In the world of fashion and style, it’s usually the younger generations who dominate the trends.
And so I’m here to say that, millennials, your moment has passed.
Let a Gen-Z’er (me) guide you through a list of trends you need to know that’ll save you from being teased by your younger colleagues – or worse, becoming the subject of a TikTok video while sporting your outdated ankle socks in the gym.
From haircuts to jeans, here are all the things you’re doing wrong, and how to get them right.
The bob is back
Long hair might have been coveted in your high school days but I’m sorry to tell you… it’s time to let it go.
I think it feels a little predictable and drab, whereas shorter hair feels edgier and intentional. Even if you’re just wearing a white tee and jeans, a bob will give your outfit an instant ‘lift’ and make you look stylish without any extra effort.
Ultimate cool girls like Hailey Bieber and Zendaya currently rock this sort of hair, so if you don’t take it from me, take it from them. Or, take it from your fellow millennial mum, Kourtney Kardashian, and just embrace the damn bob!
Note: it can easily be disguised as a chic ‘mum bob’ rather than an attempt to blend in with Gen Z!
We need to talk about your side parts
Gone are the days of the ’emo swoop’ (if you know, you know), because it’s time to start parting your hair down the middle.
This trend puts your face front and centre, which is very Gen-Z and allows you to embrace, not hide, your wonderful face – blemishes and all.
Cultura Creative – stock.adobe.com
Personally, I understand if this one feels a little confronting, so why not soften the blow by gradually moving your part closer and closer to the centre?
You’ll get used to it, I promise!
Crew socks > ankle socks
If you haven’t heard, ankle socks have served their purpose (hardly.. they always slip down under your feet) and so it’s time to make way for longer, more practical socks.
Crew socks are the way to go and perfectly pair with basically all shoes, be it sneakers, loafers, ballet flats or even joggers.
Shotmedia – stock.adobe.com
While you might think they’re reminiscent of your daggy dad’s 80s get-up – just remember that what was once daggy is now cool again. Plus, he wore them for a reason. Functionality!!
To make sure they’re still fashion-forward, opt for cute frilly socks, patterned socks or lace socks – don’t just whip on a standard Nike sport sock and call it a day, okay?
You’re not trying to look like you’re about to run onto a football field.
The half-tuck is dead
You know when you’re getting ready and you put a shirt on and tuck it in half way into your pants in order to look “effortless”?
Welllll, sorry to break it to ya, but Gen Z see right through it.
We know you stood in the mirror and tucked and untucked your shirt multiple times in order to get it juuuust right.
It’s not effortless at all. You know it, I know it, we all know it.
If you want to lean into the casual, nonchalant Gen Z energy, then just commit to either the full tuck or the full untuck. Anything that looks like it just took a second of thought.
Baggy jeans over skinny jeans
This one shouldn’t be news to you, but if you haven’t replaced your skinny jeans with baggy, balloon or straight-leg jeans, what are you evendoing at this point?!
Not only are they way more comfortable, you’ll also be nailing that casual, relaxed vibe we were just speaking about.
Pair them with some chunky, retro sneakers and you’ve got the look down pat and my work here is done!