Thank You, Gen Z, for These 3 Fashion Comebacks

Hey girlfriend! Like the seasons, fashion trends have a way of rising, falling, and circling back. While Gen Z has its fair share of “icks,” there are some trends they’ve revived that I’m truly grateful for. Let’s dive into my top three favorites!

1. Long Socks

I remember shopping at Zumiez for colorful and patterned socks. While Gen Z hasn’t fully embraced those quirky designs, they’ve definitely co-signed the idea of bringing back long socks. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of the ‘80s workout look, and may have some time before I hop on the long ruffled white socks trend, but I was recently informed by some Gen Z’ers that ankle socks should actually come up to your ankle. And you know what? They’re right. Long gone are the days of scouting shoe stores for those infamous no-show or ballerina socks. Gen Z said “no more,” and honestly, I’m grateful for it. I’ve lived through the frustration of feeling my socks slip down into my shoes—a feeling I unfortunately got used to. But now, I’ve been liberated! According to Gen Z, no-show ankle socks are a surefire way to spot a millennial. At first, I resisted. But then I showed one of my younger Gen Z friends an old high school photo featuring my low-cut socks, and their response was savage: “Everyone’s ankles are lighter than their faces—it makes them look ashy.” Ouch, but point taken. Gen Z won this round.

2. Wide Jeans

This trend was a revelation for me. As a ’90s baby, I knew of bell-bottoms but never owned a pair. For most of my life, my closet was dominated by skinny jeans, including some in wild colors and patterns (iykyk). Gen Z, however, has firmly rejected uncomfortable fashion in favor of wide-leg and straight-leg jeans, and I’m here for it.

A few years ago, I bought my first pair of straight-leg mom jeans, and they changed the game for me. They hugged my waist perfectly, creating the illusion of curves I definitely don’t have. Through trial and error, I’ve learned there’s a fine line between straight-leg, wide-leg, flare, bootcut, and bell-bottoms. Personally, I favor mom or rib cage jeans. They’re high-waisted, versatile with most shoe styles, and flattering on just about everyone. That said, not every Gen Z denim revival has my support. Case in point: low-rise jeans. Let’s leave those in the past where they belong. I’ll take comfort and coverage over visible g-strings any day.

3. Baguette Bags

I was probably the last girl on Earth to jump on this trend. My hesitation stemmed from childhood memories of mini purses—think Sharpay Evans or London Tipton—that couldn’t fit more than a lip gloss and an empty bright pink wallet. If 10-year-old me found them impractical, imagine how unimpressed 20-something me felt when these bags resurfaced. But here’s the thing: today’s baguette bags are a whole different story. They’re stylish, practical, and far more functional than the tiny purses of my youth. I can now fit my Sol de Janeiro lotion, makeup, wallet, keys, and more into one sleek bag. Plus, the modern designs and neutral colors are much more grown-up than my old pink purse. Looking back, I can’t believe I used to lug around oversized totes that functioned more like portable storage units. Sure, carrying my entire life on my shoulder like Mary Popppins was convenient, but nothing beats the classic, chic look of a baguette bag. Gen Z, you got this one right.

Fashion is all about self-expression, but it’s also about evolution. While trends come and go, some deserve a second chance. These three—long socks, wide jeans, and baguette bags—are proof that sometimes, the new generation gets it right. So here’s to embracing what works and leaving the rest behind!