Gen Z has made a significant impact on the world of fashion, and as their oldest members are only 24 years old, they’re a force to be reckoned with. This age group has revolutionized the way they interact with fashion, from creating new trends and discovering brands to sharing their thoughts and opinions with the brands they support. As a result, Gen Z has become an integral part of the fashion world, driving innovation and shaping new trends that are hard to ignore.
Whether you’re a member of Gen Z or not, understanding their fashion tendencies is essential for any fashion enthusiast.
What are Some Popular Gen Z Fashion Trends?
Gen Z’s fashion sense is all about comfort, practicality, and self-expression. One of their go-to staples is cargo pants, which have become incredibly popular due to their neutral color palette, abundance of pockets, and ease of styling. Meanwhile, baby t-shirts have taken the fashion world by storm with their pastel colors, inspirational quotes, and universal symbols. These cropped tees are perfect for pairing with denim jeans or other casual outfits.
The corset has also made a comeback, but this time it’s been modernized to be comfortable, stylish, and versatile. Gen Z’s love for upcycling and thrifting has led designers to create seemingly upcycled clothing items like dresses and tank tops featuring colorful knitted patchwork designs. This trend has transformed knitwear from conservative to youthful and sexy. Finally, Y2K-themed accessories have become a must-have for Gen Z fashionistas.
With beaded necklaces, chockers, hair clips, and more, these playful accessories add the perfect touch of whimsy to any outfit.
TikTok Fashion Trends for Gen Z
20 – Cottage Core
As the seasons transition to fall and winter, this particular style truly shines. While I’ll delve deeper into its Spring and Summer counterparts later in this article, for now, let’s dive into what makes it so well-suited to the cooler months. Characterized by a sense of elegance and innocence, these outfits are often dominated by a palette of white and beige hues. Soft, voluminous fabrics and flowing silhouettes add to their overall charm.
19 – E-girl
E-girl and E-boy styles are characterized by a distinct aesthetic that embodies the persona of a gamer. This style is often marked by bold fashion choices, such as high double ponytails for girls, and themed clothing featuring merchandise from their favorite games. The outfits can range from subtle nods to gaming culture to more exaggerated expressions of fandom.
18 – Y2K Celebrity
The cyclical nature of trends means that fashion styles often return to their roots. In recent years, the Y2K era’s influence has been felt globally in the fashion industry. However, this nostalgia is particularly strong among Gen Z consumers who have a unique affinity for the low-rise jeans, choker necklaces, and cropped tops that defined the Y2K aesthetic.
17 – Dark Academia
The phenomenon of Gen Z’s fashion trend is deeply rooted in their student lifestyle. Characterized by an exaggerated take on school uniforms or attire suitable for academia, this style typically features a black pleated skirt and a knitted sweater as key components. The color scheme is deliberately restricted to dark tones, neutral browns, and deep greens, creating a cohesive and understated aesthetic that reflects the students’ everyday reality.
Gen Z Fashion Trends for Summer & Spring
16 – Choose a Ruffled Flower Print Dress or Tank Top
Cottage Core fashion is a beloved trend among Gen Z, and this particular style embodies its essence. Its summery charm makes it wearable beyond the season. These elegant pieces typically feature lightweight fabrics and delicate floral prints. If you’re a dress enthusiast, we suggest opting for maxi dresses during the summer months. However, if you prefer tops and bottoms, don’t worry – these ruffled designs are also available in top form.
For reference, consider the following options: Cottage Core dress ($20.99), Cottage Core Top ($12.53), or Blue Jeans ($59.78).
15 – Keep It Simple with a Delicate White Maxi Dress
This cottage core-inspired dress embodies a more understated elegance, making it perfect for those who prefer a casual fashion approach. While still exuding an air of sophistication, its simplicity allows it to be easily paired with matching shoes and worn on its own, eliminating the need for elaborate accessories or jewelry. The ‘Ruffle White Dress’ ($85.00) is an excellent choice for Gen Z fashion enthusiasts looking for a versatile and effortlessly chic outfit.
