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As a Zillennial (a generational leader born between the late ’90s and early 2000s), I’m experiencing fashion whiplash due to the current trend cycle. As a handful of young Gen-Zers rush to get their hands on their first pair of ballet flats, I remember the lingering smell of the pair I wore in middle school. I love a fleeting TikTok-style trend (hello, Mob Wife!), but I also understand the trend fatigue caused by social media. Finding myself in this middle ground makes me the perfect person to tackle the tricky subject: fashion trends that both Millennials and Gen-Z can get excited about.
Spoiler alert: It’s not as controversial as you might think. While both generations occasionally disagree about how to part their hair — or, more controversially, exactly how tight their jeans should be, their styles are surprisingly similar. Both agree on larger fashion movements, like the current love of romantic bow appliqués and the nostalgic resurgence of leopard print, but what really connects the generations is their shared approach to thoughtful shopping. At the core of both generations is the desire to shop more minimally and consciously, and this perspective is reflected in our habits when purchasing and caring for our clothing.
From cherry red to baggy jeans, keep scrolling to discover 2024 trends that can appeal to both Gen Z and Millennials.
Blame it on balletcore or the 20-year trend cycle, but ballet flats are back and better than ever. Additionally, modern updates to the silhouette, such as gemstones, mesh fabrics and statement buckles, breathe life into the controversial shoe. Whether you choose classic black or a bolder, edgier version, a simple ballerina flat can add a little something extra to any outfit.
Fact: Leopard print is making its way into our lives and we are all for it. Both Millennials and Generation Z agree that while the print is bold, it still has a certain je ne sais quoi that, when worn, can be treated the same as a neutral. Despite its reputation for being dated in recent years, the print is undeniably timeless. We say yes to integrating printing back into our lives in 2024.
It’s hard not to like something as sweet and feminine as a bow. Maybe wearing bows feels like an ode to our inner child, or maybe they’re just cute. Regardless, it’s true that romantic touches like bows, lace, and ribbons have taken over in the celebration of girlhood. Whether you choose a dress decorated with a bow or simply enjoy adding a bow to your hair, bows are for everyone this year.
The jeans you choose will always come down to personal preference, but baggy, loose-fitting styles are generally more comfortable than skinny jeans. (Even the most staunch skinny jean advocates will agree with me on this.) Even if you’re resistant to change when it comes to your jeans, trying on a pair of loose-fitting, wide-legged jeans will likely change your mind. Jeans that feel like sweatpants? Who can not like this?
Cherry red might be the most accepted trend recently. The seductive hue manages to be both classic and totally eye-catching, making it the perfect addition to spice up any wardrobe. Be it a red top you wear tonight or a pair of red shoes you pair with your neutrals, you can’t go wrong and will thank yourself for venturing out of your color comfort zone.
