From micro trends to micro consumption, Gen Z is stitching a new narrative. We investigate what makes a young person ‘fashionable’ in 2026
Rahya Rai founded Diece as a platform to create and sell pieces that resonate deeply with their generation’s tastes, values, and evolving sense of identity. Pic/Courtesy Rahya Rai
If 2026 is really the new 2016, that makes Zoomers truly ahead of its time. As the generation navigates a life deeply governed by digital platforms, distinguishing personal style from an algorithm-influenced one is tricky. However, they have tapped into a formula that works.
As we’re greeted with a new micro trend every day, demanding an impulse to consume to stay relevant, Gen Z is simultaneously becoming aware of this pattern and redefining what it takes to earn the title of “cool”. It’s not merely a preference for baggy jeans to skinny ones, but more about acknowledging where their clothing comes from, significantly emphasising the reasons behind their fashion choices.
Sunday mid-day asks fashion designers, thrift stores, influencers, and enthusiasts what Gen Z truly believes fashion stands for today, and whether it now signals identity, over mere appearance or trend compliance.
What do business owners say?
‘Individuality in fashion leads to introspection’
Anchal Notani, 31, Founder of Two Extra Lives (@two.extra.lives)
Two Extra Lives ties together the sense of community without erasing the sense of individuality. PIC/COURTESY Anchal Notani
According to Anchal Notani, “Fashion is a redirection to lead people to a cause. With climate change at the brink and fashion being one of the things I knew best, I created Two Extra Lives as a means to instill mindfulness about the environment through our curated pieces.”
With every piece catered to individuality, Notani believes, “Drawing from a sense of community, it’s crucial to be inclusive. I’m not as drawn to trends as I used to be; I believe individuality in fashion is what prompts introspection and encourages us to better understand who we are and what we stand for.”
‘I prefer a capsule closet’
Sonia Kushte, 19, Fashion Design Student
PIC/COURTESY Sonia Kushte
As a design student, Sonia Kushte expresses, “I try to notice the level of transparency the brand offers about production, materials, and its cruelty-free status. I prefer a capsule closet and invest in fewer pieces of clothing that feel versatile and high-quality. I’m more drawn to brands that have a firm stance on ethical labour, inclusivity and social responsibility rather than staying neutral for profit.”
With 60-minute fashion delivery apps on the rise, she shares, “While it’s tempting to place an order when I’m struggling to find a good outfit, I remind myself that good fashion and style come with creative intention and not urgency.”
‘We pick items that last longer’
Jahanvi Tiwari, 25, YouTuber and Digital Content Creator
With over eight years of experience in fashion and lifestyle content creation, Jahanvi Tiwari (@thebrowndaughter) is well-acquainted with the ever-shifting trends of our generation. She says, “Styling is very personal when it comes to Gen Z. People are beginning to prioritise their comfort and are becoming more mindful of their body shape.” Tiwari notices a stark shift in aesthetic preferences: “Maximalist looks are coming back, people are really experimenting with colours and patterns,” she adds.
However, over the years, Tiwari has noticed that, “My audience mainly comprises college-going girls who’d obviously prefer a product that’s more affordable; you can’t blame them for it, but now as they grow older, they’re making sustainable choices with clothing and picking items that’d last longer.”
‘We buy things that feel personal’
Rahya Rai, 19, Fashion Student, Founder of Diece (@diece.in)
I started my store, Diece, back in 2023 because I couldn’t find the type of jewellery I wanted to buy; everything was either mass-produced, looked the same, or was way too expensive,” Rai shares. “Gen Z is definitely looking for items to buy which feel personal, and they’re growing receptive to niche stores that fit their interests,” she shares.
As a business owner and design student, Rai believes, “It would be interesting to see a brand’s take on political or social issues. I’m tired of everything being so neutral all the time. Some things just need to be spoken up about. We are a generation quite open to uncomfortable conversations.”
‘Outfit repetition is not a sin’
lakovou, 19, Student
PIC COURTESY/Prerna Shetty
As an avid consumer of fashion media, clothing, and culture, Iakovou believes, “For me, a brand’s take on sustainability, price range, and moral intention is very pivotal before purchasing.
PIC/COURTESY Iakovou
As someone who consciously re-wears outfits, he shares, “Outfit repetition is not a sin as much as people make it to be. It helps form a clearer picture of your authentic fashion preferences. To me, people who ignore this form of awareness are ignorant of both the internal and external environments.”
Where creators stand
‘Resourcefulness is a skill’
Prerna Shetty, 23, Digital Creator
As A flourishing content creator and storyteller, Prerna Shetty (@_prerna.shetty_) shares, “Fashion tells a story. Every single element in your outfit can carry a range of meanings.” Fashion also resonates deeply with youth amid today’s socio-economic disparities. She expresses, “As inflation keeps rising, and inequality is becoming more visible in everyday life, resourcefulness is your real skill. When everything around you feels uncertain, your personal style becomes something you can control.”
When asked about growing counter-culture trends, Shetty adds, “There’s a subtle pushback happening against these toxic fashion cycles. People are valuing creativity over constant newness. Minimal waste is the new it-girl trend, and I, for one, fully stand by it and hope it remains timeless.”
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