From unique clothing choices to vibrant makeup looks, Gen Z never fails to shine when it comes to the creative scene. Some of the hottest fashion trends have continued to wow many with the eclectic and fresh recycling of older decades' fashion, as well as new and invigorating concepts. So join me as we dive into ten of 2020’s latest fashion trends that keep as stable during this quarantine.
1. Aesthetics:
Now aesthetics are one of the hottest fashion trends yet, especially during quarantine. Multiple people are experimenting with different styles, color patterns, and lifestyles and coin them as “aesthetics.” These aesthetics can tell a lot about whatever person chooses to sport them: their way of life, overall attitude, and even sometimes their beliefs. They are a great way to self express through fashion and style. Some of the most popular ones include: y2k, 90s aesthetic, instagram baddie, alttiktok, and cottagecore.
2. Bucket hats:
Bucket hats, once a black fashion 90s staple, have come back into the scene as older decades’ fashion trends have started to emerge. Colorful and abstract designs on these hats are especially popular with many gen zers. Some of my favorite ones are translucent bucket hats, and multicolored bucket hats ;).
3. Oversized clothing:
Oversized clothing is another fashion trend that takes inspiration from the 90s. Oversized shirts, sweaters, pants, and basically every other article of clothing are styled together to create an effortless and carefree look and style. Oversized clothing, borrowed heavily from menswear, has also helped break gender stereotypes as more women are expressing their masculinity through clothing and disregarding previous gender roles.
4. Euphoria/Editorial makeup:
Euphoria is the HBO hit show about the issues of different forms of abuse through the lens of teenage characters from 2019. However, the makeup looks were one of the most iconic aspects of the show as they each represent the characters and their personas as well as carried significant symbolic meanings. For example, character Jules Vaughn bases her makeup look on her mood on any given day. Viewers are able to see Jules’ growth and progression as a character through just her makeup looks. Recreations of these looks have started to become popular again as people reminisce 2019 and are bored during this never ending quarantine. Some of the most iconic looks from the show include Maddy Perez’s cheerleading scene and Cassie’s ice skating look. Makeup artists everywhere are coming up with their own versions of “Euphoria makeup” oozing with creativity and artistic talent.
5. Silk tops:
Early 2000s silk tops are one of the staples of the y2k aesthetic. Known for their intricate lace detailing and bright colors, these tops can be found everywhere and are coveted by many. They can be styled formally, casual, or as sleepwear, lending to the desirability of the staple clothing item. Many of these tops are also found at thrift stores, which helps add to the authentic 2000s feel.
6. Chunky shoes:
Chunky shoes are yet another popular fashion trend that has roots in the 90s scene. Originally sported by alternative or goth fashion, they have now started to become a staple part of almost every style or “aesthetic.” These shoes usually consist of large platform soles that are sure to make a statement with every outfit. Some of the most popular chunky shoes include Doc Martens, Sketchers Sneakers, or Dolls Kill shoes. In fact, almost every shoe brand has their own version of chunky “dad” shoes accessible to every shoe loving customer, such as myself ;)
7. Cheetah print:
Cheetah print ;). This one is one of my personal favorites. Originating from the 2000s, it's come back and infected almost everything: clothing, bags, hats, jewelery, and the list goes on and on. Cheetah print is most popular in the y2k style, but it is loved by everyone in general due to its boldness and vibrance. It can bring life to any dull outfit and make a statement anywhere you go :).
8. Thrifting:
I consider this a fashion trend as it inspires most of the popular fashion today, borrowed from previous decades. Gen zers everywhere are ditching the fast fashion powerhouses and trading them for the Goodwills and local thrift stores. Authentic vintage pieces that fit different aesthetics can be found here, and it doesn't hurt that the clothing there is much cheaper. In addition, it's excellent for the environment as clothing from thrift stores are secondhand or used clothing. Saving the earth while expressing yourself: something everyone should try ;).
9. “Little shirt, big pants”
This trend is becoming exceedingly popular all over fashion tiktok, where gen z is bringing back iconic black 90s looks through their own version of the “little shirt, big pants” trend. Baggy jeans or baggy pants are paired with small crop tops to create a unique silhouette, fitting many body types. The beauty about “little shirt, big pants” is the flexibility and interchangeability. One may mix colors, patterns, textures, and creativity to create the perfect combination of their “little shirt, big pants” outfit, bringing their version of the iconic 90s trend to life.
10. Colored hair:
But not just any colored hair: Front-Dyed hair. This trend has roots in the alternative movements of the mid 2000s, and especially on tiktok, gen zers are experimenting with different hair colors and styles, including bleaching the front of their hair or dying the front section a bright color such as pink or blue. Gen Z is becoming bolder and more carefree when it comes to their fashion choices, and this wave of colored hair is proving exactly that.
Gen Z fashion remains so unique because it leaves an immense amount of room for creativity and self expression. Recycling older trends from previous decades and giving them new life makes the fashion so beautiful, and I am excited to see what more Gen Z has to offer.
Article by Ibilola Esho (@ibilolaesho)
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