Is Gen Z breaking the pattern in trends? Fashion experts tell you more

If 2026 is really the new 2016 that makes Zoomers truly ahead of its time As the generation navigates a life deeply governed by digital platforms distinguishing personal style from an algorithminfluenced one is tricky However they have tapped into a formula that worksAs wersquore greeted with a new micro trend every day demanding an impulse to consume to stay relevant Gen Z is simultaneously becoming aware of this pattern and redefining what it takes to earn the title of ldquocoolrdquo Itrsquos not merely a preference for baggy jeans to skinny ones but more about acknowledging where their clothing comes from significantly emphasising the reasons behind their fashion choicesSunday midday asks fashion designers thrift stores influencers and enthusiasts what Gen Z truly believes fashion stands for today and whether it now signals identity over mere appearance or trend complianceWhat do business owners saylsquoIndividuality in fashion leads to introspectionrsquoAnchal Notani 31 Founder of Two Extra Lives twoextralivesTwo Extra Lives ties together the sense of community without erasing the sense of individuality PICCOURTESY Anchal NotaniAccording to Anchal Notani ldquoFashion is a redirection to lead people to a cause With climate change at the brink and fashion being one of the things I knew best I created Two Extra Lives as a means to instill mindfulness about the environment through our curated piecesrdquoWith every piece catered to individuality Notani believes ldquoDrawing from a sense of community itrsquos crucial to be inclusive Irsquom not as drawn to trends as I used to be I believe individuality in fashion is what prompts introspection and encourages us to better understand who we are and what we stand forrdquolsquoI prefer a capsule closetrsquoSonia Kushte 19 Fashion Design StudentPICCOURTESY Sonia KushteAs a design student Sonia Kushte expresses ldquoI try to notice the level of transparency the brand offers about production materials and its crueltyfree status I prefer a capsule closet and invest in fewer pieces of clothing that feel versatile and highquality Irsquom more drawn to brands that have a firm stance on ethical labour inclusivity and social responsibility rather than staying neutral for profitrdquoWith 60minute fashion delivery apps on the rise she shares ldquoWhile itrsquos tempting to place an order when Irsquom struggling to find a good outfit I remind myself that good fashion and style come with creative intention and not urgencyrdquolsquoWe pick items that last longerrsquoJahanvi Tiwari 25 YouTuber and Digital Content CreatorWith over eight years of experience in fashion and lifestyle content creation Jahanvi Tiwari thebrowndaughter is wellacquainted with the evershifting trends of our generation She says ldquoStyling is very personal when it comes to Gen Z People are beginning to prioritise their comfort and are becoming more mindful of their body shaperdquo Tiwari notices a stark shift in aesthetic preferences ldquoMaximalist looks are coming back people are really experimenting with colours and patternsrdquo she addsHowever over the years Tiwari has noticed that ldquoMy audience mainly comprises collegegoing girls whorsquod obviously prefer a product thatrsquos more affordable you canrsquot blame them for it but now as they grow older theyrsquore making sustainable choices with clothing and picking items thatrsquod last longerrdquolsquoWe buy things that feel personalrsquoRahya Rai 19 Fashion Student Founder of Diece dieceinI started my store Diece back in 2023 because I couldnrsquot find the type of jewellery I wanted to buy everything was either massproduced looked the same or was way too expensiverdquo Rai shares ldquoGen Z is definitely looking for items to buy which feel personal and theyrsquore growing receptive to niche stores that fit their interestsrdquo she sharesAs a business owner and design student Rai believes ldquoIt would be interesting to see a brandrsquos take on political or social issues Irsquom tired of everything being so neutral all the time Some things just need to be spoken up about We are a generation quite open to uncomfortable conversationsrdquolsquoOutfit repetition is not a sinrsquolakovou 19 StudentPIC COURTESYPrerna ShettyAs an avid consumer of fashion media clothing and culture Iakovou believes ldquoFor me a brandrsquos take on sustainability price range and moral intention is very pivotal before purchasingPICCOURTESY IakovouAs someone who consciously rewears outfits he shares ldquoOutfit repetition is not a sin as much as people make it to be It helps form a clearer picture of your authentic fashion preferences To me people who ignore this form of awareness are ignorant of both the internal and external environmentsrdquoWhere creators standlsquoResourcefulness is a skillrsquoPrerna Shetty 23 Digital CreatorAs A flourishing content creator and storyteller Prerna Shetty _prernashetty_ shares ldquoFashion tells a story Every single element in your outfit can carry a range of meaningsrdquo Fashion also resonates deeply with youth amid todayrsquos socioeconomic disparities She expresses ldquoAs inflation keeps rising and inequality is becoming more visible in everyday life resourcefulness is your real skill When everything around you feels uncertain your personal style becomes something you can controlrdquoWhen asked about growing counterculture trends Shetty adds ldquoTherersquos a subtle pushback happening against these toxic fashion cycles People are valuing creativity over constant newness Minimal waste is the new itgirl trend and I for one fully stand by it and hope it remains timelessrdquo