Are Gen-Z Students Becoming the New Millennials?
By: Mikayla Skye Harper
I just finished my first semester of college, and as I welcomed this new chapter of my life, marking the beginning of adulthood, I received a mustache sticker during move-in that immediately transported me back to 2015. I recall watching the same emblem pasted onto thin ankles belonging to newly 20-year-olds surveying my classmates as we abused the concrete at recess. Millennials were my educational world; my elementary teachers were fresh out of college, angry, and confused. At my small stature, they symbolized an era of life that felt remotely distant; however, now I’m closer to 20 than 7, and I’m beginning to gradually understand them. I, too, want the overpriced oat milk latte and slouchy boots.
This era marked a period of “Millennial Optimism” as Ohioans gentrified Fort Greene and Bushwick to chase the humble cosmopolitan of Brooklyn, a place that didn’t always serve as an artistic refuge, but as I’ve returned home for break, I’ve grown to appreciate that protective realm of Fort Greene house music festivals and hipster boutiques. That’s not to say that during the 2010’s native New-Yorkers and 20 somethings weren’t struggling, however rent for studio-apartments were low, a “vintage” shirt at a thrift in williamsburg wasn’t in the 100s, Uber had pre-inflation rates, a going out outfit was less that $20, GIRLS was on air, MIA was in her
prime and authentic cultural food was everywhere. It was the Golden Age of the New York Hipster, which has been resurrected by the closet. Seriously, there's Free People everywhere.
This sentiment seems to be also amongst my classmates, within a month, the streets of my college town became adorned with wedge sneakers and mullets, baggy low-rise jeans and paint-splattered Carhartt jackets, neon ballet flats and ripped tights, scarves, fringe boots, city hobo bags, and newspaper boy hats. Oh! And everyone’s vegan, or maybe thats just my liberal arts college. Maybe in an era of excess everything especially fear and expectations perhaps college-aged kids are craving an era of unadulterated fun, when being the cool older sister was a distant fantasy, and parties were meant to foster community rather than to post its highlights on our socials.
#Fringe boots
These fringe boots became a Coachella staple, paired with chunky teal bangles, a look that slowly became dated however it was pleasant to see a girl walk in with these on my first day of Italian class. Fringe boots are the ultimate party shoe, that I’ve seen during DJ functions paired with patchwork skirts and halter tops, an early 2010s summer influence that has blend into the Gen-Z party uniform.
#Fun lipstick
MAC’s Heroine and Black lipstick was what I considered to be "adventurous" my sophomore year of highschool where I actually began to play with fashion. Although I don’t see this trend coming back, NYX’s butter gloss collection and metallic lips weren’t abnormal to see during the daytime in SOHO or Downtown Brooklyn. ISAMAYA’s metal lip collection definitely references the fun that we use to have with makeup.
#Flannels
Although the Flannel is a staple that will never go out of style, they were the hipster essential: draped along the back of a saloon chair on my campus’s coffeehouse or thrown onto a patch of grass for a summer picnic on the front lawn of my college. The choice of outfit for fellow first years is knee high leather boots baggy ripped jeans and a denim jacket, bonus points if you find unique belt buckle at a local estate sale.
#Layering
I find layering isn’t a stylistic choice reserved for the fall, however the slightest chill in the air prompts summer dresses with fitted hoodies and leather jackets. Layering was one of my favorite parts of 2010s, my mother would bundle me in an assortment of crochet balaclavas and puffer jackets. Since winter is upon us, looking outside my window, suede jackets are paired with black henley shirts or chunky sweaters, leg warmers with wooden clogs or uggs and knitted accessories.
#Chunky Motorcycle Bag
The chunky bag our mothers used to wear on their way to work in the city that you can now find at your local L-Train, now stuffed with midterm papers, AirPods, and bleeding pens. A timeless 2010s staple that could be worn to class as well as to a Fordham bar.
What is articulated to me through this 2010s Renaissance in fashion is the welcoming of innovation and imperfection in our everyday wardrobes, as well as claiming the adulthood that we grew up aspiring to with the hope of one day inhabiting. The chunky eyeliner, the colorful tights, and the fringe boots are juvenile touches to lighten the blow of the crippling period we are currently inheriting. It's the natural craving for achievable fun that can be relived through the familiar objects of our childhood, like peeking through the wired fence of the playground, watching 20-somethings heading to afternoon brunch. Nostalgia is a timeless effect, one that isn’t limited to trends but is an emotional symbol for a life in progress, where accessories may vary, the clothing may be faded- but it’s reliable.