A Guide for Generation Z on Trying Out Millennial Style Trends
Ah, the age-old argument that “our generation is superior.”
Thanks to the increasingly popular TikToks featuring members of each age striving to outdo the other, the gulf between age Z and the Millennials—their predecessors—is wider than ever. All of it ultimately boils down to the tired “you don’t get what’s cool anymore” defense that is attached to the distinguishing characteristics of the Millennial generation. Sure, they wore t-shirts that read, “Keep calm and carry on,” and they used their hard-earned money to buy china that cheekily said things like “tea” or “coffee,” but perhaps we’re being too harsh on them.
This is even more evident when it comes to the styles the generation repped, from extra-long loose tees to skinny denims and tongue-in-cheek details. But are we truly better off without these fashion statements? In such a globalised world where personalities can hardly be divided into generalised categories by taste, does it even matter if a fashion trend was popularised by Millennials or Gen Z?
Be that as it may, some of these millennial-approved styles do pack a punch. It’s apparent that a lot of our fashion inclinations today have parallels with theirs. To all my Gen Z comrades, maybe it’s time to call a truce and come together in the spirit of fashion.
The potential to GenZ-ify the trends bolstered by Millennials is endless.
So, forget about the ‘are you a Millennial or Gen-Z ’ question and take much-loved trends from the past for a quick spin around the block:
Skinny Jeans
An iconic fashion staple, skinny denims were all the rage back in the mid 2010s and were paired up with a variety of silhouettes from flimsy camisoles to chunky knitted sweaters. While they do receieve plenty of hate these days, one can’t ignore their inherent versatility and if you’ve got the calves to rock it, why not flaunt it?
Skinny Jeans: Gen-Z version
Ring in an updated look for skinny jeans by opting for lower hems, interesting detailing such as slits and side lace tie-ups and consider pairing them with ease. Think: midriff baring crop tops or a heavyweight faux leather biker jacket. When it comes to footwear, anything from thick-soled sneakers to gumboots will do the trick.
Knee-High Boots
Knee high boots really can do it all: bold sexiness but also a polished confidence. They had their way back when, and added that extra oomph we’re all looking for when putting together our work wardrobes or fall fits.
Knee-High Boots: Gen-Z version
It’s easier than ever to modernise their appeal. Raise those hemlines, experiment with classic prints such as tartan and gingham or maybe just ditch the skirt and slip into an effortless sweater dress. Chunky accessories like chain belts and bodychains fit into this equation seamlessly.
The Tumblr Fall Girl
Tumblr has given us a lot to be thankful for, and the preppy fallgirl trope is one of them. Think: pumpkin spice lattes, plenty of plaid, Taylor Swift’s anthem ‘All Too Well’ and an overhaul of every kind of warm-toned shade you could think of. She’s crisp, calm and most likely the personification of the colour ‘auburn’.
The Tumblr Fall Girl: Gen-Z Version
But here in Gen-Z land, we like to play things closer to our I.Am.Gia vests. In order radiate your inner Tumblr fall girl, consider a calmer colour palette and favour long sweaters, 90s style pleated miniskirts, and I can’t stress this enough: bootcut denims. Oh and if you’re in a pinch, wear leg warmers over your platform Doc Martens and you’re halfway there.
Millennial Pink
Pink completely takes over every aesthetic era in ways no other colour seems capable of. The case is strong as ever with millennial pink, a relaxed bridge between a pastel baby pink and straight-up hot pink.
Millennial Pink: Gen-Z Version
I know what you’re thinking: nothing could ever beat Valentino Pink, but hear me out. Silhouette details count too, and the best part is, this is right in line with the Y2K nostalgia we can’t (read: should not) get over. Slinky tie-up crop tops, body hugging microminis and ‘I oop-‘ polished pantsuits will have you taking the world by storm, Legally Blonde style.
Concert/Music Inspired Tees
If you thought you were a music fanatic, think again. The Millennials have you cornered with their over-the-top, borderline obsessive indulgence in concert and music-centric oversized tees and tanks. The code back then was: insistently edgy sprinkled with a certain devil-may-care attitude.
Concert/Music Inspired Tees: Gen-Z Version
Time to kick things up a notch and prove that no generation could be more obsessive than us Zoomers. Don’t stray from repping your favourtie band, and do it in silhouettes that offer details like undone laces and psychadelic artwork. And tbh, why stop there? Extend the courtesy to hardcore grungy jackets and even encrusted motorcycle pants.
Emo / Scene / 2010’s Punk
I know we’re not allowed to pick favourites, but see if you can stop me. The MySpace-powered Scene era is probably one of the most identifiable, with barely-there tank tops, electric-hued hair streaks, ripped stockings and deathly spikes keeping the haters at bay. Think: lots of cutesyskulls and Avril Lavigne rockin’ it out with her band to ‘Girlfriend’.
Emo / Scene / 2010s Punk: Gen-Z Version
To all the e-girls out there, thank you for continuing the emo/scene legacy. Make sure that you don’t stop layering on the chains and remember to play around with illusionistic stripes and thigh-garters. If you find yourself leaning into a more softcore visual, a baby cardigan wouldn’t hurt.
The 2010s Hipster
Take me back to 2010s Williamsburg because hipsters knew how to get down. The style code is purposeful, sporting tomboy-ish pairings, frayed hems, varsity details, red flannel, acid-wash denim and my personal favourite: slouchy beanies!
The 2010s Hipster: Gen-Z Version
Keep (it) calm and play with plaid. This is one sure shot way of bringing some hipster energy to your day. Instead of Doc Martens, slip into some flying boots. Denim is a great option to work with, and switch up the varsity tees with letterman jackets instead. Sexy tomboy-chic is the name of the game.
Cheeky Self-Aware Statement Tees
These styles really take you back to the days of peak millennial humor packed into basic round neck tees. ‘Keep Calm’ was an unmissable feature in wardrobes back then and so were oddly specific tees personalised to the wearers quirks.
Cheeky Self-Aware Statement Tees: Gen-Z Version
So what now? Well, hit backspace and refresh your mind with these zeitgeist-fuelled statement makers that make focused use of graphics and are definitely way more aesthetic than before.
They capture a more relevant state-of-mind and don’t shy away from being blunt. If anything, this sort of direction helps bring to forefront universal emotions that more often than get shut out in day to day life. These tees are a conversation starter in the best, most human-centric ways.
Chelsea Boots
This one is definitely high up on the list of millennial fashion favourite. Their basic yet polished silhouette makes them an easy choice for either a day at the office or a more spruced up brunch in the city.
Chelsea Boots: Gen-Z Version
It’s all about the pairings for this one. Maxi skirts or spunky knitted ones, you could jump into a pair of classic or colourful chelsea boots which will be as easy on your feet as they will be on your ‘fitcheck.
Silk Camis
The millennial craze for ‘going-out tops’ had one purpose and one purpose only: making a statement when you’re out on the town. Intimate wear-inspired silhouettes have always been of curious interest (circa 90s when we saw icon Kate Moss in an array of slip dresses) and this particular one hit the spot for Millennials.
Silk Camis: Gen-Z Version
Give the silk cami a delectable Gen Z twist in the form of free-spirited and slinky slip dresses as well as funky styling. You can pair them with anything from socks-with-heels to Mary Janes. It’s giving bubblegum pop from the early aughts.