14 – Pair Some Wide-Leg Pants in a Bright Color
Gen Z’s fashion sense is all about embracing bold, statement-making styles, and wide-leg pant designs are a big part of that. Not only do they opt for a more relaxed fit, but they also love to make a splash with vibrant colors. Take, for instance, these burnt red-orange pants that offer a perfect blend of edgy cool and effortless chic. To complete the look, pair them with a crisp white t-shirt for a harmonious contrast.
The result is a fashion-forward ensemble that exudes confidence and individuality.
13 – Pair a Dark Brown Silk Blouse with Some Jeans
Embracing the dark academia aesthetic doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort, especially during warmer months. To create a wearable outfit that still captures the essence of this style, consider pairing a light brown or dark brown silk/satin blouse with distressed denim jeans or trousers of your choice. For an added touch of sophistication, incorporate a matching headscarf in a lighter shade of brown. This versatile combination can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
12 – Pair a Cropped Button Down Shirt and a Maxi Low-Rise Skirt
Building upon the concept of cropped baby shirts, this long-sleeved top takes inspiration from that trend. Its simplicity is a key feature, making it an excellent choice to pair with almost anything. This is exactly what Gen Z fashion enthusiasts often do – mix and match basic pieces to create unique outfits. Take the green side slit skirt, for example.
Although its color differs significantly from the white top’s hue, the presence of a white print allows the two pieces to work harmoniously together. With options like these, you can effortlessly combine different styles to express your personal flair.
Gen Z Fashion Trends for Fall & Winter
11 – Pair a Large Brown Coat and Wide-Leg White Pants
To create a Gen Z-inspired outfit, try pairing an oversized brown coat with a similar-hued top and white or cream-colored wide-leg pants. This look is perfect for winter, as the oversized coat will keep you warm. To add some extra coziness to your outfit, incorporate oversized accessories like a large soft scarf. Don’t worry too much about matching every element perfectly – just focus on creating a cohesive color palette within a family.
Some great pieces to include in this look are a wool coat ($149.00), a soft and oversized scarf ($30.00), and cream-colored wide-leg pants ($48.00).
10 – Stick to a Light Nude Colorway
The presented outfit may not boast perfectly harmonious visual elements, but rather a cohesive family of light colors that share a common thread. The palette features an array of soft hues, including light nude, pale pink, light brown, and white, all working together in harmony.
A closer inspection reveals another characteristic that ties the outfit together – its oversized nature.
Each piece, from the nude checkered pants to the camel coat, boasts a loose fit that creates a sense of flow and continuity throughout the ensemble.
9 – Wear a Baggy White Longsleeve over a Black Mini Dress
This e-girl inspired outfit is perfect for fall, requiring minimal effort to create. The key pieces include a comfortable oversized or slightly puffy white long-sleeve sweatshirt and a black mini dress. To achieve the desired aesthetic, it’s crucial to consider the dress’s fastenings, which should be designed to resemble those of e-girl fashion icons. For a complete look, add the following items: a $39.00 black mini dress, a $9.99 white sweatshirt, and a $12.99 black beret.
8 – Go For a Y2K Look with Leg Warmers
This outfit combines the unexpected pairing of Y2K and Fall/Winter fashion, defying the usual norms of style. Gone are the days of low-rise sweatpants and cropped tops; instead, we’re on the hunt for statement pieces like leg warmers and a tailored black coat. If you’re looking to recreate this look without breaking the bank, here’s where you can find these affordable essentials: a faux fur jacket ($139.00) and some versatile leg warmers ($19.99).
7 – Pair a White Blouse With a Brown V-neck Jumper
The latest Dark Academia TikTok-inspired ensemble features a striking combination of pieces, with one standout element being the layered white blouse peeking out from beneath the outfit’s main components. The foundation of this look is built around a checkered coat ($98.00), which provides a sophisticated and mysterious tone. This is paired with a pair of black skinny jeans ($34.99) that create a sharp, modern contrast to the more traditional, academic feel of the coat.
