You're in, You're Out: 7 Gen Z–Approved Fall Trends You Have to See
When it comes to trend spotting, there's no better way to get a feel of the current fashion climate than Insta-stalking the most stylish generation there is: Gen Z. While I may be a bit biased as a 24-year-old editor, it's a simple fact that the fashion crowd aged 18 to 25 has an iron-clad grip on the pulse of the trend zeitgeist right now, often setting the tone for the seasons to come.
Ahead of the fall, I did what any other normal, sane 24-year-old would do and Insta-stalked some of my favorite Gen Z celebrities, models, and creators to confirm my suspicions on what trends they're buying and which items they're leaving in the dust. From quiet luxury–esque jackets to trending It colors, shop the seven fall trends Gen Z can't seem to give up on this year.
Storing: Trucker JacketsStyling: Tweed Jackets
Styling Notes: opt for a pair of slouchy low-rise jeans to contrast against the preppy, formal aesthetic that comes along with a tweed jacket.
Storing: Micro-Mini BagsStyling: Oversize Purses
Styling Notes: Long gone are the days where you can barely fit a phone and a pack of gum in your purse. Nowadays, Gen Z prefers bulky, oversize hobo shoulder bags paired with casual on-the-go 'fits.
Storing: Sky-High PlatformsStyling: Pointed-Toe Kitten Heels
Styling Notes: If you're looking to make your heels more Gen Z–friendly, look no further than a small heel with a simple silhouette and some fun, frilly socks.
Storing: Formal WearStyling: Ultra Cozy, Casual Sets
Styling Notes: if there's one thing Gen Z adapted to during the pandemic, it's two-piece, ultra-cozy loungewear sets in the fall. In lieu of leaving the house 24/7 in oversize blazers or immaculately tailored pants, the rise of striped pajama bottoms and Ugg boots as everyday, normalwear has made simple, comfortable P.J.-style sets a full-on Gen-Z obsession.
Storing: Puffer CoatsStyling: Classic Trenches
Styling Notes: Opt for lots of laters and a simple T-shirt and jeans 'fit to combine with the classic coat. If you're feeling a bit more casual à la Olivia Rodrigo seen above, you can pair your new trench with Adidas Samba sneakers and a pair of flared leggings.
Storing: Head-to-Toe LeatherStyling: Double Denim
Styling Notes: The Canadian tuxedo is back and better than ever. Instead of a Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 VMAs-style look, opt for modern takes on the denim-top–and–denim-bottom look with a pair of straight-leg jeans and a jacket in a similar wash.
Storing: Neutrals OnlyStyling: Pops of Color
Styling Notes: to take fall 2023's It color trend (see: fiery shades of red) to the next level, pair the bright hue with toned-down neutrals like black or white.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Copenhagen Fashion Week, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the re-branding of jorts, or, jean shorts for the uninitiated. At Who What Wear, Ana crafts sharp, irreverent features that speak to a digital-first generation, bringing her signature wit and unapologetic tone to long-form fashion and beauty content. If it’s smart, snarky, and a little unexpected, you'll probably find her name on it.
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