Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the newest developments within the fashion-and-beauty area throughout the lens of Who What Wear’s personal Gen Z editors. Expect a obtain at the upcoming magnificence of tastemakers, rising designers, and buying groceries and elegance possible choices instantly from the era surroundings the developments.
Summer style all the time appears like a recent bankruptcy—lighter materials, brighter moods, and an actual sense of playfulness within the air. This yr, Gen Z is obviously main the fee, redefining what it way to decorate for the season. Their taste feels easy but thoughtfully curated, mixing nostalgia with trendy twists that make each glance really feel uniquely their very own.
There’s an intriguing focal point on texture and shine, regardless that now not within the conventional sense. Silhouettes are softer and extra fluid, with {hardware} and main points that catch the sunshine in sudden tactics. The vintage summer season colour palette has additionally developed, introducing a cooler, extra calming vibe that feels encouraged through nature and open skies.
A notable revival is underway, nevertheless it’s a long way from a simple throwback. Instead, antique components are being reimagined with recent power—items as soon as thought to be dated are actually central to the fad dialog, worn with a self belief that makes them really feel brand-new. Prints and patterns are bolder, with playful motifs that upload persona with out being overdone.
Whether embracing shimmer, experimenting with silhouettes, or blending influences from other eras, Gen Z’s summer season dresser is a dynamic temper board reflecting individuality and a way of pleasure. Below, store the most efficient six Gen Z summer season developments the sub-27 taste crowd is all about this season.
One factor you’ll be able to depend on Gen Z to like, yr after yr, is nostalgia. Whether it is films, style, or song, loved classics and retro-inspired pieces are top up on their rotation. This yr, Gen Z is discovering time to taste pieces harking back to the ’60s and ’70s—miniature gold watches, headscarves, and oversize bug-eyed sun shades are all at the rotation.
While sheer kinds had been trending during the last two to a few years, 2025 Gen Z summer season style is focusing all concerning the refined main points and romantic silhouettes related to the see-through taste. Think nightgowns, ruffled clothes, and lovely lace skirts, all core summer season staples to overcome the warmth this yr (and glance just right whilst doing it).
Fluid, steel {hardware} and main points are creating a daring observation far and wide this summer season. From sandals and bikinis to sculptural watches and purses, the shimmer is not possible to forget about. Gen Z is leaning right into a softer, extra natural aesthetic—favoring rounded edges and easy, liquid-like shapes that deliver a futuristic but wearable vibe to their seasonal taste.
Buh-bye, butter yellow! Gen Z is absolutely embracing a baby-blue colour palette for all their summer season dresser wishes. Whether it’s encouraged through transparent skies, cool ocean waves, or only a yearning for one thing recent and serene, this cushy hue is dominating the whole lot from flowy clothes to salon manicures. The under-27 crowd is leaning into the calm, dreamy vibe of youngster blue, making it the go-to coloration for a season outlined through lightness and simplicity.
We needn’t let you know: This season, prints, patterns, and polka dots are going to be far and wide. While you may have gotten a style of it this spring, those minimalist patterns are going to be the definition of playful-chic summer season dressing. Polka dots are on mules and slip clothes, right away remodeling them from uninteresting to one thing you’ll put on to the French Riviera. The similar is going for traditional gingham prints, raising any vacation-ready dresser to the following stage.
Speaking of comebacks—flare denims are again in a large method, and Gen Z is main the fee. While bootcut denims had been slowly changing ultra-wide-leg kinds, it wasn’t till Addison Rae’s “Headphones On” song video that I took realize. Think low-waisted silhouettes with dramatic hems, frequently paired with youngster tees or halters, for an off-the-cuff It-girl glance.