With each new generation comes a fresh wave of trends and fashion attitudes, which can baffle older generations. Let’s dive into why Gen Z style choices have left Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers scratching their heads.
1. They Threw the Fashion and Gender Rulebook Out the Window
Clashing patterns, bold prints, and seemingly random color combos, anything goes. While previous generations have always adhered to the idea that outfits should “go together,” Gen Z is proving that chaos can be stylish. Gen Z embraces androgynous styles, mixing traditionally masculine and feminine pieces. Skirts for men? Suits for women? It’s all fair game.
2. They Championed the Return of Y2K Fashion
Remember those cringe-worthy outfits from the early 2000s? Gen Z has brought them back in full force, and older generations are confused and nostalgic. From butterfly clips to low-rise jeans and baby tees, Y2K fashion has had a major revival. While older generations may have sworn off those midriff-baring, pastel looks, Gen Z embraces them with open arms—and a modern twist.
3. They Only Wear Micro Mini Dresses
Gen Z women are rocking micro mini dresses that look like oversized tees. These ultra-short looks aren’t just about showing skin—they’re a statement, a total “wear what I want” vibe that flips old-school modesty rules on their head. These minis are like a fashion power move, combining fierce individuality with a “take me or leave me” attitude about breaking from convention. It’s not about looking “stripper-like”; it’s about celebrating style as self-expression and embracing whatever feels right in the moment.
4. They Love Baggy Everything
In the ’90s, oversized clothing was a thing, but Gen Z has taken it to a whole new level. Super baggy pants, gigantic hoodies, and oversized blazers dominate the scene. Older generations often scratch their heads, wondering if these young people are swimming in their clothes. But for Gen Z, the baggier, the better. It’s all about that laid-back, comfortable aesthetic that screams effortless cool.
5. They’re Obsessed with Tiny, Impractical Sunglasses
Functionality is not the point with this one. Gen Z has resurrected the tiny sunglasses trend from the ’90s, and it’s completely impractical for older folks. How do they even block the sun? While Boomers and Gen X favor large, protective lenses, Gen Z is about making a statement with small, barely-there shades that seem more about fashion than functionality.
6. They Made the Cringe Crocs and Socks Look Cool
Crocs were once a footwear joke, a utilitarian shoe that older generations wore for comfort (often in private). But Gen Z has fully embraced Crocs as a fashion statement, pairing them with everything from jeans to dresses. Add in the colorful charms (a.k.a. Jibbitz) that you can customize, and suddenly, these clunky, foam shoes are part of a stylish outfit. Older generations can’t help but be confused by this comeback.
7. They Wear Ugly Dad Shoes
While older generations wore chunky “dad sneakers” out of practicality, Gen Z is wearing them ironically—and they’re paying top dollar for them. Brands like New Balance and Fila once considered the go-to for middle-aged comfort, are now being rocked by teens and 20-somethings as a high-fashion statement. Older generations wonder when their functional footwear became the coolest shoes on the block.
8. They Flex the No Bra Look (and Show Their Thongs)
Remember when thongs peeking out from low-rise jeans were a wardrobe malfunction? Now, it’s a purposeful style choice. Gen Z has turned visible underwear into a trend, whether it’s thongs poking out from jeans or bras worn as tops. Older generations, who were all about tucking things in and keeping them hidden, are perplexed by this “peek-a-boo” fashion statement.
9. They Bought the Mullet Back
Mullets are back, and older generations can’t believe it. What was once a hairstyle mocked and ridiculed as outdated has now become one of the trendiest haircuts among Gen Z. From modern, edgy twists to full-blown ‘80s nostalgia, mullets are suddenly everywhere again, leaving those who survived the original mullet craze in shock—and a little bit confused.
10. They Gave Platforms a New Platform
Platform shoes are having a major moment, and they are not just the Spice Girls-inspired boots of the past. From platform sneakers to sky-high sandals, Gen Z is adding inches to their height to make older generations wonder how they walk around. For those who lived through the ‘90s, it’s a surprising return of a trend they thought was long buried.
11. They Rock Sheer Without a Second Thought
For Gen Z, layering sheer clothing over other pieces is a go-to move. From sheer tops to see-through dresses, it’s all about playing with transparency and showing just enough. Older generations, who are used to solid, practical fabrics, are left wondering when clothes stopped being opaque. But for Gen Z, it’s a playful, daring way to express individuality.
12. They Gave Streetwear a New Twist
Matching sets aren’t just for pajamas anymore. Gen Z made the casual matching set (think joggers and a crop top) a staple of streetwear. While older generations might associate matching sets with formal wear or loungewear, Gen Z has turned them into a fashion-forward outfit you can wear outside the house. It’s comfort meets style in a way that’s kinda baffling.
13. They Live for Maximalist Jewelry
Jewelry for Gen Z is all about maximalism, and the chunkier, the better. From oversized rings to playful bead necklaces, it starkly contrasts the minimalist jewelry older generations often favor. These accessories have a sense of fun and playfulness, but for those who prefer subtlety, it’s a trend that can feel a bit over-the-top.
14. They’re All In On ‘90s Grunge
Plaid, band tees, and combat boots have made a major comeback, and Gen Z is leading the charge. The grunge aesthetic of the ’90s is back in full force, much to the confusion of older generations who watched this trend rise and fall the first time. But Gen Z has revived it with their modern twist, leaving older generations puzzled and a little nostalgic.