Gen Z doesn’t know how to dress? You don’t know what you’re talking about

OPINION: Gen Z apparently doesn’t know how to dress, but I’m here to tell you that’s blatantly wrong.

Lately, online styling content has shifted to comparing Gen Z’s style to Millennials’. Videos posted to social media compare how Millennials would wear a certain clothing item to how Gen Z style the same thing today.

The comments almost always echo the same sentiment:

The way Gen Z dresses lacks direction and personal style.

Everyone dresses the same.

No-one has their own sense of style any more.

And it’s all because subculture is dead, thanks to social media algorithms.

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However, I don’t believe that is true.

Subculture is alive and well. The signs may not be as obvious as they once were, but they’re still there. Today’s subcultures are held together by common interests – not personal appearance.

The reality is, Gen Z doesn’t feel the need to pledge allegiance to one particular fashion aesthetic.

Society has evolved, so it makes no sense that personality stereotypes, and the way our clothes relate to them, would stay the same.

It’s not about representing a group. It’s feeling as if we’re showing up as our truest selves every single day. Some days I want to feel like a corporate boss, others I wish to feel like a beautiful garden fairy. Why can’t I do both?

Don’t get me wrong, the “cool-girl” aesthetic still exists. But the trope is no longer defined by particular outfits or garments – it’s the girl who’s confident enough to wear what she wants.

For example, YouTuber Emma Chamberlain and reality star Kylie Jenner have drastically different styles, but they’re both considered within the “cool girl” aesthetic. Chamberlain opts for rare vintage pieces, while Jenner is dressed in designer. Who’s to say which has a stronger sense of personal identity?

The notion that Gen Z fashion “makes no sense” isn’t true.

Celebrity stylist Donny Galella recently explained on Today that the younger generation is taking inspiration from those that came before when it comes to their wardrobes.

That, I can agree with.

While we may be leaving the power-shoulder in the ’80s, the oversized styling and colour blocking trends of the decade are still popular today.

Wide pants and flared jeans are borrowed from the ’70s, while the sleek minimalist look was snatched from the ’90s.

However, I’d go as far as to say the majority of Gen Z fashion is inspired by the 2000s − hello, low-rise jeans and midi skirts.

It’s an homage to everything we love from years gone by.

As we know, fashion is a cycle. And as second-hand fashion and thrifting becomes increasingly more popular, those vintage styles are entering even further into the mainstream.

Gen Z fashion can’t be defined by a single dot point.

But that’s the entire point, and that’s what makes it great.