Gen Z’s fashion playbook is the next bible for the trend landscape. They are mixing eras, breaking rules, and making the uncool cool, because style should never be boring.

by Gunika Garg

Unlike previous generations who stuck to one aesthetic for years, they thrive on mixing, and matching styles, bringing back past trends, and making even the most questionable pieces fun again. So, what’s trending in the fashion world right now? Here are some must-know fashion trends that this Gen swears by.

If you thought butterfly clips, bedazzled everything, and low-rise jeans were left in the past, think again. They have single-handedly resurrected Y2K fashion, proving that the early 2000s were ahead of their time. Think Paris Hilton-inspired baby tees, cargo pants, miniskirts, and yes, those iconic chunky flip phones (for aesthetic purposes only, of course). 

But not everyone is on board with this throwback. Raashi Bhatjiwale, a 19-year-old journalism student at Symbiosis, Pune, is not a fan. “Y2K is cute, but let’s be, real low-waist jeans are a nightmare.” She thinks its uncomfortable and, does not look flattering on everyone. “I borrowed a pair of denims from my sister, as we are the same size. It was from a US brand called Garage and costed $80 dollars. As complimenting it was looking on her, it was looking twice as unflattering on me.”

Forget tight and fitted clothing, it’s all about comfort and oversized silhouettes. Whether it’s baggy jeans, massive sweatshirts, or blazers that look two sizes too big, this trend is here to stay. When it comes to shoes, the motto is “the chunkier, the better” or, in some cases, “the uglier, the trendier”. From Crocs making a shocking comeback to the rise of chunky sneakers and platform Uggs, the generation is proving that ease can be dope. Zeenat Kataria, 21, an Interior Design student at Pearl Academy, thinks it can sometimes be too much. She doesn’t get the hype. Rather, prefer classic pieces over fast-fading trends.

Ask any Gen Z-er about their go-to outfit, and you’ll likely hear one of these combos. Oversized hoodie and bike shorts are sporty chic. Baby tee plus cargo pants makes everything cool without trying. Thrifted dress with sneakers becomes artsy vibes. All-black everything is obviously mysterious & edgy. “I want to look good and chill, without putting in too much effort,” says Mirshthi Grover, 20, Fashion Communication student at Pearl Academy. She observed that effortless outfit formula works best for her.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that New-Gen doesn’t just break fashion rules, they rewrite the whole stylebook and add glitter. Whether they’re resurrecting trends that should’ve stayed in the attic, turning loungewear into streetwear, or making Crocs a fashion statement, one thing is clear fashion will never be boring with them around. Love it, hate it, or just pretend to understand it, they are serving looks, and we’re all just trying to keep up.