The 2025 Best Dressed List for Gen Z: Explore the Celebrities Shaping a Fresh Era of Fashion

      "Gen Z Says" is a bimonthly column that highlights the latest trends in the fashion and beauty world from the perspective of Who What Wear's Gen Z editors. Readers can expect insights on the new wave of tastemakers, up-and-coming designers, and shopping and style preferences directly from the trend-setting generation. There are years when the fashion landscape undergoes significant changes, and this year has been one of those. In a time marked by constant shifts among creative directors, an abundance of fast fashion, and rapidly changing micro-aesthetics, the industry feels both restless and poised for innovation. This is why, in curating the 2025 Gen Z Best Dressed List, I sought the opinions of those most attuned to these transitions: the Gen Z editors at Who What Wear. After all, who better to interpret the year's most defining looks than a generation capable of identifying a vintage John Galliano slip in a TikTok thumbnail in just 0.2 seconds?

      Our discussions via Slack and email painted a picture of a new wave of style icons actively reshaping the red carpet narrative. These individuals—actors, pop stars, and fashion favorites—boldly combine vintage pieces with emerging designers or take on the ateliers of Chanel, Miu Miu, and other iconic fashion houses. They collaborate with young, sharp stylists who approach each appearance as a dialogue—sometimes a love letter, other times a declaration of defiance, but always a way to make a strong statement and capture attention. There's a palpable energy in Hollywood right now, suggesting that the fashion narrative is evolving moment by moment, outfit by outfit. It's refreshing, unpredictable, and, honestly, the most enjoyable I’ve felt reporting on red carpet fashion in years. If 2025 marks Gen Z's ascendancy, 2026 appears to be the year they completely overturn the rulebook—glamorously, unapologetically, and in stellar footwear.

      Bella Hadid

      (Image credit: Getty Images) Bella Hadid shopping in New York City, January 2025. Bella Hadid stands as Gen Z's fashion icon, in part due to her effortless, laid-back outfits that have gone viral in recent years. Although Hadid took a step back for most of 2025 to focus on her well-being, the appearances she did make were certainly noteworthy—particularly this January 2025 outing in SoHo, where she wore an all-black ensemble featuring Saint Laurent sunglasses and a leather funnel-neck jacket. Personally, I appreciate her more casual styles as they feel more authentic to her character, making this look one of my favorite five from the year. Shop the key pieces:

      Helsa

      The Leather Oversized Moto Jacket

      Kylie Jenner

      (Image credit: Getty Images) Kylie Jenner at the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, May 2025. I have a soft spot for Kylie and Timothée together—sue me! Since the couple rarely appears together, I closely follow their style when they do, especially during the latter half of the year when they were seen at several New York Knicks games after the team reached the NBA semi-finals. Here, I’m focusing on Jenner's outfit. The youngest member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan usually goes all out with her fashion choices, so to see her opting for a simple sporty windbreaker, wide-leg jeans, and a square watch in this look felt wonderfully off-brand. I appreciate how her style has become more relaxed over the past year as Chalamet has helped draw her out of her shell. Perhaps we’ll see a complete King Kylie style renaissance in 2026? Shop the key pieces:

      New Era Cap

      New York Knicks Leisure Women's Windbreaker

      Old Navy

      Low-Rise Slouchy Wide-Leg Jeans

      Addison Rae

      (Image credit: Getty Images) Addison Rae at the MTV Video Music Awards, August 2024. "Okay, okay. I know this look debuted in late 2024, but its impact lasted well into 2025, and I think about it weekly. Addison Rae revived the drama at the VMA red carpet, which has become saturated with 'quiet luxury' black evening gowns, by donning this tutu-and-bra ensemble that completely stole the spotlight. If you’re going to transition from a TikTok dancer to the Britney Spears of our generation, this is how it’s done. Drawing inspiration from Madonna and instantly resonating with half of Gen Z, this look truly shifted the lingerie trend. After years dominated by cozy and cute basics, we are finally witnessing a return to full fantasy. Between the resurgence of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and moments like this, lingerie is officially back (and delightfully so)." — Sierra Mayhew, fashion editor. Shop the key pieces:

      Miu Miu

      Patent Leather Hair Clip

      Fleur du Mal

      Seamless Luxe Balconette Bra

      Dolce & Gabbana

      High-Waisted Satin Briefs