Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count.

Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count.

      Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column that tracks the newest trends in the fashion and beauty sectors through the perspective of Who What Wear’s Gen Z editors. Look forward to insights on the upcoming tastemakers, emerging designers, and shopping and style preferences directly from the trendsetting generation. Summer fashion always brings a sense of renewal—featuring lighter fabrics, brighter atmospheres, and an overall feeling of playfulness. This year, Gen Z is distinctly at the forefront, reshaping what it means to dress for the season. Their approach to style appears effortless yet intentionally curated, merging nostalgia with contemporary twists that make each outfit feel uniquely theirs.

      There is a fascinating emphasis on texture and shine, though not in the conventional way. Silhouettes are softer and more fluid, showcasing hardware and details that reflect light in unique manners. The traditional summer color palette has also shifted, introducing a cooler, more soothing vibe that seems to draw inspiration from nature and open skies.

      A significant revival is happening, but it's not a straightforward throwback. Vintage elements are being creatively reinterpreted, with once-outdated items now becoming central to the trend narrative, worn with a confidence that gives them a fresh feel. Prints and patterns are more daring, adorned with playful motifs that inject character without being excessive.

      Whether opting for shimmer, experimenting with shapes, or blending influences from various decades, Gen Z’s summer wardrobe acts as a vibrant mood board that mirrors individuality and joy. Below, discover the top six summer trends favored by the sub-27 crowd this season. One reliable love for Gen Z, year after year, is nostalgia. Be it movies, fashion, or music, cherished classics and retro-inspired pieces always rank high in their wardrobe. This year, Gen Z is incorporating styles reminiscent of the '60s and '70s—mini gold watches, headscarves, and oversized bug-eyed sunglasses are all making a comeback.

      Chloé

      Paddington Leather Handbag

      Toteme

      Striped Monogram Print Scarf

      While sheer styles have been popular over the last two to three years, Gen Z summer fashion for 2025 is focusing on delicate details and romantic silhouettes related to the see-through trend. Picture nightgowns, ruffled dresses, and beautiful lace skirts—all essential summer staples for staying cool (and looking great while doing so).

      Mango

      Ruffled Blouse With Bow Closure

      Free People

      Madeline Mesh Maxi Slip

      Free People

      Intimately FP Moon Phase Midi

      Urban Outfitters

      Remade by UO Sheer Lace Midi Skirt

      Fluid, metallic hardware and details are making a striking impression this summer. From sandals and bikinis to sculptural watches and handbags, the shimmer is hard to miss. Gen Z is embracing a softer, more organic aesthetic—favoring rounded edges and smooth, liquid-like forms that lend a futuristic yet wearable feel to their seasonal wardrobe.

      Christopher Esber

      Ruched Orbit Bikini Top

      Goodbye, butter yellow! Gen Z is wholeheartedly adopting a baby-blue color scheme for their summer attire. Whether inspired by clear skies, cool ocean waves, or a desire for something refreshing and tranquil, this soft shade is dominating everything from flowing dresses to salon manicures. The under-27 demographic is leaning into the calm, dreamy essence of baby blue, establishing it as the defining color for a season marked by lightness and ease.

      Mango

      Knitted Polo-Neck Sweater

      It goes without saying that this season, prints, patterns, and polka dots will be everywhere. If you got a preview this spring, these minimalist patterns are set to define playful-chic summer dressing. Polka dots can be found on mules and slip dresses, instantly elevating them from mundane to something perfect for the French Riviera. The same applies to classic gingham prints, enhancing any vacation-ready wardrobe.

      Frankies Bikinis

      Nick Skimpy Triangle Bikini Top

      ZARA

      Satin Effect Polka Dot Sandals

      Reformation

      Petra Linen Low Rise Pedal Pusher Pant

      On the topic of comebacks—flare jeans have made a significant return, with Gen Z leading the way. While bootcut jeans have gradually taken the place of ultra-wide-leg styles, it was only after Addison Rae's "Headphones On" music video that I noticed. Envision low-waisted silhouettes with dramatic hems, often paired with baby tees or halters, for a casual It-girl aesthetic.

      Gap

      High Rise '70s Flare Jeans

      Free People

      We the Free Jayde Flare Jeans

      Madewell

      Flea Market Flare Jeans

Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count. Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count.

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Apologies to Millennials, but Gen Z has made their preferences clear, presenting the only six summer trends that truly count.

From soft baby-blue shades to retro-inspired accessories, Gen Z is keen on embracing these six summer trends in June, July, and August.