What millennials really think of Gen Z style 

“When it comes to fashion, I must admit some of Gen Z’s choices puzzle me.”

It’s a sobering moment when you, as the previously youngest, hippest generation, experience the transition to being the one with power and (some) money – and far less cool factor. As mid-range millennials increasingly work with Gen Zs, I’ve started to notice certain differences between our generations and it’s not just in attitude.

Gen Zs are more flexible, and in many ways more accepting. They live in a world of over-consumption, extortionate rent and mortgages, and the kind of high cost-of-living pressures millennials largely avoided in their youth. 

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This surely has an impact on how they view the world – and how they dress. When it comes to fashion, I must admit some of Gen Z’s choices puzzle me. As my boyfriend put it, it’s their take on ’80s grunge fashion with a healthy mix of the ’90s, mixed in with a bit of Y2K and dirtiness (or at least the appearance of it).  

When I told my millennial friends I was writing this piece, they were all eager to contribute their thoughts, so here’s a summary of what we old farts think about the young ‘uns’ sartorial choices. 

There’s quirky and then there’s random clashing

I’m no stranger to pairing a zebra print skirt with a graphic band T-shirt or wearing a parachute, electric blue boiler suit with a blazer. Many eccentric outfit combinations can be brought together by the right accessories, and it’s one of the most enjoyable ways of expressing your creativity. 

The issue here, I believe, is when you start going totally rogue. Even though unusual combos have always been interesting and part of the fashion-forward crowd, the professionals usually work within a certain narrative structure, whether that’s colour, texture, pattern or period. 

Chucking an ’80s nightie slip on top of a long-sleeved, striped top, ripped flare jeans and socks in beaten-up sandals just looks like someone woke up, looked around their room and put on whatever was available. 

Low rise pants

Maybe it’s because I’ve had a child or that I’ve already lived through this trend, but whatever format these come in – be it parachute cargos, flared jeans or trackies – the low-rise pant comeback should have stayed well in the ’90s (if even then). 

Not only is it physically uncomfortable, but it really highlights all the bits most of us avoid. That said, our generation was told our stomachs were hideous blobs unless we were tanned and tiny, which has had an undeniably negative impact on our body image. I love that Gen Z is embracing a variety of body types and using fashion to express their disregard for these toxic and outdated ideas, so if you love those itsy bitsy hip cuts, go for it. You only live once.

Dirty sneakers to dinner (or other formal events)

I will forever be grateful to Gen Z for liberating us millennials from the high heel. Never have I worn combat boots so much to formal-ish events, or other flat-heeled boots which have made my nights so much more enjoyable. A post-dinner walk, anyone?

But there is a point where I think our generations differ. Flat shoes are not sneakers, and they should not be dirty and scuffed. I draw the line at dirty shoes, and specifically at dirty sneakers at a fancy restaurant. Why pay $300 for a dress only to accessorise it with mud-stained trainers? 

Wrap-around sunglasses

There are not enough Hailey Beibers in the world to make this trend cool, sorry. 

Flares (and pants that drag on the ground)

When I was 16, all I wore was flares. Former photos show my awkward teenage self, leaning against tables, light blue jean flares front and centre, a tribute to a trend I grew out of and honestly thought was dead. 

I don’t actually hate this look; what I do hate, however, is those long pants that drag on the ground. As a relatively short person, a lesson I’ve recently learnt is to get a good tailor. No longer are my pants folded up (I never dragged them), and they look great. Why not try that instead of dragging them on the ground until they’re ripped to smithereens? 

Boob tubes

I love this comeback. I like a boob tube under a mesh top, on its own (sometimes) or over a shirt. They’re sexy, fun and can give an edge to an otherwise boring outfit. 

Cargo pants

Also a big fan. I never quite grew out of cargo, but because they weren’t really a thing during my twenties, I didn’t wear them.  Now I’m spoilt for choice and obsessed with wearing them with all kinds of jackets, blazers and shoes (I love a khaki, tapered leg, parachute cargo paired with aquamarine heels). I particularly like them with cowboy boots and simple, white tops. 

Look, I could go on, but as we know, generational warfare has always existed and always will. I actually quite like how Gen Zs give less of a stuff about what’s appropriate for what occasion. They largely have revitalised op shopping (I say largely because Shein, the ultra-fast fashion brand, is also heavily propped up by our younger friends) and are willing to experiment with different styles in a way I never had the courage to at that age. Keep going guys, because one day you’ll probably end up conforming like many of us do. 

For more on Gen Z trends, head here.