Step Aside, Suede—6 New Autumn Trends That Gen Z Is Embracing This Season

      Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column that highlights the latest fashion and beauty trends through the perspective of Who What Wear's Gen Z editors. Get ready for insights on the new wave of tastemakers, rising designers, and style choices directly from the generation that is defining the trends. Whenever fall arrives, I tell myself to keep it straightforward—perhaps invest in a nice coat, grab a pair of boots, and be done with it. But then I check Instagram or scroll through TikTok for just a moment, and suddenly, I find myself diving deep into a world of Gen Z trend reports, vintage inspiration boards, and must-have items that somehow appear both fresh and reminiscent of my mom's wardrobe from 1994. This fall is no different.

      Gen Z is currently making a significant impact on fashion. Their strategy? Looking to the past to inspire the future, featuring '50s-style polka-dot skirts reminiscent of diner scenes and low-rise jeans (yes, the same low-rise jeans Addison Rae has been wearing). There's a complete remix of bygone decades—with a modern twist, of course. It's more than just donning retro fashion; it's about styling these pieces in ways that come off as cool, effortless, and entirely on-trend.

      From classic fall favorites like pony hair to unexpected items like lace-trimmed dresses worn over jeans, Gen Z's fall fashion aesthetic is anything but dull. Ahead, explore and shop the trends they’re already embracing before they become widespread.

      **Belly Up**

      Low-rise jeans have made a comeback, now enhanced with better comfort, a slightly looser fit, and devoid of rhinestones on the back pockets. Combine them with cropped knits, oversized trench coats, and chunky boots for that early 2000s vibe, but with a laid-back twist. Still skeptical? The popular Gen Z actress, Lola Tung, was recently spotted showcasing this trend in New York.

      **H&M**

      Low Rise Flared Leg Jeans

      **Reformation**

      Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans

      **Agolde**

      Low Rise Loose Jeans

      **Moo-d Swing**

      Leopard print is taking a backseat as cow print becomes the new trend. This print isn't limited to graphic tees anymore; it’s now appearing on calf-hair accessories such as loafers, pumps, and mini bags. The look is bold, fun, and slightly cheeky, and Gen Z is enjoying the nostalgic nod and the unexpected flair it adds to outfits.

      **Madewell**

      The Mylie Shoulder Bag

      **Madewell**

      Cowhide Leather Western Belt

      **Prada**

      Galleria Medium Printed Leather Bag

      **Delicates and Denim**

      While Gen Z has a long-standing love for layering dresses over jeans, a subtle romantic trend has recently surfaced: wearing lingerie-style lace-trim slip dresses with denim. This trend is gradually gaining traction on social media, and I wouldn't be surprised if it’s ubiquitous by October 1.

      **Zara**

      Asymmetric Lace Dress

      **Kiki De Montparnasse**

      Giselle Mini Slip

      **J.Crew**

      Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Luster Charmeuse

      **ZW Collection**

      Asymmetric Lace Dress

      **Checking In**

      Plaid patterns and checks will remain a staple this fall, providing heritage vibes and endless versatility without evoking a 2000s hipster aesthetic. Layer a cozy flannel shirt over a slip dress or pair a pleated plaid miniskirt with chunky boots for a fashionable schoolgirl look reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo.

      **Proenza Schouler**

      Bronwen Checked Twill Shirt

      **Massimo Dutti**

      Long Flared Check Skirt

      **H&M**

      Glittery Textured Jersey Cardigan

      **Massimo Dutti**

      Oversized Checked Shirt With Stand Collar

      **Inside the Box**

      Forget about delicate handbags—Gen Z is gravitating towards sculptural, boxy handbag shapes. Featuring clean lines and architectural forms, these bags offer an air of serious chic, complementing everything from baggy denim to more dressed-up fall attire. The more they resemble something borrowed from grandma's closet, the better.

      **Verafied**

      Gold Noir Éclair Bag

      **Freja**

      Jane Bag in Espresso

      **The Row**

      Cecily Mini Tote Bag in Cotton Canvas

      **Khaite**

      Lori Leather Shoulder Bag

      **Spot-On**

      Big, bold polka dots were a summer hit, and as we transition to fall, flirty slip skirts have emerged as a clear favorite. They add just the right amount of vintage charm and romantic flair, easily styled with oversized sweaters and leather jackets for a relaxed, stylish look.

      **Polo Ralph Lauren**

      Polka Dot Satin Skirt

      **Mango**

      Long Polka-Dot Skirt

      **ZW Collection**

      Polka Dot Midi Sk