8 Fashion Trends That Show the Difference Between Millennials and Gen Z

Today, both Generation Y, or millennials, and Generation Z are, due to their age, the main consumers in the world, which means that the global fashion industry is geared towards them. Although the two generations are similar in many ways, such as having grown up in the digital age, they also have several important differences. Often their ideas of beauty are radically opposite, and what looks stylish to millennials just makes Gen Z smile. And vice versa.

we, from awesome.clubwe were curious to compare the contrasting fashion trends that defined each generation.

In the 2000s, low-waisted pieces were all the rage — jeans, skirts, and shorts. The more skin displayed, the better. Largely due to this trend, belly button piercings and top blouses were all the rage. Today, tops are still in fashion, but Gen Z has taken the opposite path and prefers to wear clothes with a high waist, covering the belly button. Perhaps this is due to the spread of body positivity and the care that fashionable clothes look good on different bodies.

In the absence of social media, millennial fashion has been largely influenced by celebrities. It was in the 2000s that the word “glamour” and various things that embodied it appeared in our lives: designer clothes, deliberately expensive accessories, rhinestones, brightly colored clothes. At that time, many did not hesitate to demonstrate wealth. However, at some point, this ostentatious luxury became boring. And a new style emerged in fashion, laconic and gender-neutral, which gained the name of normcore (from the English words normal and core, without a Portuguese version). Furthermore, normcore has become not just a fashion trend, but a way of life. Zoomers began to think about conscious consumption, and this is reflected, among other things, in young people’s interest in vintage and used clothing.

Emphasizing the body used to be fashionable in the 2000s. Various bandage dresses have become one of the most relevant items in the women’s wardrobe. In many ways, they’ve become popular thanks to Kim Kardashian. However, for a generation of zoomers, who value comfort, these clothes don’t seem like the best choice. It is much better to wear a loose and comfortable sweatshirt or sweatshirt (hoodie), also because it can be used as a dress. The result is a versatile urban camouflage suitable for any situation.

Zoomers love versatile clothes that can fit into both the office and the gym. In addition, many representatives of this generation are seriously concerned about healthy lifestyles, try to move a lot and play sports. Of course, comfortable shoes are best suited for these purposes. So if in the 2000s, thanks to Carrie Bradshaw, girls dreamed of a pair of Christian Louboutin or Manolo Blahnik heels, today fashionable women prefer stylish sneakers or sporty-style sandals. In addition, the big brands quickly found their way and offered customers many elegant and original options.

Oversize and multiple layers of clothing in the same look have become major trends in recent years. If before many tried to show their body, today they often hide it. On the one hand, it’s more practical and comfortable: no one will notice that you’ve gained a few pounds, and there’s no need to give up your comfort. Loose, multi-layered clothing protects you like a cocoon. On the other hand, it is a great investment for your wardrobe, as it matches any physical size.

Gen Z claims that millennials love to wear hairstyles with their hair parted on the side. At the same time, this trend seems strange to modern youth, and they themselves prefer the split in half. The debate over generational hair styles started on TikTok. One user wrote: “Prove me wrong, but I don’t think there’s a single person who looks better with hair parted on the side than in the middle.” And so a topic with the hashtag #MiddlePartChallenge appeared, in which many millennials tried to prove the opposite to her.

Until recently, we didn’t see anything wrong with wearing clothes and accessories in natural leather. A fur coat was considered an indicator of wealth and even status. However, nowadays more and more brands are giving up the use of animal skins in their collections, to replace them with artificial materials. We can say that each subsequent generation thinks more and more about environmental protection and problems, so big corporations listen to their opinion.

Skinny jeans had long reigned, at least since the late 1990s, and it looked like it wouldn’t budge. However, as soon as the representatives of Gen Z grew up, they declared a real war on this wardrobe item, claiming that the skinny is, to say the least, uncomfortable. They were replaced by baggy, high-waisted jeans. According to zoomers, they look good on all body types and are very comfortable. Plus, you don’t have to put any effort into putting them on, unlike overly tight jeans, which you literally have to squeeze yourself into.

Do you like modern fashion trends or do you prefer 1990s fashion looks? Share your opinion in the comments!