Gen Z Style for Millennials: What to Keep, What to Ditch

Okay, right off the bat I need you to know that I’m a Millennial. It’s okay. I’ve made my peace with being the scapegoat for the older generation, the misanthropic dark humorist to my peers, and the unabashed cheerleader for Gen Z, (okay and being a little bit terrified of Gen Alpha). 

Second, I’m not fashion forward. I’m not even fashion backwards. I’m fashion please-someone-tell-me-what-to-do-so-that-I’m-stylish-enough-to-blend-in-and-not-stand-out. In my younger years that might have meant trying to look older but now with those days getting further and further out the rearview mirror, my main goal is to just try to decipher when exactly I got rid of my Bump-Its and how I possibly could not have foreseen the glorious return of inflatable furniture. The challenge of figuring out Gen Z style is real—are they still cool, or are they cool again?

Are they still cool or are they cool again?

For the folks who hang onto things with the foresight (read: hope) that styles are cyclical, there might be a sense of vindication. For the rest of us who spend time playing catch-up to the trends, we know it’s probably more like random happenstance with a sprinkle of luck that those wide-leg jeans have reappeared on the scene. Although we can likely agree that the shredded backs of trampled pants are a less-than-appealing quality to this particular garment, there might be a few items that we can reintroduce to our closets with more enthusiasm.

Gen Z Style to Embrace

Is there a middle ground? Beyond just a middle part, I think we can find a balance between updating Millennial style without going too far backwards into the trends of our youth. 

Socks

Socks are a relatively easy and inexpensive fashion trend to hop on board with. They require minimal investment and very little fashion know-how. If you aren’t married to ankle socks, the return of crew socks is worth embracing. Swap your ankle socks for crew ones in neutral shades or with subtle logos to give your look an instant refresh.

Jeans

Skinny jeans were once a favourite among Millennials and are now considered “dated” by Gen Z. No need to go fully from one extreme (skinny) to the other (ultra-wide) for an upgrade. Instead, opt for a more laid back straight leg style, which are (fortunately) comfortable and will resonate better with Gen Z’s aesthetic. Low rise jeans are also making a comeback, reminiscent of the Y2K era, but with a more contemporary and subtle cut compared to their bold 2000s counterparts.

Hair

The side part, a signature look for Millennials, has been replaced by the middle-part as dictated by Gen Z style. Just switching up this simple hairstyle can offer a change that may help in projecting a more contemporary and youthful image. Getting fancy? Claw clips and Bump-Its are back. Get a bit of volume and lift with some strategic placement of these retro plastic pieces. 

Millennial Trends to Leave in the Past

Shoes

I’m sorry but my arches have never forgiven me for the decade of ballet flats. I can’t go back. 

Desaturated Colours

We really embraced the soft shade of Millennial pink for a few years but word on the street is that Gen Z prefers to colour splatter with vibrant tones or bold earthy shades.

In the Closet Just in Case

When it comes to any trend, just be sure to wear what makes you feel comfortable for yourself—something that you feel aligns with your own body, your age, your preferred aesthetic. While Gen Z style is all about Y2K crop tops, bucket hats, and quirky sunglasses, feel free to pick and choose which of these elements feel authentic to who you are now.