Gen Z has used fashion to communicate its own narrative through anything from gender-neutral looks to oversized apparel and bold accessories. They know that style is more than just what you wear; it’s also about how you wear it and the statement you want to make in the world.
Gen Z Trends: How the Digital Natives are Shaping the World
Generation Z, or Gen Z for short, is the cohort of people born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s. They are the first generation to grow up with the internet, smartphones, and social media as part of their everyday lives. They are also the most diverse, educated, and socially conscious generation in history. As they enter adulthood, they are influencing various aspects of society, culture, and economy with their unique values, preferences, and behaviors. Here are some of the key Gen Z trends to watch out for in 2023 and beyond.Driven by digital
Gen Z is the most digitally savvy and connected generation ever. They consume, create, and share content on various platforms, such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. They use technology to learn, communicate, entertain, and express themselves. They are also adept at multitasking, switching between different devices and apps with ease. According to a report by Exploding Topicshttps://explodingtopics.com/blog/gen-z-trends, Gen Z spends an average of 10 hours per day online, and 98% of them own a smartphone. They also prefer mobile-first content, such as short videos, podcasts, and interactive games.
Nostalgic for the 2000s
In recent months, Gen Zers have started bringing back trends from the early 2000s, such as low-rise jeans, bucket hats, butterfly clips, and flip phones. They are nostalgic for the era of their childhood, when pop culture was dominated by icons like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Harry Potter. They also find the 2000s aesthetic appealing, as it contrasts with the polished and curated look of today’s social media influencers. According to Who What Wear, Gen Z influencers from all over the world are embracing the 2000s style, incorporating elements like denim, neon, and logos into their outfits.
Distrust of government and other organizations
Gen Z is the most politically aware and active generation in recent history. They are concerned about issues such as climate change, racial justice, gender equality, and human rights. They are also skeptical of the government and other institutions, such as corporations, media, and religion. They demand transparency, accountability, and authenticity from the leaders and organizations they interact with. They are not afraid to voice their opinions, protest, and boycott, using social media as their main tool for activism and advocacy.
Embracing diversity and social justice
Gen Z is the most diverse generation in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. They celebrate and respect the differences among themselves and others, and they expect the same from the society they live in. They are also more open-minded and tolerant than previous generations, as they have grown up with exposure to various cultures, perspectives, and identities. They value inclusion, representation, and equity, and they support causes and movements that promote social justice, such as Black Lives Matter, Me Too, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Emerging buying power
Gen Z is estimated to have a spending power of $143 billion in the US alone, according to Mediatoolhttps://mediatool.com/blog/gen-z-trends. They are also expected to account for 40% of global consumers by 2020. As they enter the workforce and earn their own income, they are becoming a significant force in the market. They are discerning and savvy shoppers, who research products and brands online before making a purchase. They are also influenced by peer reviews, recommendations, and social media content. They prefer brands that are ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible, and that align with their values and identity.
Influencing the workplace
Gen Z is entering the workplace with high expectations and aspirations. They are looking for careers that are meaningful, fulfilling, and flexible. They are also eager to learn, grow, and innovate, and they seek feedback, mentorship, and recognition. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo, and they embrace change and uncertainty. They are also collaborative and social, and they prefer working in teams and networks. They value diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, and they expect their employers to provide them with opportunities and resources to support their personal and professional development.
Rising mental health concerns
Gen Z is also the most stressed and anxious generation, according to Pew Research Center. They face various challenges and pressures, such as academic expectations, social media comparisons, economic uncertainty, and global crises. They are also more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts than older generations. They are aware of their mental health issues, and they seek help and support from various sources, such as online platforms, apps, and communities. They are also more open and vocal about their mental health struggles, and they advocate for more awareness and resources to address them.
Conclusion
Gen Z is a generation of digital natives who are shaping the world with their unique values, preferences, and behaviors. They are driven by digital, nostalgic for the 2000s, distrustful of government and other organizations, embracing of diversity and social justice, emerging as buyers and workers, and rising in mental health concerns. They are a generation of change-makers, who are not afraid to challenge the status quo and create a better future for themselves and others.
- Mixing and matching different styles, such as vintage, streetwear, athleisure, and glam.
- Experimenting with colors, patterns, textures, and accessories, such as neon, tie-dye, plaid, and bucket hats.
- Layering and customizing clothing, such as crop tops, oversized jackets, and DIY patches.
- Embracing gender-fluid and inclusive fashion, such as unisex, androgynous, and adaptive clothing.
- Supporting ethical and sustainable fashion, such as thrifted, recycled, and organic clothing.
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/gen-z-trends
https://www.whowhatwear.com/gen-z-trends
PREs1 Research Team
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