15 Trends Gen Z is Bringing Back We Thought Were Long Gone

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Are you ready to find out what trends have been resurrected from the dead thanks to the latest generation on the block? 

Gen Z has taken a crowbar and revived some of our favorite fashion staples we thought were done for good. 

From tie-dye sweaters to neon colors and bucket hats, there’s something for everyone in this list of 15 trending items that are back with a vengeance. 

So, if you are looking for ways to stay ahead of the style game, then look no further! 

Let’s jump into it together and explore how these trending items have evolved over time, from their first debut in past decades right up until now. 

You don’t want to miss out on what Gen Z is bringing back!

#1. Neon Colors

Neon colors have always been a symbol of the rebellion and energy that Gen Z brings to the table.  

Its bright hues made it one of the most popular trends in the ‘80s and ‘90s before fading out with other fashion staples from the era.

Fast forward to today, and neon is back in full swing!

#2. Retro Video Games

Remember when you used to stay up late playing your favorite retro video games?

Gen Z has brought those days back, and they have become more popular than ever! From classic titles like Super Mario Bros. to modern remakes of old favorites, Gen Z is bringing classic gaming back in style.

#3. Pop Punk Music

The late 90s and early 2000s had a run for pop punk music, which slowly was replaced by Taylor Swift and now Post Malone.

But fear not as Gen Zers are bringing back this musical style.

Not only are established bands going back out on tour, but new acts are cropping up.

#4. Camcorders and Digital Cameras

The smartphone pushed many things into obscurity, including camcorders and cameras.

Why lug around a video recorder when you can record on your phone?

But Gen Z is using camcorders like they are the newest thing out there.

Researchers are coming up with many reasons for this phenomenon, the most popular being nostalgia for their youth.

So the next time you are out, don’t be surprised when you see younger kids using old-school camcorders.

#5. Crocs

Wearing Crocs when from cool to trashy in what felt like overnight.

Gen Z is throwing this notion on its head by bringing this footwear back.

They enjoy the shoes’ comfort but also wear them as a sign of rebellion.

#6. Emojis

When you could start using emojis in texts and emails, everyone jumped on board.

But then they went out of style for everyone except Boomers.

Now however, Gen Z has fallen in love with them, mostly thanks to the massive library available.

#7. Wired headphones

Wireless earbuds and headphones are what most people use these days.

Apple wisely took away the auxiliary jack from its phones to force users to use their wireless gear.

It has worked too. In 2021 Apple earned over $12 billion from AirPod sales.

As popular as they are, Gen Z is trending back to wired headphones.

One reason could be the fear that too much use may cause cancer.

Another reason is to make a statement that they are not part of the class of people who see these items as status symbols.

#8. Ugg Boots

Every woman in America had a pair of Ugg boots, or at least it seemed that way.

It didn’t matter if it was 20 degrees below zero or 105 degrees outside, you would see these boots.

While you may still see women wearing them, the boots are old-fashioned.

That is unless you see a Gen Zer wearing a modified pair.

The new style of Ugg is a low top, much more like a shoe, not a boot, along with a platform sole.

#9. In-Person Shopping

This one might surprise many, but Gen Z is embracing in-person shopping over online.

Why shun the convenience of having things mailed to your home?

Gen Z is eco-conscious, and they see that we produce and waste so much more cardboard boxes and other packaging materials when we shop online.

As a result, Gen Z prefers shopping in person, making the warnings of the death of shopping malls not so certain.

#10. Cash

We all know trends come and go and then come back again.

One trend that was huge in the past was paying with cash.

But over time, more convenient options emerged, including debit and credit cards.

Today, there are even digital payment options.

But Gen Z isn’t impressed.

They choose cash over all these options.

It could be because they see credit cards as evil big businesses or they see the damage having too much debt did to their parents.

Whatever the reason, they are choosing to spend with cash instead.

#11. Baguette Bags

Handbag style changes all the time.

Baguette bags are aptly named because they are shaped similarly to the loaf of bread the French carry.

These bags were a hot item in the 90s and are now returning.

This is partly due to the original maker, Fendi, bringing them back for its 25th anniversary.

Another reason is that Gen Z likes the ease of carrying the bag compared to a traditional purse.

#12. Baggy Pants

Some people love slim-cut pants.

They feel the style looks classy.

Others don’t enjoy tight-fitting pants and would rather wear anything else.

If you are in this camp, there is good news.

Gen Z is making baggy pants popular again.

Walk around any place where they are many youths, and you will see an army of baggy jeans.

So if you still have yours, dust them off and wear them with pride.

#13. Velour Tracksuits

Do you remember velour tracksuits from the late 90s and early 2000s?

While Gen Z was not old enough to enjoy this comfy attire, they are now.

And they find the outfit signifies a fun, carefree life.

#14. Mullets

The business in the front, party in the back hair style is coming back with a vengeance.

A quick look at a college campus and you will see just how many men are rocking this questionable hair do.

#15. Flip Phones

Flip phones were all the rage before smartphones were born.

They were a status symbol and a rebellion again brick cell phones that dominated the market.

But they went away when you could easily play games, watch videos, and surf the internet on a smartphone.

Since many of Gen Z are pushing back on being connected 24/7, they see smartphones as a hindrance.

As such, many are moving back to flip phones and saving money.

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