Gen Z women have a new uniform, a slick back bun and a blazer seem to be part of it. With a focus on everyday wear, nude colours and a ‘clean-girl’ aesthetic. Gen Z are increasingly called out for a supposed lack of style.
Articles that discuss Gen Z’s fashion, range from grieving the death of personal style to questioning why Gen Z is dressing the same. If you are part of Gen Z, be warned, as you may be part of the Generation Z-ero Style according to Millenials.
What is Gen Z Wearing?
A few minutes on TikTok will help you spot the recurring fashion trends that many are following. Popularity seems to be sticking with ‘elevated basics’, alongside a slick-back bun ensuring a full-proof clean girl aesthetic. For some, business casual is the way forward, with blazers and office wear becoming the new norm outside of the office.
Fashion journalist Ruchika Sharma understands the blazer epidemic amongst Gen Z to be a response to the strict fashion guidelines usually adhered to in office culture. Describing Gen Z’s style as “blurring the lines between casual and corporate. As an an attempt to “maintain individuality in the workplace”.
The Clean Girl Aesthetic
With half a million views under the hashtag alone, the Clean Girl Aesthetic is not dying out anytime soon. An emphasis on looking ‘clean’ can be linked to the increasing simplicity and uniformity that is trending in women’s fashion. Young women are increasingly trying to achieve the clean girl aesthetic, which supposedly “champions simplicity.”
“Achieving the clean girl aesthetic involves embracing dewy skin, natural hues, and effortlessly-styled hair, often with a skincare-first approach.”
Journalist Riley Seymour explained what the ‘clean-girl aesthetic’ entails.
“The trend is all about a minimalist approach to beauty and fashion. It features fresh-faced beauty with little to no makeup, well-fitting clothes in neutral tones, and simple hairstyles.”
The Molly Mae Effect
The ultimate ‘clean-girl’ and trendsetter Molly Mae has continued to impact fashion and lifestyle choices for Gen Z girls. The 2019 Love Island contestant and social media influencer is celebrated online for her simple, but trendy style. Curating the ultimate ‘everyday’ look. The Molly Mae effect has inspired the rise of slick back buns and blazers that coincides with the ultimate clean girl aesthetic.
Maebe by Molly Mae
Molly’s newest fashion venture ‘Maebe’ has produced several blazers and loungewear sets which sold out almost immediately. The 11-piece collection reflects the influencer’s minimalist aesthetic, loved by most but also frowned upon by others. However, the minimalist style of the collection was deemed ‘boring’ and ‘beige’, and did not match up to the high-quality branding that was promoted.
Corq features writer Dina Zubi described the collection as “Molly-Mae Merchandise” as she explained the weakness of Maebe.
“There is a clear consumer desire for a Molly-Mae label and the first line reflects her much-copied aesthetic. But does it have the potential to be a standout brand in its own right?”
The Death of Personal Style (Supposedly)
Millennials are describing Gen Z’s fashion choices as a loss of personal style. Although it may be a bold statement, personal style for young people is constantly being redefined in digital spaces. Specifically, the trending ‘style’ is decided through algorithmic content. Fashion commentator Alexandra Hildreth put it bluntly when she described how “you now can tell someone’s screen time from their outfit“.
“Influencers thrive with this homogenised style: why isolate certain fans by sticking to a niche personal style when you could appeal to everyone? Whole brands and outlets are built around it, even though many who engage with it would consider it distinctly separate to fast fashion.”
Pretty Little Thing: A Beige Rebrand
Queen of elevated basics Molly-Mae was once creative director of Pretty Little Thing. Originally beloved for its vibrant and bold womenswear, the popular fashion brand has now fallen victim to the ‘clean’ everyday look that proliferates across social media.
“Pretty Little Thing, previously known for making bright-colored, bodycon-fitting club clothes, has rebranded to what a person in the industry might call “elevated neutrals” — beige, brown, and cream-colored matching sets and modernized basics.”
Several people took to social media to express their dismay at the retailer for ditching the previous range of clothing that included festival and rave outfits. As Pretty Little Thing continues to rebrand, it is clear the fashion company is following the trending options of elevated basics and business casual.
Not all Gen Z Dress the Same
Although Gen Z are having their style influenced by social media platforms, it doesn’t mean that they lack personal style. As much as platforms such as TikTok are encouraging a shared trending style that many women wear. It’s easy to forget that social media is so vast with varied creators who share their unique styles and opinions. Here are some trends that Gen Z pioneered in fashion
The Y2k Revivial
Despite millennials being quick to call out fashion choices by Gen Z, the younger generation are nostalgic and long for pieces from a millennial early 2000s wardrobe. The booming popularity of Y2K pieces has also seen a rise in second-hand shopping.
Sustainable and Second-Hand Clothing
As a generation prioritising the environment and sustainability, young people are increasingly looking to shop for sustainability in order to reduce their carbon footprint. By purchasing second-hand clothing, Gen Z is giving a new lease of life to preloved clothes.
Gorp-Core
A new style emerging from Gen Z is gorp-core, individuals are wearing typical outdoor wear from brands such as North Face and Arc’teryx and combining it with streetwear. The unique use of outdoor wear, pushing Gorp-Core to the forefront of streetwear fashion in the UK.
While the fashion industry is fast-paced and ever-changing. With the continual rise and influence of social media, it is tough to say what ‘style’ truly is and what it means to each person. Gen Z may have a new uniform, but not everyone follows the same trends…
