Something about my clothes didn’t match.
Was it sock height? A cut in my jeans or sweater?
If you’re like me and find yourself asking these questions, there’s a good chance you’re a millennial trying to walk around TikTok shaming your jeans choices.
We don’t just get dragged down for skinny jeans. Gen Z is letting us know that socks, shirt cuts, choosing neutral colors, and even buying new rather than used items are tired, outdated, and sometimes offensive.
Every generation struggles to keep up with fashion trends, but Gen Z has become the generation that defines cool in the era of TikTok, where trends move faster than ever.
When it’s time to let go of your curling wand and slim fit, instead of getting beat up (and having flashbacks to the early 2000s), try these stylist tips for embracing new trends while staying true to yourself.
Why is it so difficult to get dressed in the morning?
You’re not alone. Retail analyst Stacey Widlitz said the rise of TikTok has caused trends to change so quickly that neither brands nor consumers can keep up.
“Everything Gen Z consumes is driven by influencers,” she said. “As fast as something comes in, as fast as something goes out.”
Fashion continued to change as we stayed at home due to lockdown.
If you aren’t actively looking for fashion content, you’re “missing out.” peyton daleThe 32-year-old stylist said she estimates many people have missed up to six different trend cycles in the three years of the pandemic.
‘Personally uncomfortable’ with skinny jeans
Let’s get straight to the point. It may finally be time for him to retire his skinny jeans.
Kelly Augustinea 37-year-old celebrity stylist and size-inclusivity advocate, believes ditching skinny jeans is more about “post-pandemic freedom” than generational change.
“I don’t really want to wear anything that’s too tight that ends at the ankle,” she says, adding that she dresses (and wears) her clients in cargo pants and wide-leg pants with drawstring hems. Tailoring the waist and seat is key, she says.
Ashlyn Greer (33 years old, founder of virtual styling service) stylishlyshe said she was “personally uncomfortable” with skinny jeans and suggested slim, straight jeans as a starting point.
“There are ways to stay updated and feel current without going against everything that feels normal,” she said.
But this time is different, she said in an interview. “We’re not talking about a 2-inch rise, we’re talking about a 7-8 inch rise,” she said.
For Blanton, it’s about finding a balance between trends and personal style, “while also understanding that things like Santa Barbara’s wide-brimmed hats can be left in 2012.” .
Kendall Hoyt The 25-year-old digital creator, who has three older millennial sisters, said many millennials were “traumatized” by the diet culture of the early 2000s. “Many people are afraid to show their bodies or dress too young,” she said. “Those are really limiting beliefs.”
But fear not, she said. Wide leg jeans don’t have to be scary.
Greer said she loves versatile jeans that suit a variety of body types. perfect vintage straight jeans From Madewell. We recommend long straight jeans for a more vintage look. Reformation’s Val 90s Mid-Rise Straight jeans.
For men, the easiest way to transition to a looser fit is to try relaxed tops from the waist to the knees and pants that are slightly tapered below the knees. Baggy hems are popular, Turner Allen, the 31-year-old stylist suggests wearing pants that skim the top of your shoes. In denim, he has suggestions. quarter or half break. I’m a fan of relaxed jeans. baggy jeans From Abercrombie & Fitch loose fit jeans From Los Angeles Apparel.
When it comes to dresses and skirts, Greer said maxi skirts and dresses (especially in denim and lighter materials) are trending, while high-waisted pleated midi skirts are fading away.
Next is the tack. While there may be a tendency to tuck the front of your blouse into your pants, Greer said what was once known as the chic French tuck is now considered the outdated Millennial tuck.
Instead, consider layering to define your waistline.
If you’re layering a jacket over a sweater, she says the sweater looks better with jeans and an open hem, she says. She can also pair a cropped shirt with a longer jacket, or a longer top with a cropped jacket to “let it loose a little.”
stay away from mojo boots
It’s not just pants and dresses. Please stay here.
For men, Turner said there is a shift away from clean white minimal sneakers and toward “dad sneakers.” Starting with a simple New Balance sneaker is a gateway to more elaborate designs.
For women, it’s time to retire the ankle boots known as Mojo booties.
“People wear it for really everything, whether it’s prison or funerals,” Blanton said. “No, miss. This is not an all-weather moment.”
No-show socks and ankle socks were once ubiquitous. Currently, Greer says, there is “a lot of disagreement” about showing ankles. Try layering socks over leggings, she said, or try wearing crew or quarter-length socks that show slightly over flats or sneakers. (She has other Click here for recommended boots and clogs. )
Infinity scarves are available, but blanket scarves, skinny scarves, and waffle knit or cashmere scarves in neutral colors are good options, she said.
Augustine suggested adding feathers and other textures to your look “as a fun layering way to make winter feel less like a prison.”
Hoyt says the crossbody bags that millennials have loved for decades are now obsolete, which Hoyt calls “a pain in the ass.” Instead, she opts for a shoulder bag, tote bag, or slouch bag.
She’s also tired of seeing Gucci’s double G belt. “That belt is not used to fasten your jeans,” she said. “It’s an eyesore.”
What about gym clothes?
hannah brown,32, I asked my TikTok followers for help. I wore gym clothes that felt outdated.
Her followers recommend swapping V-neck tops for square-cut crop tops. Her ankle socks are tall, bunched socks meant to be worn over leggings (never worn underneath). White sneakers instead of black. Thick leggings, flared leggings, or cargo pants.
Ms. Brown said some commenters ridiculed her request for suggestions. They said she should wear whatever she wanted.
“I’m absolutely with them: take what resonates and leave what doesn’t resonate,” she said. “I think that’s the fun of fashion.”
Most importantly: Wear what makes you happy.
Stylists of all ages agree. Embrace your style and creativity, whatever that may be.
“What’s really great about being in your 30s is that you have the opportunity to experiment and discover your style,” Dale said.
To activate it, Dale suggested asking yourself the following questions: “If you could swap closets with anyone in the world and everything would suit you, who would it be?”
Ms. Augustine emphasized the need for staple pieces and good tailoring, regardless of what’s going on in the fashion industry. For her, that means a nice long coat, a turtleneck, and good boots (even better, pointy boots).
But at the end of the day, to change the way you look, you have to change the way you think. Blanton encouraged millennials to let go of the need to be perfect.