Whether you’re a baby boomer just now learning of the newer generation or a millennial in a constant battle with their younger peers, one thing is for sure — Gen Z is making waves in the world of fashion and there is no way to ignore them.
This is most evident on TikTok, where Gen Z users (typically born around the late 1990s — if not the early 2000’s — through the early 2010s) are taking a stand when it comes to style. Most notably, the “Zoomers” as some like to call them, have canceled skinny jeans, to the dismay and flat-out disdain of Millennials and those who had to suffer through wide-leg gauchos and low-rise flares in their own youth.
Other cancellations include having a side part in your hair, the laughing-crying emoji and rose gold, to name a few. However, some fashion blasts from the past are back in style again according to Gen Z. This list includes skinny baguette handbags and platform shoes from the early ’90s, biker shorts from the 80’s, crew necks from the 60’s, and even pearl necklaces from the ’20s.
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Since Gen Z is now the largest generation alive as of 2020, maybe it’s wise to listen to the youngsters as opposed to the elders, as they have also been deemed to be more financially-stable, frugal, health-conscious and body-positive than any previous generation.
So, whether you think “Coastal Grandmother” inspired bucket hats are old-fashioned or you are obsessed with slip dresses and skinny sunglasses, Generation Z and their loud and unapologetic fashion choices are here to stay. Take a look at some of Gen Z’s favorite looks from brands like Revolve, Meshki, Free People, Reformation, Urban Outfitters and more.
Baguette Bags
1. Coach Studio Baguette Bag, $350
A Coach bag has always been a classic, but now make it a baguette.
The trending style was huge in the ’90s and is back again to take the fashion world by storm. This Coach bag comes in a few different colors, each with the signature “C” logo of course.
2. Urban Outfitters HOUSE OF WANT Newbie Rhinestone Baguette Bag, $60, original price: $98
For the rhinestoned babes, we found the baguette bag for you.
Sold at Urban Outfitters (which already makes this cool), the bag combines the trending style with shimmering studs straight from the early 2000s, to make the ultimate Gen Z style staple. Plus, the bag is on sale now.
3. JW PEI Women’s Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag, $89
This croissant-shaped hobo bag is so delicious, we want to take a bite out of it.
Deemed the “IT-girl” bag on JW PEI’s website, everyone from Megan Fox to Hailey Bieber has taken this ruched, vegan leather baguette bag out for a swing. If ivory isn’t your shade, the grass green and bright pink bring a pop of color to any outfit. Or if you’re hungry for something different, try it out in our personal favorite, Nutella.
Coastal Grandmother
1. Everlane Linen Way-High Drape Pant, $128
They may be youngsters, but Gen Z has grabbed the “Coastal Grandmother” aesthetic like it has belonged to them for years.
Inspired by a more nautical, whimsical and carefree lifestyle, the “Coastal Grandmother” trend swaps tight pants for loose linen and body-hugging tops for timeless button-ups. These linen drape pants are breathable, light and slightly sheer. As effortless as it comes, yet delightfully flattering.
2. Banana Republic Linen-Blend Oversized Shirt, $32, Original Price: $65
Round off your go-to “Coastal Grandmother” outfit with this classic, linen button up.
Let’s face it, the white button-up is an indispensable piece. It’s survived this long, and Gen Z is not sparing it. The simple details make it a must-have. Button front closure, point collar, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs. Style it with your favorite pair of straight leg jeans or high-waisted shorts to complete the look.
3. Structured Straw Basket Bag, $60
Finish your look with a straw bag that both your Gen Z friends and granny will approve of.
The trendy bag is from Abercrombie, as part of their new vacation line. It is indeed perfect for vaycay, but you can also style it with a scarf tied around the handle or a metallic chain to dress it for any occasion.
Scarf Tops
1. SHEIN VCAY Asymmetrical Hem Patchwork Cami Top, $3
Scarf tops are back in style and just in time for the spring and summer.
If you need new ones in your closet ASAP, a two-pack is the way to go. Shein also made sure to package them with different colors, like the blue and red styles above, for different looks to pair with jeans, leggings, skirts or even over your bathing suit.
