Due to ultra-casual fashion trends over the years, American college fashion now prioritizes comfort over style. This has led to today’s norm of wearing athleisure, oversized clothing, and even pajamas to class. However, as we fall prey to college comfort, we are unprepared for the corporate fashion required following college.
As this comfort culture deepens, it’s worth considering whether our clothing reflects our professionalism and productivity. Some find that dressing up sharpens their focus, while others choose to prioritize other values to ensure productivity. Still, our college wardrobe choices may impact how we’re perceived more than we realize.
Gen Z is facing criticism for not meeting expectations in the professional world. Part of this is linked to how we dress. Our laid-back fashion choices are seen as a representation of our mindset. In a world where first impressions matter, clothing speaks volumes about who we are and what we value.
The glory days of college fashion
Before examining today’s college fashion, let’s examine the significance of fashion on campus over the years. In the 1930s, students chose their clothes to convey their identity as college students, to be comfortable, and to contribute to campus culture.
This ethos gave rise to the classic college prep aesthetic. It was characterized by pleated skirts, blazers, penny loafers, plain or pastel button-down shirts, and the iconic university varsity sweaters. Up until the 1950s, college fashion was as much about school culture as it was about comfort.
The style began to evolve as the times changed. By the late 60s and 70s, college campuses had diversified, and students no longer shared the same backgrounds or experiences. Brighter colors, bold prints, and different styles emerged as students used their clothing to express their feelings and the era’s transformative spirit. This time marked the advent of bohemian style, casual denim, and graphic tees. Many also began casually wearing military jackets to display anti-war sentiments.
The shift in college fashion during the 1980s and 1990s mirrored the era’s dynamic cultural and economic shifts. As America experienced a robust market and a renewed focus on consumerism, college students’ wardrobes likewise encapsulated this newfound prosperity.
The preppy look made a comeback, keeping the core elements of the aesthetic but adding a more casual vibe. In the 1990s, branded apparel and designer brands started trending. This style reflected a growing focus on economic prosperity, highlighting a shift toward material success and visible symbols of achievement.
Preppy has left the chat – corporate fashion
From the 80’s and onward, we have seen a rise in athleisure wear for everyday life. Bright tracksuits, leggings under oversized sweatshirts, and windbreakers quickly became casual staples. In the 2000s, yoga pants, Uggs, and velour tracksuits took over, blending comfort with style.
As college fashion began to evolve past the 2000s and into the 2010s, showing up to class in casual clothing was already being normalized. Loungewear dominated — particularly yoga pants, jeggings, hoodies, and baggy streetwear. These pieces became classics for students who wanted to feel relaxed while still looking put together. It was the perfect balance of style and ease, which defined the millennial generation very well.
Millennials were breaking away from the formality of the past, embracing a more laid-back approach to life. They were the generation of dorm-room startups, like Mark Zuckerberg creating Facebook in a hoodie, which symbolized a new, fresh mindset. Millenials’ fashion choices mirrored this spirit—casual, unpretentious, and ready to shake things up. So why does it feel like there’s a different, more negative, perception of Gen Z?
Gen Z and post-lockdown doom
To understand Gen Z’s college aesthetic, we have to address the pandemic and life during lockdown. A lot of people grew accustomed to not getting ready for the day, with classes being online or even asynchronous. Spending the day in athleisure or even pajamas became the norm. That’s when trends like flared leggings, matching sweat sets, and Crocs blew up on TikTok.
The VSCO girl aesthetic also made its second lap around society during the summer of 2020. This aesthetic was defined by an oversized graphic t-shirt, leggings or athleisure shorts, and a Hydro Flask water bottle. Eventually, the “clean girl” aesthetic was born, popularizing matching athleisure sets, minimal jewelry, and a slick back bun.
@kaleybarger ♬ original sound – EX7STENCE™
As these trends went viral, Gen Z felt less pressure to dress up. Today, you will see the majority of college students showing up to class in matching sweat sets, oversized t-shirts, athleisure, and slippers or slides.
Looks do count
As Gen Z graduates and heads into the workforce, their casual approach is raising concerns among older generations. They’re worried that this generation’s fashion sense might signify a broader issue with work ethic and motivation.
