Gen Z is revolutionizing the fashion world with bold choices and an insatiable hunger for self-expression. Different from the others, this generation, born between around 1997 and 2012, views clothing not just as something we wear on our bodies, but as a powerful tool for communication. Fashion is one’s way of expressing who they are and what they believe in. From secondhand store treasures, such as thrifting, to viral looks, Gen Z fashion is far from old fashioned.
The most identifiable of the Gen Z fashion trends is the rise of secondhand fashion. In an era of heightened environmental awareness, young people are looking for more ways to use clothing. By doing this, they are seeking more environmentally-friendly methods of filling their closets. This has brought about a surge of conscious clothing choices. Thrifting has become more than just a budgeting hack for Gen Z’ers; to some shoppers, it’s more of a fashion statement. Whether the clothes are found in local thrift shops, borrowed from a parent’s closet, or purchased on resale websites like Depop or Poshmark, buying secondhand items has become a trend among many Gen Z shoppers. They prefer pieces that are unique and sustainable. Madeleine Chappell ’26, a fashion lover as well as student at Bronx Science, expresses her admiration for these sites. She said, “I really love checking out new looks on Pinterest and Instagram. I often get inspired by stuff I also see on clothing websites like Depop or Hollister. I look at these outfits that the models put together, and I tell myself ‘I wanna recreate that,’ so then I create different kinds of clothing using various colors and textiles at home.
The appeal of secondhand fashion also lies in the creativity it allows. People have become more interested in expressing themselves using various styles of clothing from different time periods. For Gen Z, mixing vintage pieces allows for experimentation and discovery of style preferences. In addition to this, DIY culture has been thriving, and teenagers are upcycling old garments. Cutting, painting, and sewing them into old outfits, these young adults create customized and trendy clothing that reflects their personality. Social media apps are full of guides on how to stitch an old shirt to make it more visually appealing, or even how to turn a pair of old jeans into a new mini skirt. By upcycling their apparel, Gen Z’ers are not only taking a step towards limiting excessive amounts of waste, but are also creating some extremely unique articles of clothing.
This generation cares deeply about individuality and authenticity, which is clearly visible in the way they dress. Instead of buying trendy apparel, they choose to invest in pieces of clothing that will stay in style for longer, such as solid colors and jeans. Instead of buying outfits with large brand logos, they select articles with subtle logos or even without any logo.
Social media is one of the main influencers of Gen Z fashion. TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest are now essential fashion platforms, where trends can go viral with the flip of a switch. The way a single person chooses to dress can kick off an entire aesthetic movement. Micro-trends have all been made possible by short videos and algorithmic discovery.
The speed at which these trends can appear–and disappear–keeps Gen Z fashionistas on their toes. Gen Z has continued to navigate the cycle of trends by putting a spin on new styles using their own signature items. Rather than committing to one style, most teens develop a custom sense of fashion, styling by their mood of the day.
It’s also not uncommon for a Gen Z’er to change their styles each day. Wearing baggy streetwear one day and casual the next is something that has been seen in recent years. This fluid approach to fashion is emblematic of a broader Gen Z sensibility that embraces multiplicity and shuns rigid categorization. It also encourages more mindful consumption, as young people learn to restyle and reimagine the same pieces in various iterations. Chappell, who adores fashion and would like to pursue it in her future, said, “I really like looks from the Y2K era. Also you have more colorful looks that are interesting textiles. I feel as if during my ninth grade year, I just kind of wore clothes that made me feel comfortable. But now, I found a way to wear clothes that make me feel comfortable by looking good. I love anything with a mini skirt, and I think shorts are always fun to style in the summer, as soon as it’s warm.”
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Gen Z fashion is how it deals with gender and identity. This generation increasingly sees fashion as a way to advertise change in the world, rejecting old labels. Clothes are no longer rigidly divided into “men’s” or “women’s” sections. Gen Z appropriates styles that they feel drawn to, regardless of how they are being sold. Skirts, nail polish, crop tops, and statement accessories are being worn confidently and proudly by all genders. In addition to this, holdable items such as water bottles have been used to make an outfit more ‘stylish.’
This shift is causing large brands to adapt. Brands like Urban Outfitters, H&M, and Zara have started releasing neutral lines of clothing, and high-end brands like Gucci and Balenciaga are promoting neutral styles as well. Small designers are going a step further, building their entire brands focusing on inclusivity and unisex apparel. Not only this, but these brands are including more sizes. In recent years, ampagency has discovered a change in the sizing, stating “there’s been a revolution in the fashion industry over the last 15-20 years. In the early 2000’s, many retailers offered clothing sizes only up to L or occasionally XL, and the plus-size stores that existed were few and far between. This was back before ‘body positivity’ and ‘real beauty’ became buzz words, back when it was rare to see models over a size 0.
Meanwhile, YouTubers, TikTokers, and Instagrammers are continuing to shatter boundaries as they show the world how fashion can be freeing, inclusive, and deeply personal. Influencers like Spencer Barbosa and Samyra who have personalities that focus on body positivity have amassed thousands of followers. This was not just for their looks, but for their confidence, their creativity, and their unapologetic selves.
At its core, Gen Z style is about freedom, individuality, and consciousness. It’s fashion with a meaning behind every shirt, sweater and pair of jeans. Whether a fashionista is wearing oversized streetwear, styling vintage early-2000s charm accessories, or sporting thrifted items from five decades ago, Gen Z is doing something that has never been seen before. Fashion isn’t just about looks–it’s about feeling real, being seen, and expressing identity.
As the first digitally native generation, Gen Z feels the need to reshape how fashion is created, consumed, and understood. Their values of inclusivity, sustainability, and authenticity are affecting the future of the industry. This isn’t limited to only members of Generation Z, however. Anyone can make the change, and anyone can wear whatever they want, no matter what it may be.
At its core, Gen Z style is about freedom, individuality, and consciousness. It’s fashion with a meaning behind every shirt, sweater and pair of jeans.