2. Free People June Fauxchet Sweater Halter Top, $38
This crochet halter top is so cozy you will never want to take it off.
Sultry meets soft with this piece from Free People. This halter top is a staple Gen Z purchase. With textured knit fabric and a slight crop, you can easily add some edge to your outfit while staying comfortable. The top ties in the back for a perfect fit, and it comes in a variety of colors to style however you like.
3. Superdown Amerie Pleated Halter Top, $54
This top from Superdown will transform you into a supermodel within seconds.
Sold at Revolve, this bold, red halter top has a sheen finish and pleated front. Whether you decide to tuck it in or let it ride loose, this piece can notch up any outfit. Perfect for date night or cocktail hour. With the loose fit, you can enjoy as many fries as you want. Everyone in the reviews section seems to be raving about it.
Non-Skinny Jeans
1. AGOLDE Criss Cross Jeans, $198
Nope, not a manufacturing error.
Gen Z isn’t afraid to take some risks with their fashion. We think criss-crossed denim is one of the best one they’ve ever taken. These asymmetrical, straight leg jeans are sure to make heads turn. Sizes range from 23 through 34.
Note: according to reviews, AGOLDE tends to run on the bigger side.
2. Abercrombie Curve Love Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean, $89
You will never want to part from these split hem jeans.
For a pair that is perfect for Summer, Abercrombie has just what you need. The Curve Love Ultra High Rise jeans are super flattering, and come in 13 different shades. No matter which you pick, just know you’ll be in Gen Z’s good graces for ditching the skinnies for the flares and the slits.
3. Lee High Rise Pleated Wide Leg Jeans, $118
Lee jeans are as classic as they come, but this pair has had a Gen Z makeover.
Flare pants are all the rave among the Gen Z’ers. These ‘70s inspired bottoms have a hip-hugging high rise that adds a vintage vibe while flattering the waist. All you need to add is a simple pair of white sneakers and the look is complete.
Slip Dresses
1. Reformation Joana Silk Dress, $278
If Reformation sells it, you know it’s cool.
This dress is no exception, and the rest of the model’s outfit is Gen Z-approved with a mini handbag and square heels. The slip dress comes in the above red, as well as black, white, purple and a floral pattern.
2. Incredible Love Satin Cowl Back Midi Slip Dress, $54
Fall in love with this slip dress from Lulu’s. It’s in the name after all. The slip has a super subtle floral pattern as well, for a glimmer of added detail when you swish on by.
3. Amazon The Drop Women’s Ana Silky V-Neck Midi Slip Dress, $54
Slip on over to Amazon and get this dress in every color.
The comfortable and versatile slip comes in every color in the rainbow, each hitting right below the knee and with a flattering V-neck.
Chunky Layering Necklaces
1. Pearl Layered Double Choker Necklace, $15, Original price: $30
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Gen Z says, “Pass the pearls please!”
Perhaps inspired by the 1920’s, Gen Z can’t get enough of pearl necklaces (of course, with their own twist). Some are woven with beads and others are layered with gold chains. This beaded chain choker manages to be classy and edgy at the same time. Plus, for half off the original price, you can’t go wrong.
2. Electric Picks Layering Sets, $164 to $345
If you’re new to layering, take a lesson from Electric Picks.
The jewelry company makes it easy to layer, selling complete packages in a variety of styles and prices. Starting at $164, the sets come with two to three gold necklaces that already look great together and can be mixed with your current collection as well. Another perk of the pre-made sets is that they are 5{588b6a73d0fd0030a7dfcc3258d1c6d259509b7ec0f2eecf331d98a5c91e6f21} off together, as opposed to buying the chains a la carte.
3. Edge of Ember Visionary Charm Necklace, $195
Be on the cutting edge of Gen Z fashion with Edge of Ember jewelry.
This longer pendant is a perfect layering piece to add to your mid-length chains and chokers. Featuring the evil eye to ward off any negative vibes, the golden chain measures 21 inches and is made of 18K gold plated sterling silver with blue and white topaz for the eye and stars. For more jewelry inspiration, check out our Amazon collection roundup.
