Millennial vs. Gen Z fashion: Which is better?

Vic (Gen Z)

Gen Z has made fashion colorful, comfortable, sustainable, and inclusive. Unsurprisingly, social media spurred this dramatic shift away from the neutral, form-fitting looks that define millennial fashion by giving ordinary people a platform to promote their style. Instead of relying on brands for the latest trends, Gen Z is inspired by content creators across social media. The aesthetic of the content creator encourages one to find their unique style and doesn’t prioritize any specific body traits over others. Everyone is encouraged to be bold and confident, traits necessary to embrace loud, statement pieces that characterize Gen Z fashion. The impact of these looks is symbiotic with the psyche of Gen Z-ers, who have a reputation for being outspoken and feisty.

Gen Z fashion has reacquainted comfort with fashion. Social media has made body positivity a norm amongst Gen Z. As a result, the form-fitting garments of millennials (most notably the skinny jeans) have been ‘canceled’ in favor of loose-fitting oversized tops and baggy jeans that complement all body types. These clothes are also far easier to move around in. Loose clothing also naturally makes it easier for people to experiment with gender or reject it altogether, as most clothes worn by Gen Z are considered unisex.

Ultimately, how this fashion binary adapts to each generation's distinct experiences attests to fashion's relevance in understanding the values of a group in society. What may be trendy and progressive for Gen Z now may be received the same way Gen Z today views millennial fashion as society progresses and the fashion world continues to innovate.

Mark (Millennial)

Let’s face it, Millennial fashion is far superior to its succeeding era, Gen Z. Millennial fashion is timeless and evergreen. It wouldn’t be out of place in any period, be it during the Boomer era, Gen X, or yes, even Gen Z. Millennials represent the best of everything that preceded them, while setting the precedent for everything that will follow. They defined two of the most culturally impactful decades in modern history, the 80s and the 90s, and the fashion that reflected them. 

While Millennial fashion is an amalgam of the golden years, Gen Z Fashion is erratic, and in many instances, something of an eyesore. It represents a generation that is so desperate for the slightest bit of attention that it will deliberately adorn itself in contrasting colors and fabrics. Gen Z is obsessed with being ostentatious to the point of obnoxious, while Millennials are sensible and practical, yet still manage to be stylish. It’s emblematic of a generation that has struggled to find its own identity, causing it to be outlandish and eccentric, with no discernible methodology. As a result, Gen Z Fashion represents people with no direction in life.  

Ironically, Millennial fashion is more deeply rooted in individual expression and establishing one’s own identity. Thanks to the influence of things like social media, Gen Z represents a generation of conformists who would rather 'run with the herd,' so to speak. It’s cooler to fit in in Gen Z, which is hardly fashionable, whereas it’s cool to stand out as a Millennial. In actuality, Gen Z fashion is a misguided attempt to copy Millennial fashion and other eras gone by. But as with so many other things, Gen Z completely misses the point.