8 key fashion trends that will separate Gen Z from Millennials this fall

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

Millennial trends

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

Millennial trends

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).

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3. Gen Z: Cow print

Millennial trends

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.

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4. Millennials: Leopard print

Millennial trends

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

Millennial trends

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.