Clips, Caps and Headscarves
1. Alo Yoga Off-duty Cap, $38
Having a bad hair day? Thankfully, baseball caps are back in!
Inspired by street style, this limited edition Alo cap features the brand’s signature logo and an adjustable velcro strap back to make it the perfect fit for anyone. It’s the ideal piece for any time of day, whether you’re heading out for a “hot girl walk” or need to keep a low profile after a long night out. Snatch it up in your favorite color while it lasts.
2. Free People Theas Hair Scarf, $38
What older folks may have known simply as a bandanna, has become quite the multifaceted fashion piece for Gen Z.
Newly-dubbed “headscarves” are now worn around the mane for accessorizing. This one is beachy, with a knit fabric and shells woven throughout.
Tie your hair back or just rock this hair tie on your wrist as an accessory instead.
If you thought scrunchies were left in the ’90s and 2000’s you are sadly mistaken, as Gen Z not only brought them back but also made them of silk so they are easy on your hair.
4. Big Claw Clips 4-Inch Giant Matte Hair Claw Clips Pack of Six, $6
2022 is the year of the claw clip. No doubt about it.
Clipped right from the magazines of the ’90s and ’00s, giant claw clips are stylish and super functional, securing even thick hair back off your face or up in a cute messy pony or bun. The six-pack from Amazon is great, especially if you’ve gotten rid of your middle school clips already and need one of every color to kickstart your new collection.
Oversized Sweatshirts and Biker Shorts
1. Good American Diamond Boyfriend Hoodie, $125
With this pick from Good American, you can finally give your boyfriend back all his oversized hoodies.
It’s almost like Khloé Kardashian knows a thing or two about getting rid of what doesn’t serve us. You won’t need to steal any other sweatshirts, once you snatch up this one.
3. lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Short, $29, Original Price: $64
At half the length and half the price of regular leggings, we aren’t complaining that Gen Z is bringing back biker shorts.
While many Gen Z’ers will just throw a sweatshirt over these shorts for a casual day on the couch, this collection is also perfect for low-impact workouts, such as yoga or cycling. Plus, this style boasts a hidden waistband pocket that fits a card or key, and won’t get in your way.
Skinny Retro Sunglasses
1. Vintage Retro Cateye Sunglasses, $13
You can’t see the haters with glasses this cool.
Teeny tiny glasses are now in style according to Gen Z, and this cat-eye pair is super hot for the summer. They are sold on Amazon and also come in black for the same price, as well as in packs of multiple pairs — should you need new shades for each of your new Gen Z-inspired outfits.
2. Shein Square Rimless Sunglasses, $6
For $5, do you really care if this trend passes or not?
Shein is here for all the trends, including pastel lenses and rimless sunnies. This pink pair is our favorite, but they also come in eight other colors from pastel blue and orange to purple and green.
3. Quay So Serious, $29, original price: $79
Take life easy but fashion seriously.
These adorable and fun shades from Quay sort of remind us of “Clueless” but also the 70s and right now, all at the same time. Plus, they are on sale for just $30, so the time to snatch them up is right now.
Platform White Sneakers
1. Madewell Court Sneakers in White Leather, $98
These minimalist, white sneakers from Madewell are easy to pair with fun socks like the model, or a crazy pair of denim from above. Plus, they are designed with super cushy, ultra-supportive, MWL Cloudlift insoles. If you’re not sold yet, Madewell also prides itself with keeping their sneakers as eco-friendly as possible, these shoes are reclaimed from what would otherwise be waste.
2. Reebok White Club C Double Sneakers, $85
Game. Set. Match. Tennis style is trendy, but these shoes are almost too pretty for the court.
Reebok has been in the fashion game for some time now, so it’s no surprise they also have a white platform pair to offer Gen Z. This pair has select sizes still available should you want to get in on this platform style. The shoes will last even after the trend is over, as they are made of durable leather with a rubber sole.
3. Fila Disruptor II Premium Sneakers, $70
Step up your fashion game to the max, with this super elevated kicks from Fila.
Sold at Shopbop, the sneakers are all white, except for a pop of color for the iconic Filas logo on the tongue and side. They are made of faux leather, so no animals were harmed in the making of your fashion statement.
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