that this app has such a great algorithm for that. I’ve seen a lot of artists become noticed and have their music reach a wider audience. Not a lot of the other platforms have done such a great job at doing that, and I think it’s a great tool for us because it helps us connect with fans and further grow onto other platforms like YouTube and Spotify.

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Elana Caceres
(Image credit: Tyrell Hampton)

I'm proud to be a part of Boys World because… The message we give on friendship and female empowerment. And of course, I get to do what I’m passionate about with four of my best friends.

Lately, I've been listening to… A bunch of different songs from a bunch of artists, but a lot of Jorja Smith, Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar—any artist that just is all about good vibes.

The clothing items I couldn't live without are… Earrings. I’ve been wearing hoops and butterfly earrings a lot. I also love my baggy jeans, and I have a strong girly side, so I like to bring out my slip dresses, especially in the summer.

I get my fashion inspiration from… Blair Waldorf. She’s an icon for me. Her inspiration in the show was often Audrey Hepburn, who is also a huge inspiration for me. I have an Audrey-themed room at home. I just love the feminine-and-classy look.

If I had to describe my style in one word, it would be… Feminine.

My go-to beauty product is… Vitamin C serum. It just makes me feel alive. Also, sunscreen because everyone should be wearing it.

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Olivia Ruby
(Image credit: Tyrell Hampton)

I'm proud to be a part of Boys World because… My younger self would've wanted to see a girl group like this. I think of myself growing up, and creating something like this makes me proud.

Lately, I've been listening to… Artists who are known for their songwriting, like Julia Michaels, Finneas, Gracie Abrams, and Benny Blanco. I’m constantly listening to their songs to make my writing better.

The clothing items I couldn't live without are… A necklace that my grandmother gifted me, which I also wore in the "Wingman" music video. Also, I thrifted a Juicy Couture bag, and I’ve been wearing it every day. 

I get my fashion inspiration from… The runways. Emma Chamberlain mentioned in a video that she looks at specific looks from a designer’s runway show and tries to mimic them in her outfits. I’ve also always loved the ’70s hippie style, anything that you’d find in a grandma’s house.

If I had to describe my style in one word, it would be… Hippie.

My go-to beauty product is… Sunshine Skin Tint by Milk. I’ve used it for years, and I love it.

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Makhyli Simpson
(Image credit: Tyrell Hampton)

I'm proud to be a part of Boys World because… Our authenticity and how vulnerable we are in our work, which is a strength that our generation brings to the table.

Lately, I've been listening to… Tank in the Bangas, and I don’t always like multiple songs from one artist, but they hit it every time.

The clothing items I couldn't live without are… A pair of fairy wings that I got from Claire’s. They’re rainbow, and I love them. I also have this translucent bag, and it lights up, and I feel like that’s a staple that I need.

I get my fashion inspiration from… Harper from Wizards of Waverly Place had all the 'fits. She was so iconic with her themed dresses, and I want to be that.

If I had to describe my style in one word, it would be… Flavorful.

My go-to beauty product is… Turmeric—I use it in teas and as a teeth whitener or for dark spots. I’ve also been loving this Nyx lipstick that I’ve gotten off of TikTok.

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Queenie Mae
(Image credit: Tyrell Hampton)

I'm proud to be a part of Boys World because… It’s not only just the message and being with four other girls who have the same passion but also because I’m proud of myself. I really manifested my dreams and am now living in them. I’m proud to be a part of Boys World because I’m proud of myself for coming so far—all of us have come so far to be here.

Lately, I've been listening to… SZA, Rico Nasty, and, surprisingly, Justin Bieber.

The clothing items I couldn't live without are… My gold jewelry. I always have it on. I also wear my sweatpants almost every day.

I get my fashion inspiration from… Suki from Fast and Furious. I absolutely love her. I also take a lot of inspiration from Bella Hadid’s street style.

If I had to describe my style in one word, it would be… Sporty.

My go-to beauty product is… Squalane oil. For me, I don’t like to wear makeup that often, and this oil has helped my skin so much. I use it as a base to give me a dewy look.

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Lillian Kay
(Image credit: Tyrell Hampton)

I'm proud to be a part of Boys World because… We bring something new to the table. We’re all so different and can give any girl someone to relate to and connect with.

Lately, I've been listening to… The Cure, always. But I’ve been also been loving Christian Leave and DJ Elle.

The clothing items I couldn't live without are… Oversize button-ups, layering pieces like sweater-vests, and my Doc Martens.

I get my fashion inspiration from… Pinterest. I keep it running on there and pull random things that I like in the moment.

If I had to describe my style in one word, it would be… Grunge.

My go-to beauty product is… Nyx eyeliner because I always need a winged cat-eye.

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Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.