6 – Pair a Long Dark Academia Themed Dress with a Thrifted Jumper
Embrace the warmth of winter with an array of cozy, woven, or knitted garments that can be dressed up or down. A thrifted jumper paired with a flowy maxi dress creates a stylish and comfortable combination. For a more polished look, consider investing in high-quality pieces like the black maxi dress ($239) or opt for an affordable yet versatile option like the nude knitted jumper ($7.99).
Gen Z Style Icons
5 – Doja Cat
Doja Cat’s flair for self-expression extends beyond her chart-topping hits, inspiring a new generation to live life on their own terms. Her unconventional sense of style has earned her a devoted following, with many fans drawn to her fearless blend of streetwear and high-fashion sensibilities. A quick glance at her social media feeds reveals a penchant for bold, head-turning looks – think wide-leg low-rise pants paired with cropped tops that showcase her toned physique.
If you’re looking to channel Doja Cat’s signature style, consider investing in pieces like these: 1. Wide leg blue jeans ($104), perfect for adding a touch of laid-back chic to any outfit; and 2. Cropped Top ($26.00), a versatile must-have that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
4 – Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa’s style is a perfect blend of confidence, humor, and fashion sense. Her edgy persona has inspired many young women to emulate her look. Her multicultural European heritage also plays a significant role in shaping her personal style. While darker hues dominate her wardrobe choices, the silhouettes often vary, ranging from tomboyish to figure-accentuating ensembles. Her outfits frequently feature statement pieces like a flowy skirt ($17.99) or a bold black baggy sweatshirt ($28.
99), showcasing her ability to effortlessly switch between laid-back and glamorous looks.
3 – Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid has become an icon of elegance, with a sense of unattainability that inspires teenage girls to strive for greatness. Her kindness and compassion towards others are equally admirable, making her a role model for Gen Z. While it’s undeniable that her style is eclectic and diverse, this very uniqueness is part of her appeal, resonating with many who seek individuality.
2 – Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain’s media presence is refreshingly authentic, making her a powerful influencer in the mainstream landscape. Her unique fashion sense is characterized by its eclectic mix of modern trends, including the growing popularity of thrift shopping. This distinct aesthetic has been shaped by her collaborations with prominent brands like Louis Vuitton and Ganni, which have contributed to her style becoming more luxurious and on-trend.
1 – Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s rise to fame was largely due to her unfiltered portrayal of heartbreak through song. However, it’s her endearing personality and impeccable style that have solidified her place in the hearts of Generation Z. Her fashion sense is characterized by a penchant for pastel hues, particularly violet and purple, which often form a cohesive look.
Olivia’s style revolves around youthful outfits featuring knee-high boots or socks paired with pleated skirts and basic t-shirts.
The simplicity and accessibility of her looks make them easily replicable for the average Gen Zer, contributing to their widespread appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are Gen Z aesthetics?
Gen Z fashion trends are shaped by the online communities they participate in, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These platforms enable users to curate their own unique styles within various subgroups that reflect their interests and values.
For instance, subcultures such as Dark Academia, VSCO Girl, Cottage Core, and E-girls have emerged as distinct expressions of Gen Z fashion, showcasing the generation’s creativity and individuality in the way they present themselves online.
Q. What are some Gen Z fashion brands and Gen Z clothing websites for girls?
When it comes to staying ahead of the curve in fashion, Gen Z girls look for brands that can adapt quickly to the ever-changing trends. To achieve this, they flock to retailers like Zara, Urban Outfitters, HnM, and ASOS. Not only do these brands rapidly respond to emerging styles, but they also cater to younger consumers with a price point that is both affordable and loyal.
Q. Does Gen Z like skinny jeans?
While skinny jeans may still make appearances in some Gen Z ensembles, it’s largely a matter of individual taste. In fact, this age group is often associated with a preference for baggier, low-rise denim styles.
