All The Ways Gen Z Is Bringing Back Trends From The 2000s With A Modern Twist

Jul 26, 2024 02:00PM ● By Gift Joe

black female wearing bantu knots with green jacket and baggy pants

Remember those days when the likes of Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and others ruled the airwaves, and low-rise jeans and crop tops were bold fashion statements? Brace up! Those trends are clawing their way back into fashion, but with a modern twist, and guess who's bringing back the Y2K magic? The Gen Z. Generation Z (or Gen Z) refers to the generation born between 1997 and 2012. They grew up in the 2000s with little or no memories of that time. Yet, they appear strangely captivated by the trends from a decade they barely remember.

Fashion trends are like a boomerang – they always come back, and Gen Z is showing us how. Have you spotted any Gen Z on social media or at an event recently and felt whiplashed back to the 2000s? They are not just digging up trends from the past, they are giving it their own modern spin, giving the millennials, Gen X, and others a bit of nostalgia.

From the slip dresses of the 90s to platforms and flip flops, Gen Zs are bringing back styles and accessories we might have thought were gone forever. Buckle up for a trip down memory lane, because the 2000s are back, and they're getting a major Gen Z touch. We have compiled a list of trends that are making it back, all thanks to the Instagram generation.

Platform/ Wedge Slippers, Sandals, Shoes

I remember going through my parents’ photos and spotting these funny-looking platform wedges, called Akpola in those days. They were incredibly popular then and every Tom, Dick, and Harry owned one. Then, after a while, they weren’t cool anymore. Well, they’re back and have become a wardrobe essential. Gen Z has resurrected this old trend, adding a unique spin and proving that platforms can be stylish and cool. Sometime in March, Vogue France posted a video from the runway show in Paris for the high fashion brand Chloé on Instagram. The celebrities sitting in the front row caught my attention. Why? They were all wearing big, chunky platform wedge sandals. So, get ready to wear a lot of platforms and wedges again.

Black platform sandals. Source: Walmart

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Cargo Pants

Remember when everyone was wearing pants with several pockets? Who would’ve thought we’d witness its comeback into the fashion world? Gen Z has picked up on this old trend from the late 90s and early 2000s, and we are loving the new ways they are styling it, making it a desirable piece of clothing.

Black female model wearing Levi's cargo pants. Source: Levis.com

Oversized T-shirts

Oversized t-shirts were a popular trend in the late 80s and 90s. They have now become a huge part of Gen Z's laid-back fashion. Gen Z tends to gravitate towards clothes that ensure comfort and oversized t-shirts make this list. They are cool and comfortable, making them appealing to Gen Z. If you step out, you can expect to see a Gen Z rocking oversized tees, often paired with jeans, biker shorts, or mini skirts. When styled correctly, this humble wardrobe staple can look laid-back and effortlessly cool.

Image by halayalex on Freepik

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Crocs

One thing about Gen Z – they love to be comfortable. Thanks to them, those ugly rubber holey shoes millennials used to laugh at are back with a bang. Crocs have become fashion statements, with several influencers wearing and promoting them. You can even personalize them with those little Jibbitz charms.

Wondering why Crocs have gained popularity among Gen Z adults? They are lightweight, comfortable, and versatile, making them suitable for various activities. They also come in different colors. You may want to jump on the Crocs trend.

White crocs with jibbitz. Source: Instagram | Colet

Slip Dresses

Slip dresses were all the rage in the 1990s. It made its mark on the red carpet and also on numerous teen films and TV series. From Naomi Campbell to Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, and Princess Diana, it was worn by celebrities for every occasion. It looks like the slip-dress trend is making a comeback in fashion, and as usual, Gen Z youths have added their twist. Some celebrities have also jumped on the trend. We saw Kim Kardashian and her mom embracing this trend for Victoria Beckham’s fashion show in Paris. The slip dress is having its moment in fashion again! But why? Is it the chic look, the effortless elegance, or simply the undeniable comfort that's making this wardrobe staple a must-have once again?

Black female model wearing orange floral patterned slip dress. Source: Reformation.com

Miniskirts

Move over maxi and midi skirts. The mini skirt is back like it never left. Ever since the Y2K trend appeared on the s/s 2022 and 2023 runways, mini skirts have become popular among Gen Zers on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These tiny skirts come in a variety of styles, from the classic pleated mini skirt to the mini cargo skirt, mini denim skirt, and more. These youngsters are pairing it with everything from oversized tees to tiny crop tops, giving a next twist to this retro trend. And, no matter the pairing, it always gives off the 'It Girl' vibe.

Mini skirts on Black female models. Source: Zara, H&M, Mango

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Baggy Pants

A typical Gen Z streetwear outfit consists of oversized clothing, such as baggy pants. The resurgence of oversized pants from the 90s and 2000s has also become a trend embraced by the Gen Z youth. They have ditched skinny jeans, the long-time favorite of Millennials, in favor of these baggier and more comfy fit. Often paired with a tight-fitting crop top or even baggy t-shirts, baggy pants have become a wardrobe stable, exemplifying the casual and carefree style of Gen Z.

Black female model with afro wearing baggy pants and athletic tank top. Photo by Kevyn Costa

Crop Tops and Halter Tops

One of the hottest trends emerging from the Gen Z aesthetic is a focus on clothing that reveals more skin. Here comes crop tops and halter tops. This trend was originally huge back in the 1990s and 2000s, and even today, they are sexy and elegant at the same time. Crop tops never really left, but Gen Z is definitely giving them a major resurgence.

Image by freepik

Corsets

This sexy garment has found its way into the 21st-century fashion scene and is taking over celebrity wardrobes. This garment has gained much popularity, and some may blame this on Netflix's Bridgerton. Gone are the days when corsets were solely used for cinching waists. Today they are designed with comfort in mind and can be worn over tees or paired with baggy jeans for a street-style edge.

Image: Black woman wearing dark blue corset and matching color cargo pants. Source: BeginningBoutique

Gen Z style is all about self-expression, breaking barriers, and creating one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their unique personalities. This generation is snatching retro styles from the clutches of history and giving it a modern makeover.

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