The Summer of Gen Z Style

By Felicia Czochanski

As the temperatures are getting hotter, so is the general sentiment of anger among the people across the US. Each week brings a new devastation that dominates the news cycle, wiping away the tragedy from the previous week and heightening the anxiety of what’s to come. It’s irrefutable that our country is in a state of unrest and as we gear up towards the hottest summer on record, we should also be prepared for what reporters are calling the ‘summer of anger’ too. Protests across the country are rising in number each weekend, now for multiple causes, and as we learned from the example of Greta Thunberg who fights for all things climate solutions with all her being, nobody does this better than Gen Z.

I recently finished a book by ELLE’s fashion features director which analyzes fashion trends through the lens of pop culture across history and in contemporary society. It was eye opening to see historically how hypocritical and ironic fashion trends can be – with Christian Dior coming out of WWII while fabric shortages are rampant, creating clothing and starting a new trend with hundreds of yards of tulle per each item. More recently, as the Supreme Court moves to roll back women’s rights, the prairie look or perhaps what’s been more fervently called the ‘nap dress’ has gained popularity. Puff sleeves, billowing maxi dress length, ruffles, and florals are the epitome of luxe femininity, a femininity that is reminiscent of times before women even had the right to vote or open a credit card in their own name. To understand fashion from this lens was eye opening, and so is the fact that while millennials are eating up these trends that subconsciously make them consent to the culture around them, Gen Z is paving the way with their own style that disregards these trends and puts sustainability and authentic personality first.

Here are some of the summer’s biggest trends for Gen Z (and those who associate more with Gen Z style than their own generation):

1. Matching Sets

As I approached the register at my local Goodwill I couldn’t help but snap a picture of this matching set that shouted Gen Z. The lime green color is going to be a big one (again) this season, and so is the matching patterned set of a top and mini skirt. I particularly love the floral design on this one, the groovy flowers that look like they could have been set underwater or are petals swaying in the wind is something you’ll also see a lot this summer and beyond – on everything from clothes to bags to coats.

2. Bright Neon Colors

Whether they’re heading to a rave or a protest, you won’t be able to miss Gen Z as they’ll be decked out in the brightest of colors. Pops of pink, highlighter yellow, electric blue, Gen Z isn’t afraid to speak up or stand out and that’s reflected directly in what they’re wearing.

3. Strappy Chic

Thin straps and short hem lines are staying in style this summer as we try to beat the heat while still looking chic. I brought this amazing Goodwill find home with me last week – a like new bright blue Alice+Olivia strappy dress with a slightly metallic shimmer to the material. It’s stunning, and will help me blend in with Gen Z this summer paired with square-toe metallic heels and a mini purse.

Have a style trend you want us to know about? Tag us in your next Instagram post @goodwillintl for a chance to be featured in a future blog!