Well, we’re all getting a little tired of conflicting stories between generations. Instagram and TikTok, Whatsapp and Snapchat, matcha and iced lattes, at the end of the day, the year we were born doesn’t really matter when deciding how to dress. But as a millennial fashion editor, I can’t help but take notice. My Gen Z colleagues seem to be one step ahead of trends before they become mainstream. Wearing a bandana over your cap, what about Allies’ latest collaboration? Half the team had already added them to their baskets before the rest of the team saw the hashtag. With a slew of new trends landing just in time for fall, I quickly asked my fellow editors for their thoughts on which trends are worth splurging on. Best left to social media.
Where Gen Z leads, trend cycles tend to continue. Believe it or not, we have Gen Z to thank for jolts, football shirts, low-slung jeans, bandeau tops, and UGGs. It was the first thing millennials wore, and we never thought we’d find it cool again so soon. There’s also no denying that the under-27 generation has the purchasing power to draw attention to brands. So who better to lead than an open-minded, experimental generation ready to create movements from all walks of life? Fashion moment? Well, some millennials aren’t convinced. A quick office survey revealed that these are trends we can’t both agree on (although savvy shoppers may enjoy both). Want to know who made the cut? Keep scrolling to see the eight trends our Millennial and Gen Z editors are most excited about right now, and choose your fighter.
1. Gen Z: Faux fur
style notes: It’s not even winter yet, and Gen Z is already wearing flashy faux fur. Big, bold and a force to be reckoned with, fluff is popular in the form of collars, cuffs, cardigans and, of course, coats. The only secret to making the trend a success is to throw minimalism out the window.
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2. Millennials: Leather
Style notes: They say we’re creatures of habit, but if you’re looking for fall items worth investing in, there’s a good chance you’ll find Millennial Shopping Leather. Not to mention long-wearing, timeless, and practical, you can’t go wrong with leather if you’re caught in the rain (plus it’s the easiest to level up even the simplest outfit in one step) method, so you get bonus points).
Shop trends:
good american
Uniform double-breasted relaxed-fit faux-leather trench coat
Perfect shield from the elements.
3. Gen Z: Cow print
Style notes: Remember the safari (see what I did there)? In 2024, zebra will be replaced by cow print as an unexpected animal print. Can we pinpoint where this trend came from? No. But don’t you want to try something at least once? Why not? There’s something to be said for the Friesian cynical element, especially when it comes to accessories. All the Gen Z editors in the office agree. Acne’s calf hair loafers are must.
Shop trends:
Zara
Zw Collection Straight Fit Animal Print Pants
You don’t have to wear this style from head to toe. It gives you the same regal look as a leather jacket.
4. Millennials: Leopard print
style notes: In recent months, we’ve seen Kate Moss, Hailey Bieber, Sienna Miller, and Zoe Kravitz wearing leopard-print clothing and accessories, but that doesn’t mean the big cat energy is still dead. That’s a sure sign that it’s not there. For those of us who lived through fashion’s most formative years in the late 1990s, leopard print has always been synonymous with Hedi Slimane, indie sleaze, and Glastonbury’s Alexa Chung, giving up on the headliner’s fantasy of leopard. Until we’re ready, prints will remain a seasonal staple, along with cozy knits and knee-high boots.
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5. Gen Z: Skinny scarf
Style notes: Speaking of indie-era throwbacks, the skinny scarf that was worn around the necks of supermodels and musicians in the 2000s is back with a cozier twist. While we’re not quite ready to welcome thin, pencil-shaped metallic scarves back, slimline knit scarves are emerging as Gen Z’s most stylish pieces, perfect for mid-weather situations where chunky cable knits aren’t needed. It’s perfect. Take notes from Holly Mercedes [pictured above] And pair tonal outfits with a pop of color like this perfect shade of red from Holly’s new wool brand Cloimh.
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6. Millennials: Scarf coats
Style notes: Looking for a scarf that goes with everything? You must have the millennial card. The shortcut to matchy-matchy styling that always seems boring no matter what you buy is, of course, a super chic scarf coat. Thanks to Toteme, we’re rushing to buy them in droves. Its growing popularity means it’s taken hold on the high street, with designer styles now available for as little as £40. This is good news at a time when the cold wave is in full swing.
Shop trends:
totem
embroidered scarf jacket camel
Simple, chic and sophisticated.
7. Gen Z: Race
style notes: If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok trends this month, you’ll know that summer’s lace skirts, pants, and tops are being repurposed for fall, with Gen Z stylists cleverly layering them with knits, leather jackets, and T-shirts. You may have seen it before. While it may not be an obvious choice for the cooler weather, we expect to see more of this sheer style during party season.
Shop trends:
Ozere
Scalloped stretch lace straight leg pants
Add a chunky knit for the day and a blazer for the evening.
8. Millennials: Bohemian chiffon
Style notes: All you need is the debut show of Chloé’s new creative director, Chemena Kamali, to breathe new life into the bohemian trend, a millennial . Before you could say “disc belt,” we were all rushing to buy puffy blouses, peasant skirts, and wedge sandals in unison. Like 2005 all over again. This time there are no headbands or excessive fringe worn around the forehead, but you can comfortably wear sheer layers of chiffon and ruffles paired with high-waisted denim without straying into cosplay.
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https://www.whowhatwear.com/fashion/trends/millennial-vs-gen-z-fashion-trends