Gen Z fashion trends 2026: Top 5 styles ruling wardrobes this year, from streetwear and retro revivals to DIY looks

Gen Z has become fashion’s strongest decision-maker in recent years. Born between 1997 and the early 2010s, they make up nearly 30% of the world’s population. With the oldest members turning 27, their buying power around $360 billion in the US alone has pushed brands to listen closely. Fashion is where they spend the most, even more than other entertainment.

What sets Gen Z apart is not just what they wear, but why they wear it. Their style choices reflect honesty, sustainability, humanity and personal identity, making Gen Z fashion less about trends and more about self-expression.

For Gen Z, sustainable fashion shows up in simple, repeat-friendly clothing rather than loud statements. Think of relaxed cotton dresses, neutral co-ord sets, basic denim, and shirts designed to be worn multiple times. A Bollywood example would be Alia Bhatt’s often-seen minimal kurtas, plain dresses and repeat outfits, which reflect comfort and conscious choices rather than excess.

In Hollywood, actresses like Zendaya are often seen re-wearing outfits or choosing clean silhouettes that don’t rely on heavy embellishment. Gen Z relates to this because sustainability aligns with their values of honesty and humanity. Clothes are chosen to last, not to impress once. This approach fits naturally into their preference for meaningful purchases over constant shopping.

Streetwear works for Gen Z because it fits daily life. Oversized hoodies, baggy jeans, loose T-shirts, sneakers and cargo pants dominate this space. In Bollywood, Ananya Panday’s airport looks oversized sweatshirts with relaxed pants reflect this style clearly. It looks effortless, wearable and real.

Hollywood examples include Hailey Bieber’s oversized jackets and loose denim combinations. Gen Z connects with streetwear because it doesn’t demand perfection. It allows mixing pieces, repeating outfits and prioritising comfort. Streetwear also supports individuality, letting people style the same basics differently without following strict fashion rules.

Gen Z openly brings back styles that older generations remember clearly. Low-rise jeans, cropped tops and shell accessories have returned, but with a fresh mindset. In Bollywood, Janhvi Kapoor’s Y2K-inspired looks — low-rise pants paired with fitted tops — reflect this revival.

Hollywood references include Bella Hadid’s frequent low-waist jeans and throwback silhouettes. For Gen Z, nostalgia is not about copying the past exactly. It’s about remixing it. With access to decades of fashion references, they pick what feels fun and personal, turning once-forgotten trends into everyday wear again.

Gen Z prefers clothes that don’t feel boxed into categories. Oversized shirts, relaxed trousers, loose blazers and unstructured silhouettes are common. Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor’s androgynous looks — tailored pants with loose shirts — help visualise this trend.

In Hollywood, stars like Kristen Stewart often choose suits and relaxed silhouettes that blur traditional gender lines. For Gen Z, fashion is about comfort and identity, not labels. Gender-fluid clothing allows freedom, making style feel personal rather than prescribed.

DIY fashion shows up through customised jeans, altered tops, hand-painted jackets or thrifted pieces styled uniquely. This reflects Gen Z’s need to stand out without buying new clothes constantly. Cottagecore, on the other hand, includes flowy dresses, soft fabrics and romantic silhouettes.

Bollywood examples include Alia Bhatt’s simple floral dresses, while Hollywood references include Taylor Swift’s soft, vintage-inspired outfits. Both styles show how Gen Z uses clothing to express mood and individuality rather than chase trends.

Gen Z fashion in 2026 is not about following runways — it is about wearing clothes that reflect comfort, values and personal identity every day.