It appears the gulf between Gen Z and Millennials is slowly narrowing as a previously discarded fashion item is officially making a return to wardrobes.
Anyone with an eye on fashion, or even just a TikTok account, will have seen the unprecedented resurgence of cult Y2K brands such as Juicy Couture, Von Dutch and Miss Me.
This is because, over the last few years, Gen Z has successfully been dismantling the Millennial uniform of youth.
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Slowly, skinny silhouettes and high-rise waistlines have been replaced with baggier trouser styles, oversized button-downs and vibrant patterns directly borrowed from early nostalgic video games.
However, it seems a Millennial mainstay that was previously cast out for comfort is poised to make a shocking return.
Reader: it’s apparently time to become reacquainted with your skinny denim jeans.
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The divisive item first had its resurgence in September 2023 when Celine took over the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles to debut the brand’s aptly titled AW23 collection, ‘Age of Indiness’.
Inspired by early 2000s grunge, creative director Hedi Slimane dressed Kaia Gerber, Dree Hemingway and more in military silhouettes and flouncy floral mini-dresses.
The Frenchman also made a case for dark skinny jeans by messily tucking them into Western-style boots.
In the same year, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Prada also tried their hand at reimagining the skinny silhouette, with everything from figure-hugging cigarette pants to tapered leggings being spotted on the runway.
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During the Fall/Winter 2024 season, Miu Miu took it one step further and squeezed their models into skin-tight denim.
Moreover, celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski have been leading the skinny jeans resurgence on the streets.
According to Farfetch’s senior menswear editor, Luke Raymond, the skinny jeans resurgence is likely to continue as brands and influencers attempt to continue standing out from the crowd.
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“It’s rare now to see skinny jeans in the wild, which subsequently means that brands and influential dressers will inevitably look to bring them back to the table,” he told GQ.
“Add the nostalgic throwback to the #indiesleaze early ’00s that has been gaining steam, and you have a perfect storm for the return of the skinny jean.”
Of course, fashion is circular so most things that were once in fashion are likely to become the ‘it’ product again - just like the previously-mentioned Y2K resurgence.
Interestingly, it’s not just skinny jeans that have caused those born between 1981 and 1996 to feud with the younger generation.
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Earlier this summer, TikTok users were baffled to discover that a fashion-obsessed creator claimed crop tops were 'going out of fashion'.
A model spearheading the movement named Sarah Coome recently took to the platform and claimed: "Are crop tops like, on the out? I feel like they're going out of fashion.
“The reign of the crop tops lasted for so long, like they have been a staple throughout the years.
"But I feel like this whole like classy, sort of sophisticated, kind of old money look is really taking over and crop tops don't really fit into that category.”
She continued to say that she needed to know where she stood on the style and that she was ‘willing to start over’ and do away with her cropped sweaters and jackets.
“Looks like I’m going to have to go shopping,” she added.
So looks like this autumn and winter period is the perfect time to dust off those old clothes hiding at the back of your closet because comfort is out and figure-hugging styles are in.
But do you love it or loathe it?
Ella Scott