The Gen Z vs. Millennial Controversy: Our Editors Face Off on This Year's Most Significant Trends

      In the Who What Wear UK office, the most interesting conversations often revolve around polarizing trends. Questions like "Are thongs making a comeback?" "Will bloomers really take the place of wide-leg trousers?" and "When did backward caps become popular again?" are frequent topics. If you've wondered about it, chances are we've talked about it, but the longevity of a trend usually depends on the editors' opinions. While we wouldn't necessarily argue, healthy debates about contentious trends can spark lively discussions around the conference table. Our team represents both generations; some of us experienced these trends the first time around (team millennial), while others are putting a fresh spin on them for a new era (team Gen Z). Instead of clashing over the practicality of pedal pushers, we're more inclined to learn from each other's perspectives on standout styling. Eager to gather their opinions on some of this season's most discussed trends, I asked both Gen Z and millennial editors for their views on the latest styles that have gone viral on social media. From Harry Styles' love for short shorts to the surprisingly trendy runway shoe that caught everyone off guard, these are the popular topics we love, hate, or find ourselves in the middle of. And if you happen to agree, you can shop our selections.

      **See-Through Shoes**

      **Millennial Editor: Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor**

      "My initial reaction to transparent shoes? One word: condensation. I've patiently endured 'barefoot' shoes, toe rings, toe posts, and floating heels, but any closed shoe that requires the wearer to be pedicure-ready and sweaty-footed is just too much for me. However, I can get behind jellies, which offer a glimpse of my feet without full transparency. A well-ventilated jelly lets the feet breathe, and my millennial excitement for Chloé's rubber iteration of princess shoes highlights this—6-year-old me is thrilled by how great jellies look with a demi heel. Having owned jellies as a child, a teenager (the classic Melissa style), in my twenties (thanks to Alexa Chung X JuJu Jelly), and now yearning for Jimmy Choos in my thirties, I believe they will stick around much longer than expected. Not convinced about the texture? Check out Dear Frances’ Balla boots, which have a mesh body that subtly hints at a foot—it's a chic way to embrace the trend this autumn."

      **Shop Remy's Look:**

      - DOEN Amalia Top Terre Foulard De La Mer

      - CITIZENS OF HUMANITY The Taper Jean Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

      - TOMMY HILFIGER Soft Leather Crossbody Bag

      **Gen Z Editor: Imani Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Fashion Editor**

      "The one trend I never thought I’d embrace is the see-through shoe. I’m not talking about the princess jellies that Remy loves, but rather entirely clear plastic footwear. However, recent high-fashion runways have made a case for clear shoes, turning my 'no' into a 'maybe.' During the spring/summer 2026 shows, Simone Rocha and Louise Trotter presented hyper-feminine, transparent styles that, while not my cup of tea, did open my eyes to their styling possibilities. Loewe showcased kitten-heel booties with a variety of interchangeable colored socks, and the cooler-toned PVC looked much more appealing, with a looser fit that keeps both style and comfort in mind. Just swap out your socks for each wear. Similarly, at Maison Margiela, Glen Martens reimagined the Tabi with a clear, knee-high boot, and the sculptural heel gave it a cooler, edgier vibe, especially styled with almost-sheer white tights—imagine how festive they’d look with a bright red stocking! Now that’s a look I can support."

      **Shop Imani's Look:**

      - VERSACE Logo-Embroidered Striped Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

      - & Other Stories Leather Wrap Mini Skirt

      - Loewe Emily PVC Ankle Boots in Transparent

      - Ralph Lauren Polo Play Leather Small Barrel Duffel

      **Gen Z Editor: Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer**

      "The most fashionable move a person can make is to watch a viral trend without feeling pressured to jump on board if it doesn’t suit them. That’s exactly how I feel about the surge of retro sportswear or the 'Pilates princess aesthetic'—great on someone else, but not quite for me. I typically wear activewear only for workouts, switching out immediately afterward. I’ve never invested in three-stripe tracksuits to avoid resembling Liam Gallagher or Mel C. However, I’d make an exception for track shorts. I love styling them a la Zoë Kravitz or Carrie Bradshaw, pairing them with graphic tees or peasant blouses for a fun contrast. I currently own a few pairs