The fashion industry has seen huge changes in trends over the last century with new items taking centre stage and old garments returning to their peak popularities. One of the reasons for fashion trends in the 21st century is Gen-Z. This includes individuals born between 1997 and 2012, meaning they are currently aged between 13 and 28, as of 2025. The generation has grown up in a digitally connected world, meaning that fashion is now able to transcend country and continent barriers.
The ongoing sustainability and individuality approach that Gen-Z possesses has given them a new outlet to express their fashion choices. Their choices seem to be different from the normality that was established by the generations before them, as they focus more on comfortability as opposed to discomfort when selecting what’s stylish. This means that formal occasions have become far less strict when it comes to fashion choices.
We will explore how Gen-Z are giving new life to second-hand garments to create new and interesting formal attires that have completely changed the fashion industry. Continue reading to find out more.
How Gen-Z Have Changed Formal Wear
Embraced Flexibility
Formalwear is very flexible with a Gen-Z crowd, as they like to embrace versatility and re-wear ability which enables them to maximise their wardrobe without having to break the bank with no garments every time. Single-use attires have become a thing of the past with Gen-Z making sure that they get the most out of the clothing they purchase. This allows them to dress up or down, depending on the levels of formality required.
Prioritised Comfort
Comfort is prioritised with Gen-Z, no matter the occasion, as they don’t want to feel stressed about wearing uncomfortable clothing. While some still hold onto the notion of dressing up for professionalism, many Gen-Zs believe this shift reflects a broader change in workplace culture with less strict rules. Pairing formal outfits with stylish but comfortable shoes like men’s smart trainers instead of dress shoes is a growing trend.
Sustainability Focused
Upcycling old clothing into new pieces has become very common with Gen-Z, as they have increased the focus on sustainability overall. Rather than using materials that are bad for the environment, they instead go for organic and recycled materials for all their clothing. Going to your local charity shop for formal wear rather than purchasing new clothes should be a conscious effort. Sometimes, more unique pieces can be found at charity stores compared to high-end retailers.
Personal Expression
Personalisation is very on brand with Gen-Z, as they often like to stand out and become the centre of attention with what they are wearing. You’ll notice that more people within the age bracket incorporate bold colours and patterns into their formal wear for events and at work, if it’s acceptable. This can be done while still achieving a professional appearance, as any little addition to your outfit can be good for personal expression and make Gen-Zs feel more relaxed and positive.
Tech-Incorporation
With Gen-Z living in a digitally-focused environment for most or all of their lives, they are more likely to incorporate smart accessories and wearable technology into their outfit choices. For example, smart watches have become a growing trend since the Apple Watch was released, as it allows them to receive messages and calls, monitor their health and see the latest news while on the go. They are quickly replacing normal watches in formal wear. Consider the growing popularity of smart glasses that can subtly display notifications or even project information, seamlessly blending technology with eyewear. Similarly, advancements in smart fabrics and embedded sensors could see clothing itself become more interactive, perhaps changing colour or displaying subtle patterns based on mood or context.
Blended Styles
Rather than sticking to one style for their formal wear, Gen-Z tend to mix and match a variety of styles depending on the occasion. Pairing designer pieces or tailored items with thrifted finds, vintage staples or streetwear elements seems to be a growing trend. For example, they will pair a blazer and shirt with a regular white T-shirt and trainers for a stylish yet relaxed aesthetic. This creates a unique and less stuffy formal look. Having a blend of different textures can also be trendy, as they can mix formal fabrics like silk with less formal like denim.
Digital Influence
Gen-Z’s influence on the formal wear landscape is also significantly shaped by their digital fluency and the power of online communities. Social media platforms serve as vibrant hubs for sharing style inspiration, discovering unique second-hand finds and showcasing upcycled creations. Trends can emerge and spread rapidly through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, fostering a sense of collective experimentation and challenging traditional notions of what constitutes appropriate formal attire. This digital ecosystem empowers Gen-Z to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange styling tips for pre-loved garments and collectively drive the shift towards a more sustainable, comfortable and personally expressive approach to dressing for formal occasions.
The Evolution of Gen Z Workplace Attire
Offices used to be very formal places in the early 20th century, as nobody would be caught without wearing full suits or traditional gowns when entering the workplace. Since then, there have been many changes in office attire with everything becoming more relaxed and less strict with what needs to be worn. The argument from Gen-Z has always been that wearing suits doesn’t make people work better and can actually make them worse due to anxiety or un-comfortability wearing suits or dresses.
As time went on, smart casual attire emerged as the new standard in workplaces. Men can now wear slim-fitting shirts and pants, or even T-shirts and nice jeans instead of suits. Conversely, women can dress in collared shirts, sweaters or traditional blouses.
Final Thoughts
Gen Z’s unique values and digital fluency have reshaped the landscape of formal wear. Their emphasis on comfort, sustainability, personal expression and blended styles is moving the fashion industry away from rigid traditions towards a more flexible and individualistic future for what to wear in the office.
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-black-leather-shoe-KYrRd5wrNwc
