Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer.

Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer.

      Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column tracking the latest trends in fashion and beauty through the perspective of Who What Wear’s Gen Z editors. Anticipate insights on emerging tastemakers, designers, and shopping preferences directly from the generation defining these trends. Amid rising temperatures, fatigue from late-stage capitalism, and the mental haze from endless “get ready with me for a breakup” TikToks, Gen Z has made one thing clear: this summer, we’re channeling our favorite pop icons—or at least making the effort. This isn’t merely a style transition; it’s a shared emotional experience. While Gen Z may lack our own Alexa Chung, we have an array of stylish, confident female stars ready to dominate our playlists, mood boards, and now, our wardrobes.

      In a world becoming increasingly strange, it’s unsurprising that young people are gravitating toward a hyper-feminine, Y2K-inspired aesthetic drawn directly from today’s popular music figures. There’s a sense of comfort in this fantasy. When life feels largely uncontrollable, curating a bit of sparkle—whether literally or figuratively—can seem like an act of defiance. It’s not solely about looking adorable (though that’s part of it); it’s about embodying a certain vibe: emotionally unfiltered, a touch wild, yet fully aware of the absurdity.

      Additionally, there’s a profound sense of nostalgia wrapped up in this moment. For many, this style renaissance evokes memories of growing up watching music videos, raiding Claire’s for rhinestone accessories, and fantasizing about what life would be like if they were famous, even for just one day. Now, that fantasy is being played out on TikTok, where recreating a pop star’s tour outfit or preparing for a night out “as if you’re Olivia Rodrigo’s backup dancer” is simply part of the casual scrolling experience. It’s akin to “dress-up but with an existential twist.”

      The best aspect of the Gen Z pop girlie summer? There are no strict guidelines. The trend focuses less on precise silhouettes and more on an overall vibe. Some embrace a full coquette style, while others lean toward punk. Some exhibit the “sad girl” look in soft knits and wired headphones, while others shine in metallic mini skirts as if they’re wrapping up Coachella. The only expectation is to commit to the persona of a specific singer—even if just for a photo dump.

      Ultimately, it’s not solely about the baby tees, fishnets, or little bows—though they are charming. It’s about crafting a version of reality that feels a bit shinier, a little messier, and much more authentically “you.” Because if Gen Z is set to spiral, we might as well look fabulous while doing so.

      Katseye isn’t just another global girl group; it’s a global style sensation that fuses punk, streetwear, and an effortlessly cool L.A.-girl aesthetic. Emerging from a collaboration between South Korean brand Hybe and American company Geffen, Katseye is a fresh presence in the pop-girlie landscape, and it stands out as one of the most thrilling additions. Members Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae, with the help of Creative Director Humberto Leon, have mastered a contemporary Gen Z vibe characterized by oversized fits, vintage tees, baggy jeans, and combat boots, with plenty of Y2K low-rise flare moments mixed in.

      **Ottolinger**

      *Mesh Plaid Print Crop Top*

      **Danielle Guizio**

      *Satin Corset*

      **Addison Rae**

      Forget the stereotype of the “cute TikTok star”—Addison Rae’s style now balances on the edge of indie sleaze and grunge with a glossy pop-star twist, perfectly capturing the essence of her debut album, Addison. Styled by Interview magazine Fashion Director Dara Allen, her looks combine Vivienne Westwood’s punk dramatics with the casual, lived-in feel of early 2000s rockers. Imagine tulle bustles paired with chunky platforms, leather corsets with oversized tees, and accessories that seem as if they were taken from a thrift store curated by a style maverick. Rae’s aesthetic is unapologetically bold, blending glam with grit while feeling both nostalgic and refreshing.

      **Cuup**

      *Highwaist Brief in Mesh*

      **Flora Nikrooz**

      *Rosa Charmeuse Chemise*

      **Repetto**

      *Red Camille Ballet Heels*

      **Sabrina Carpenter**

      Sabrina Carpenter’s style perfectly balances youthful charm with a sophisticated edge. Collaborating with stylist Jared Ellner, she has transitioned from girl-next-door to red carpet star, effortlessly moving between playful, embellished lingerie-style miniskirts and striking couture pieces, like the Louis Vuitton bodysuit at the Met Gala. Her everyday outfits blend sultry pop-star

Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer. Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer.

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Low-rise, lacy, and a touch delusional: Introducing the Gen Z Pop Girl Summer.

Everyone with good taste is slipping on their headphones, rummaging through their closets, and mimicking the style of the Gen Z pop girls this summer.