Lee Sher Ee in a Harajuku outfit.
ONE can always look to the younger generation to see what’s trending.
That is the case with style too.
And since some fashion trends are cyclical, it’s not uncommon to find older styles being reinvented to fit current times.
Here are six distinct trends found in the wardrobes of Gen Z youths this year.
Aliyah Yasmine’s outfit is a nod to the Y2K trend. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG, AZLINA ABDULLAH and AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Y2K
The nostalgic 2000s are seeing a revival among the younger crowd. For those not in the know, Y2K stands for the year 2000.
Elements from the decade such as low-rise jeans, baby Tees and chunky shoes have returned to the mainstream alongside the use of digital cameras.
The prevalent use of shiny chrome and bright colours is a defining feature of the aesthetic.
Y2K captures the optimism, experimental spirit and sometimes quirky styles of a generation embracing the turn of the millennium.
This visual is human created, AI-aided
Harajuku
Hailing from the Harajuku district of Tokyo in Japan, this style is characterised by its bold, playful and often extreme mix of different clothing styles, subcultures and influences.
It became trendy globally in the 1990s, largely for its unique fusion of Japanese traditional clothing and Western styles, as well as the creativity and self- expression of the wearer.
The defining feature of this aesthetic is its versatility of being able to mix and match various styles from different cultures and trends.
Holly Yeoh Jia Chi modelling a coquette look.
Coquette
The Gen Z resurgence of coquette fashion romanticises femininity and vintage aesthetics.
In the contemporary coquette trend, there’s a playful balance between youthful innocence and mature undertones, allowing for both demure and bold expressions of femininity.
Key features of this style are its soft pastel colours and hyper-feminine elements such as bows, pretty dresses, flowers and glowing makeup.
Caleb Ng Kah Lok in grunge mode.
Grunge
As a style, grunge emerged in the late 1980s and 1990s in Seattle, the United States, and it never really went away.
It has experienced multiple revivals in the 2010s and 2020s. Its laid-back, anti-fashion attitude featuring thrifty, worn-out garments and baggy jeans are a sharp contrast to the flashy fashion of the ’80s and ’90s.
The style reflects the rebellion and counter-culture movement, which was alive behind the scenes at the time.
Holly Yeoh Jia Chi in fairycore look.
Fairycore
Despite some similarities to cottagecore (a style that celebrates nature and country living), fairycore is a whimsical and magical aesthetic inspired by fairytales, nature and fantasy.
It is also tied to a lifestyle that emphasises an appreciat- ion for nature, magic and simplicity.
Expect fantasy elements such as glittery makeup, soft and flowy clothing and fairy-like outfits as well as natural features like flowers.
Timothy Clarke in an old money ensemble.
Old money
A classic and timeless aesthetic that’s associated with aristocrats and generational wealth, old money style exudes sophistication, quality and discretion.
The idea is that wealth should be quietly conveyed through impeccable taste, craftsmanship and subtle luxury, not through overt displays of opulence.
The aesthetic lends itself to prim and proper grooming, elegant tailored outfits, high quality textiles and muted colours.
