Fashion is and has always been something more than just clothes; it’s a reflection of the time. The present generation mixes old and new in various ways that define both personal identity and the culture around them. Past decades are returning – inspiring everything from streetwear to social media aesthetics, in a peculiar mix that defines what “modern style” means to GenZ. As the young generation experiments with these revived looks, fashion becomes a language that connects generations, sparks creativity, and reveals how society continues to evolve through what society chooses to wear.
Ceramics teacher Ralph Dela Cruz mentioned that seeing younger people wear old sports jerseys or concert shirts sometimes “makes (him) feel old,” but he also finds it interesting because “it’s kinda cool how it recycles.”
Thrifting has become popular with younger generations – who see secondhand pieces as a chance to create unique outfits instead of following fast fashion trends.
English teacher Jennifer Walker said, “Wide-leg jeans, baby tees, cropped cardigans, and chunky shoes” are everywhere again, comparing it to the early 2000s and if it were to “step out of a time capsule and wander around campus.”
Even though neither Walker and Dela Cruz would have expected to see these trends return in such a bold way, they both appreciate how today’s generation remixes older styles into something more creative and expressive. Dela Cruz said, “Kids treat it as one big look book or an Instagram algorithm that continues. They’ll get inspired by other people not so much older decades – you gotta draw from something.” This shows how fashion can evolve while still staying connected to the past.
Students at James Campbell High School described fashion as an important form of self-expression. DJ Vilora said that fashion is “a personal way to use your creative abilities,” and she enjoys how mixing classy and casual pieces “adds character” to everyday outfits. Keira Elle also said that fashion helps her “express herself in ways you can’t verbally say,” choosing inspiration from ’90s clothing because those outfits allow someone to “make a statement without saying a word.”
Both students said their generation is drawn to older styles because of the variety and creativity they offer. Whether the inspiration comes from Pinterest, social media, or family influences, they agreed that fashion today centers around being comfortable, confident, and true to one’s identity.
Ultimately, what stood out most was how much everyone is connected through fashion, even if they’re not all dressed alike. People who grew up in earlier decades are watching their old favorites come around again, and younger generations are starting to build themselves with those same trends. Every person, young or old, regardless of their style, brought forward the idea that clothes are more than something people put on because they have to. Fashion will continue to change and recycle, but it will always bring personality, creativity, and confidence along with it. From thrifting and reinventing old styles, to trying new looks; no matter the way, fashion remains a means for people to tell a story without ever having to say one word.
