“What are the kids wearing these days?” — a recurring fashion forecaster’s query. Often, this question revolves around the influence of Generation Z on the fashion industry.

The Pew Research Center defines Generation Z (Gen Z) as people born between 1997 and 2012. Gen Z features avid gamers and music lovers, and they are known for ever-present messaging on the internet, on social networks and on mobile systems. 

Creating waves in the world of fashion, Gen Z likes to bring back previous trends, especially through the social media app TikTok. The app exposes teenagers to different trends, which contribute to the aesthetics of today’s era. While millennials are drawn to 1990s fashion because of personal memories, Gen Z-ers are drawn to it because of aesthetic preferences and social media influence. For the younger generation, the 1990s are a fashion dream reflected in film and photographs (especially polaroids), whereas the 2000s are a distant but recognized reality.

Gen Z-ers’ love of ‘90s nostalgia has caused designer brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga and Marine Serre to bring back previous trends. This revival shows the strong pull Gen Z-ers have on setting the pace at the world’s major luxury brands. This obsession mirrors not only that of millennials’ with the ‘90s but also Tom Ford’s love of the “sensuous” ‘70s.

Many of Gen Z’s current favorite trends began in the 1990s—and Gen Z-ers may not have even realized it. Leather blazers, baggy pants, varsity jackets and so many more are just a few examples of ‘90s favorites on the comeback.

Varsity Jackets

The varsity jacket’s popularity skyrocketed in the 1980s, due to the attention it drew from professional sports franchises in the United States.

Whether you graduated high school 20 years ago or are still in high school today, it would be a good idea to hold on to your varsity jacket, as it has once again made its impact on the red carpet of worldwide fashion.

Also known as letterman jackets, they are known for being comfortable, stylish and sporty—a good choice for your fall wardrobe. Letterman jackets are typically worn with jeans (black or white), and street shoes. 

“I love the sporty, but stylish look of my varsity jacket,” senior Ryan Glass said. “It literally matches with everything I have.”

Loafers

The penny loafer was inspired by the light, slip-on shoes used by Norwegian farmers in the 1930s. American college students adopted the look in the 1940s and 1950s, putting pennies in the cut-hole partly to stand out but mostly to have change to pay for phone calls home. The loafer became popular with both men and women for its comfort and style. The loafer acquired its name thanks to the slip-on model without the hassle of laces and knots. They are a great option for a nice dress-up day.

“Penny loafers, as opposed to black loafers, effortlessly provide a casual and comfortable vibe to my style,” junior Jonathan Garner said.

Leather Jackets

Originally intended for pilots’ use in extreme weather during the early 1900s, leather jackets’ popularity has grown in large part due to the influence of pop-culture stars like Tom Cruise and Marlon Brando.

Normally worn in the fall and winter, the leather jacket’s durability and shiny jet-black design make the garment so popular. The unmatched quality of leather jackets also contributes to their revered place in fashion. You don’t have to be concerned about them going out of style or wasting your money.

Wide-Leg/Baggy Jeans

After two years watching Netflix in sweatpants indoors, it comes as no surprise that people in 2022 are starting to kick skinny jeans to the curb in favor of baggy, wide-leg jeans.

According to Ashley Petrie, Fred Segal’s senior vice president of merchandising, we are entering a new period of style, post-pandemic, in which we no longer want to be limited by what we wear and instead choose garments that are both comfortable and useful.

Freshman Naimah Gbajabiamila likes the comfort and stylish look of her baggy jeans.

“I wear anything from baggy jeans to beautiful Agaba dresses,” Gbajabiamila said.

Agbada is a three-piece formal outfit consisting of an open-stitched full gown, a long-sleeved blouse and sokoto, a pair of ankle-narrowing trousers.

“I love the stylish but comfortable comfort of my jeans,” she said, “in which I like to mix designer accessories to go with my daily outfits.”

Leather Jackets

Originally intended for pilots’ use in extreme weather during the early 1900s, leather jackets’ popularity has grown in large part due to the influence of pop-culture stars like Tom Cruise and Marlon Brando.

Normally worn in the fall and winter, the leather jacket’s durability and shiny jet-black design make the garment so popular. The unmatched quality of leather jackets also contributes to their revered place in fashion. You don’t have to be concerned about them going out of style or wasting your money.

Nike Blazers

The Nike Blazer Mid ’77 and Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage have become quite popular again, as well.The shoe is gradually replacing Converse and Vans as the go-to casual sneaker. Blazers are not just stylish—they also provide a snug fit with good ankle support.“This shoe has a vintage and traditional style that makes it perfect for everyday use,” sophomore Ella Wieber said.

Snapback Hats

The snapback hat is one of many different varieties of baseball hats, but its name comes from the adjustable strap in the back that snaps together. Freshman Zach Kimani loves rocking his snapback, which matches well with his outfit.

“The snapback goes with anything,” Kimani said. “No matter the season, no matter the outfit, I will always rock my snapback.”

Hip-hop singers such as Tupac and Ice Cube popularized the snapback during the 1990s. Snapbacks are often popular to wear in this kind of style, helping to create a hip-hop, urban look that portrays confidence and attitude.

There’s no denying that the 1990s were a terrific decade for fashion, and if TikTok trends from Gen Z are any indication, these trends might stick around for a while.

In agreement, Glass said, “I love how simple, but stylish, the ‘90s fashion is, especially the sporty style.”