Gen Z finds joy in confusing fashion trends

Gen Z is finding joy in intricate jewelry and personalized outfits that follow the “messy” trend, instead of the minimalistic approach of previous generations.

Gen Z is finding joy through intricate jewelry - Photo: Jing Daily

Growing up amid global political tensions, economic uncertainty, and a growing climate crisis, Gen Z is facing an uncertain future. Responding to the bleak economic outlook, they’re finding small moments of joy in customizing their fashion.

Gen Z's Strange Fashion Styles

The shift is so pronounced that trend forecasting firm WGSN has coined the term “Glimmers” — a term that describes seeking out “small moments of joy” that can “build mindset, foster peace, build resilience, and improve mental health.”

One growing movement under the “glimmers” trend is messy-style customization. According to WGSN, product personalization and customization have surged among Gen Z over the past year, promoted by celebrities like actress Jane Birkin.

It's a movement that shows no signs of slowing down, with WGSN predictions suggesting the trend will continue to grow strongly through 2026.

“Gen Z values ​​uniqueness and personal expression,” says Martina Rocca, a strategist at WGSN. She adds that Gen Z’s growing love for customized products “suggests a future where consumers expect more direct involvement in the ideation and design process.”

Messy personalization has branched out into smaller, niche movements.

One of these trends is the “Birkin-ification” of handbags – a style inspired by the late British actress and singer Jane Birkin, whose messy bag, often with lots of stuff inside, was decorated with beads and scarves.

The phenomenon has been fueled online, as Gen Zers try to recreate the Birkin's famous style. On TikTok, the term "Birkinifying bag" has attracted more than 182.5 million posts.

Gen Z's strange and "confusing" fashion styles - Photo: Getty

Gen Z's growing love for customized products "suggests a future where consumers expect to be more directly involved in the ideation and design process" - Photo: Xiaohongshu

As prices continue to rise, customizing accessories helps Gen Z refresh their wardrobe and fashion without spending too much - Photo: Coach

Trends reflect each person's personality

The messy accessory trend has spread to China, where social media users often share customized items — particularly sneakers and phone cases — adorned with bows, pearls, ribbons and beads.

Young Chinese consumers have long shown a love of decorating their belongings, said Elsbeth Van Paridon, a Beijing-based China researcher who studies fashion and urban culture.

The origins of this trend can be traced back to the early 2010s, says Van Paridon, coinciding with the advent of mobile phones, which marked the beginning of a new era in customization and personalization.

“This generation is taking customization to the next level,” says Van Paridon. “I’m not even sure if I’d call it ‘messy,’ it’s more of a fun style of clothing than anything else.”

The rise of customization is not only a reflection of consumers’ desire to express their individuality. On the other hand, as prices continue to rise, customizing accessories allows them to refresh their wardrobes and fashions without spending too much.

In China, where youth unemployment remains high, luxury spending is slowing, and the trend toward messy customization offers a small but meaningful outlet for self-expression.

“What could make us feel happier than looking at our handbag on the table or our shoes and seeing them decorated with ribbons, perhaps chosen or even created by us?” explains Van Paridon.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gen-z-tim-vui-trong-trend-thoi-trang-roi-ca-mat-20241024170926317.htm