Gen Z is finding it challenging to transition from comfy casual looks to more corporate attire, yielding the term “anti-corporate, corporate core.” This trend refers to their attempt to adjust to the workforce by reconciling personal style with corporate fashion expectations. They don’t always hit the mark, and many are facing criticism for not meeting traditional dress codes. As they shift to corporate fashion, the clash between personal expression and professional standards remains a significant hurdle.
@riley.kadenceee *edit: some ppl in these comments are so rude. didnt ask for rude remarks on my body nor did i ask for mean advice. thanks for the kind comments that are actually leaving decent&respectful advice!* literally floral blouse, black slacks, and pointed toe loafers #business #businesscasual #isthisbusinesscasual #dresscode #dresscoded ♬ Momorin – hayeanzishere_
Complicating matters further, much of Gen Z spent a significant portion of their formative years in lockdown, missing out on crucial work experience. As a result, they’re entering the job market less prepared than previous generations, which can affect how they are perceived and their prospects for landing and keeping good jobs.
Older generations see this lack of experience and professionalism as a red flag. They worry that Gen Z is not quite ready for the demands of the working world.
The bare minimum fashion phenomenon – corporate fashion’s demise
Like the rest of the world, Gen Z has faced significant challenges during the pandemic. The impact on them has been particularly intense, as they spent crucial years of their early adulthood isolated at home. During lockdown, comfort became a top priority since the main setting for their activities was their own space. Now that they’re re-entering the world, many of these relaxed trends are coming with them.
Gen Z has developed a lifestyle where they carefully consider where to invest their energy, and often, getting dressed up for college lectures doesn’t make the cut. This casual style isn’t necessarily a sign of a poor work ethic. Instead, it reflects their adaptation to a new normal and their effort to make the best of the situation. They have embraced a “bare minimum” approach, where doing just enough is seen as better than doing nothing at all. Although this presents a challenge in the workforce, there are signs of improvement.
Gen Z fashion renaissance
Years after the lockdown, Gen Z is diving back into fashion with renewed enthusiasm. They are discovering their personal styles and embracing unique, elevated looks. TikTok trends are a big part of this, with young people romanticizing the process of getting ready for class or work.
In the “Pick an Outfit with Me” videos, they share real-time decision-making, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how they choose what to wear. These videos often include commentary on their day’s plans and how the outfit makes them feel, adding a personal touch to their fashion journey.
@sydrosalee Pjs for days #fitcheck #ootd #alttok #thrifttok #sydrosalee #grwm #collegetok #ku ♬ original sound – Syd Rosalee
A TikTok video went viral, showcasing a girl’s outfits from class throughout the semester, with viewers praising her dedication and style. Some campuses even have student-made accounts dedicated to highlighting the best-dressed students. This renewed focus on personal style is a sign that Gen Z is ready to rise to the occasion and demonstrate that they can care enough to excel in all aspects of their lives
@bianca.jaramillo.avila The company has seen a 100% increase in grl pwr since hiring me #OOTD #workoutfit #officeoutfit #corporatefashion #corporatetiktok ♬ original sound – sturniolos (taylor’s version)
In fact, there are already indications of these efforts. Aware of the backlash they’ve faced from the workforce, many Gen Zs are responding with an increase in corporate outfit inspiration videos and content designed to guide them through the professional world. This proactive approach shows that despite a late start, Gen Z is adapting and finding its footing.
Sweatpants and success – corporate fashion
Fashion on campus has always revealed each generation’s mood and values. From the polished styles of the past to the rise of athleisure, the shift to casual wear is noticeable. As a result, Gen Z’s low-effort style is breeding fears about work ethic and professionalism. However, it’s important to recognize that they have experienced myriad changes throughout significant times of development.
It has evidently sparked some issues, but Gen Z is also making significant strides. The rise of fashion-forward TikTok trends and a renewed focus on personal style show that this generation is learning to balance comfort with presentation. We’re witnessing a fashion renaissance. Gen Z is diving into their aesthetics, using their personal style to make bold statements of individuality and authenticity.
Showing up to class and participating is crucial, and if wearing sweatpants helps you focus more on your studies, then that’s perfectly fine. Yet it’s important to remember the impact of a polished appearance. Gen Z’s evolving approach to fashion communicates both adaptability and potential. As they navigate the professional world, their commitment to growth and improvement is evident. They are rising to the occasion and will make their mark just like the generations before them.
