The generational feud between Gen Zers and Millennials has been splashed across the headlines and poked fun at by countless Twitter threads. While rivalry between generations is a tale as old as time–remember “OK Boomer?”–lately it’s been Gen Z pointing the finger, accusing Millennials of being “cringe” in their enjoyment of avocado toast and their obsession with “adulting.”
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The different approach to fashion between Millennials and Gen Z has become a particular flashpoint. This came to a head when Gen Z issued a moratorium on skinny jeans and side parts, two longtime staples of Millennial fashion. (I’m guilty on both counts.) When this happened, I initially swore undying loyalty to my skinny jeans. Over time, though, I’ve come to see that for Gen Z, what they wear and how they style their hair is not just about appearances. Instead, their fashion trends reveal some important lessons I’ve taken to heart.
Here are 5 things I’ve learned from Gen Z’s approach to fashion
1. Identity is fluid
While Millennials had RuPaul and Prince, Gen Z was the first generation to truly embrace the idea of gender as a spectrum as opposed to a fixed construct. They brought a whole new kind of language into the mainstream. Including words like nonbinary, gender queer, gender fluid, and cisgender. Likewise, when it comes to Gen Z, clothes aren’t forced into “menswear” and “womenswear” categories. Everything is fair game for everyone.
Gen Z shops for clothes that have the look and fit they want, regardless of which side of the store those clothes are on. This has resulted in popular brands like Bode, Telfar, and Wildfang racing to catch up by creating gender-fluid collections. And, as more and more retailers catch on, the Gen Z message is loud and clear: It’s 2023 and we can wear whatever the hell we want.
2. We contain multitudes
Gen Z’s fluid approach to fashion isn’t limited to gender alone but extends in nearly every direction. While Millennials have been subjected to countless “What’s your style” online quizzes, Gen Z eschews the idea that you have one fixed identity. Instead, they embrace the idea of having multiple versions of yourself.
To Gen Z, identity isn’t linear. And it certainly isn’t something that can be summed up by a slogan T-shirt. Yes, maybe they “Woke Up Like This” or desire “Good Vibes Only” but they’d never box themselves in with a single label. They’re mixing styles together in a kind of chaos theory approach that’s brash and fun. Think Portia in White Lotus, whose rugby-shirt-over-linen-pants and sweater vest over cutoff jeans nearly broke the internet–and some older viewers’ brains.
3. All bodies are beautiful
As someone who came of age during the height of low-rise jeans and Kate Moss’s Calvin Klein ads, I’ve been encouraged by Gen Z’s approach to body-inclusive fashion. And yes, we still have a long way to go to make fashion even more representational. But, we’re increasingly seeing the rise of plus- and mid-size (a term for people who are between regular and plus sizes) models, artists, and influencers like Precious Lee, Remi Bader, and Lizzo.
Gen Z also isn’t shy about wanting brands to promote a healthier approach to body image. Whether that’s through more representation of different types of bodies in their marketing. Or in the celebrities they chose as their ambassadors. So, crop tops are in, no matter what size you wear.
4. Sustainability is a priority
As the generation that will inherit our sickly planet, Gen Z has been outspoken about climate change and environmental issues. They express a keen desire for sustainably produced fashion. They’ve flocked to brands like Mud Jeans and the French ethical fashion label Veja.
At the same time, they’ve developed a serious thrifting habit. Boosting the market for second-hand clothes by using platforms like DePop, Poshmark, and Mercari. In a time when an outfit from Amazon can appear at your door sometimes only hours later, Gen Z is trying to be more mindful of how and where they shop. As they get older and have more purchasing power, this trend has serious potential to revolutionize the way brands do business.
5. Authenticity is in
Millennials came of age with Instagram and its focus on carefully curated images of spotless white living rooms and latte art. In contrast, Gen Z has been letting it all hang out over on TikTok. Research from McKinsey tells us that one of Gen Z’s defining values is expression of individual truth. They’re not looking to sugarcoat or curate their lives. They crave honesty, as evidenced by the raw spontaneity of most viral TikTok videos. Filters are out, the messy truth is in. In an age when social media is a major source of stress and insecurity, Gen Z is using platforms like TikTok as an antidote to this. And a place where unvarnished authenticity is celebrated.
I’m the first to admit I’m no fashion icon. I’ve spent most of my life following what I thought was the cardinal fashion rule: find your style and stick to it. As a result the contents of my closet have varied little since I became an adult. Lately, though, I find myself feeling freer when I’m shopping or getting dressed in the morning.
While I probably won’t be wearing a crocheted bucket hat anytime soon, I’m feeling less constrained by what I’ve grown up thinking “worked” for my body. I’m enjoying fashion for the first time in a long time. And, as much as this older millennial hates to admit it, I know I have Gen Z to thank for that.
