19 Oct 2026, Mon

Gen Z vs Millennials: The 2026 Vogue Developments In keeping with Vogue Editors


Of all the stuff you’re more likely to overhear within the Who What Put on UK workplace, divisive development is the place issues get juicy. “Are thongs again in?” “Are bloomers actually going to switch wide-leg trousers?” “Wait, when did everybody begin sporting backwards caps once more?” If you happen to’ve thought it, we have doubtless mentioned it, however whether or not a development has legs or not usually comes right down to the editors in query.

Do not get us improper: we’d by no means argue, however a wholesome debate can ignite throughout the boardroom desk in the case of controversial traits. As a workforce that spans two generations, a few of us did issues the primary time round (workforce millennial), while others are reinventing issues for a brand new decade (workforce Gen Z), and much from sparring over the wearability of a pedal pusher, we’re extra more likely to be taught from one another in the case of what makes for standout styling.

Eager to listen to their ideas on a few of this season’s most-discussed traits, I requested editors each Gen Z and millennial for his or her takes on the newest kinds to go viral on socials. From Harry Types’ penchant for short-shorts to the much-discussed runway shoe that nobody noticed coming, these are the watercooler moments (learn: Food regimen-Coke-vending-machine subjects) that we like, detest or fall someplace in between. And, for those who occur to agree, you’ll be able to store our appears.

See-Via Sneakers

The Millennial Editor: Remy Farrell, Vogue Editor

Headshot of Remy Farell

“My first thought in the case of clear footwear? One phrase: condensation. I’ve sat patiently via “barefoot” toe footwear, toe rings, toe posts and floating heels, however any closed shoe that asks the wearer to be pedicure-prepped and sweaty-footed is a bridge too far for me. I’ll, nevertheless, advocate for a jelly, which is as shut as I’ll come to flashing my ft.

See-through sufficient with out being completely clear. At the least a well-ventilated jelly permits ft to breathe, and it might be the millennial in me that will get so enthusiastic about Chloé’s rubbery tackle princess footwear, however 6-year-old me is screaming at simply how good jellies look with a demi heel. Having owned a pair of jelly footwear as a toddler, a teen (the OG Melissa fashion), in my twenties (courtesy of Alexa Chung X JuJu Jelly) and now pining after Jimmy Choos in my thirties, I am satisfied that they could be round for lots longer than you would possibly assume. Not offered on the feel full cease? I might urge you to try Expensive Frances’ Balla boots. With a mesh physique that reveals the mere suggestion of a foot, it is the grown-up method to put on the development all through autumn too.”

gen z vs millennial jelly shoes trend

(Picture credit score: Future)

Store Remy’s Look:

The Gen Z Editor: Imani Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Vogue Editor

Imani

(Picture credit score: Future)

“The one development I believed I’d by no means be on board with was that of the see-through shoe. Once I say that, I’m not referencing the princess jellies which have Remy’s coronary heart, however slightly the fully clear, plastic shoe. Nevertheless, the excessive vogue runways have lately made a case for clear footwear that has helped edge this “no” right into a stable “perhaps”.

Throughout spring/summer season 2026, Simone Rocha and Louise Trotter confirmed hyper-ladylike see-through kinds, which, though they nonetheless do not work for me, did remind me of their styling potential. At Loewe, kitten-heel booties have been all around the runway, that includes a myriad of interchangeable, colored socks. The cooler-toned PVC felt far much less offensive, while the looser match retains the fashion (and your ft) feeling contemporary. Simply change your socks with every put on. Equally at Maison Margiela, Glen Martens refreshed the Tabi with a transparent, knee-high boot. While the sculptural heel gave the silhouette a cooler, grittier enchantment, it was the styling of a nearly-sheer-but-not pair of white tights that basically tickled my fancy. Simply assume how festive they may look with a vivid purple stocking? Now that is one thing that I can get on board with.”

gen z vs millennial fashion trends see through shoes

(Picture credit score: Future)

Store Imani’s Look:

P.E Sportscore

The Gen Z Editor: Ava Gilchrist, website positioning Author

AVA

(Picture credit score: Future)

“Essentially the most fashionable factor that an individual can do is seeing a development that’s going viral and not having to purchase into it, figuring out it’s not fairly for them. That is precisely how I really feel concerning the rise of retro sportswear traits or the “Pilates princess aesthetic”—pretty on another person, however not fairly proper for me. I’m somebody who will solely actually put on activewear to train and instantly change out of it the second it’s completed. I’ve by no means actually gotten round to investing in three-stripe tracksuits, ought to I run the chance of cosplaying Liam Gallagher or Mel C.

There is just one exception to this rule for me—monitor shorts. I might fortunately put on them in a Zoë Kravitz or Carrie Bradshaw manner, which is to say I’d pair them with a graphic T-shirt or peasant shirt, which gives a component of distinction in opposition to the sportif staple. I presently personal a number of pairs from the likes of With Jean and Mode Mischief, however these are merely supposed to be worn with kitten-heel flip-flops or a classy high. If you wish to appear like you’ve simply gotten dwelling from bodily exertion in saggy capris and a tank high à la Keira Knightley in Bend It Like Beckham, do it by all means. However I’d a lot favor to maintain my athleisure utilization secretive and inconspicuous.”

Gen Z vs Millennial trends: retro sports shorts

(Picture credit score: Future)

Store Ava’s Look:

The Millennial Editor: Jane McFarland, Editor-in-Chief

Jane McFarland

(Picture credit score: Future)

“Actually? For me, most sportswear is finest left to athletes, however lately, celebs have proven simply how elevated their off-duty appears may be when athleisure is styled up. While I’ve totally loved all of Charlize Theron’s current ‘suits, it was a Tom Ford look combining a silk shirt and co-ordinating shorts, topped with a black blazer that basically nailed this season’s sportscore temporary, albeit with loads of grown-up power.

For one thing extra weekend-coded, I’m all about Ralph Lauren’s basic windbreaker with a pair of assertion sunnies, but it surely’s extremely unlikely you are going to catch me taking part in any precise sports activities while doing so.”

Gen Z vs millennial editor - sportscore trend

(Picture credit score: Future)

Store Jane’s Look:

Prints Galore

The Gen Z Editor: Imani Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Vogue Editor

Imani

(Picture credit score: Future)

“As a Gen Z vogue editor, getting experimental and enjoying with prints and patterns comes with the territory. This season, nevertheless, I’m much less within the “grandma’s carpet florals” that appear to return again round each spring and summer season. I’m after a print that packs a punch—Zebra.