Millennials (otherwise known as Generation Y) are the largest generation to date. In fact, they’re even expected to outnumber the Baby Boomers by 2019. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that a lot of younger people are driving today’s trends, including the fashion sector. They are so influential even the biggest names in the business are listening to what this generation has to say.
Millennial fashion is all about following the rules and breaking them eventually. They recycle the trends of their predecessors and make it their own.
Whether you’re a Gen Y native or not, some of their rules will work for you, too. Here are the ten commandments of dressing like a millennial:
Fashion Rule 1: Wear What You Want
YOLO (You Only Live Once) is a real concept among millennials, especially in terms of fashion. Whatever the brand or the type of clothing you want, there’s just one rule: wear whatever makes you feel you.
As long as you’re happy and free to express yourself, you’re good to go. If you like wearing socks over your sandals or print on print, go ahead. No one’s going to judge.
Fashion Rule 2: Avoid Popular Labels from Before; Go for Indie or Classic Brands
Millennials are big fans of “label-less” fashion. They avoid overloading on high-end designer accessories or wearing too many brands. Instead, they support indie labels that are chic and underrated. The younger generation love breaking the rules with statement shirts, odd cut-out pieces, and jeans from classic brands.
Fashion Rule 3: Athletic Shoes Make a Statement
Generation Y fashion aficionados enjoy being flashy, especially with their shoes. Popular brands, such as Adidas and Nike, lead the way with their impressive sneaker line. Male millennials are big fans of Jordans (named after basketball player Michael Jordan), which are statement sneakers that catches the attention of onlookers.
Athletes are influential in terms of shoes. Another Adidas standard called the Stan Smiths is also a staple of Gen Y fashion footwear.
Despite their love for athletic footwear, millennials also appreciate the classics. They just love combining the old with the new.
Fashion Rule 4: Athleisure Is Real (And You Just Gotta Deal)
Stemming from the combination of athletes and leisure, athleisure is a trend Gen Y (and the younger generation) are embracing nowadays. As mentioned above, athletes are gaining more attention today. Apart from their shoes, their clothes and styles are also gaining a huge following.
This style is a combination of sport and casual while still looking quite fashionable. Invest in any sports brand to complete this look.
Fashion Rule 5: Comeback of Vintage Fashion Is Real
Generation Y fashionistas are reviving old fashion trends. Wide bottom jeans, high-heeled sandals, and bug-eyed glasses are making their way into every millennial’s closet. Retro Coachella looks include yellow-tinted retro glasses and tight-fitting jeans. Fortunately, there are plenty of shops that sell vintage clothing at affordable prices.
Fashion Rule 6: Gender Neutral Clothes are In
While the millennial man still identifies as a “cis man,” there is a growing acceptance of gender neutrality around him. The same applies to women. Today’s fashion does not restrict anyone to his or hers clothes; anyone can wear anything they want.
Women who wish to don the suit and tie may do so, while men who think they can conquer the heels are free to do so. There is also a growing trend of shops selling clothes that are perfect for ANYONE. Suits, shirts, boyfriend jeans — you name it, they have it.
Fashion Rule 7: Customize Whenever, Wherever
Gen Y fashion trendsetters enjoy putting their personal mark on their clothes. Their personal spin is what makes their fashion unique.
With footwear, for example, the classic white leather sneaker is a staple. The millennial spin includes customizing your shoe by working with the brand. If you want to add a few patches, why not? Do you feel like adding some color? Go ahead; you have free reign.
Fashion Rule 8: Always Change Up Your Style with Affordable Not-so-Basic Basics
True enough, millennials prefer quality over blindly buying items for a popular label. Sometimes, however, you need an easy, quick, and affordable way to transform your clothes. Popular brands such as UniQlo, Primark, and boohoo encourage customers to make the most out of their expensive coats by adding a myriad of customization options to keep it look fresh and new.
Fashion Rule 9: Social Consciousness Is the New Fashion Sexy
Members of this generation are increasingly becoming vegans, vegetarians, and eco-aware. They want the good fight to reflect in their fashion sense.
Most eco-conscious millennials are choosing to wear clothes manufactured by brands that foster ethical practices and fair trade. It’s all about making a difference, one garment at a time.
Fashion Rule 10: Might Want to Ditch the Logos
While the older generations prefer flaunting clothes and accessories with noticeable brand logos, the younger generation would rather not. Millennials are more concerned with nurturing and expressing their personal style, rather than drop brand names here and there. They refuse to be obvious walking advertisements.
When these influencers talk, the big names listen.
Major retailers are now re-designing their brands so that they can produce shirts with subtle branding. Thanks to the rise of social media, millennials tell these brands how to change their logos so that they — the influencers — can wear their products their style.
Millennials are taking charge of the fashion scene. Armed with their smart phones and social accounts, they’re ready to continue re-defining today’s current styles. If you’re not part of this generation, it pays to take a page out of their fashion playbook. Better yet, why not combine your personal style with theirs?
If you’re part of this generation, kudos to you! You can still contribute to the Gen Y fashion movement. Wow your friends and families with an amazing mix and match of colors, styles, and pieces that scream ORIGINALLY MILLENNIAL.
Do you have any other Gen Y fashion tricks? Share them with us!