Why Gen Z Loves Mocking 'Millennial-Coded' Fashion—Experts Explain

Millennials, who paved the way for the style bloggers and influencers of today, are facing a fashion identity crisis in 2025. Once trendsetters, their signature looks made with skinny jeans and fitted blazers are now labeled "outdated" by Gen Z, sparking heated debates online. A recent post on TikTok by content creator and former style blogger Lauren Pfeiffer has reignited the conversation: What is "millennial-coded" style—and why does Gen Z have a penchant for mocking it? Pfeiffer, a 31-year-old based in Brooklyn, New York, never expected her musings on millennial fashion to resonate as deeply as they did. Yet, when she posted her video dissecting what makes clothing "millennial-coded" on December 16, the post racked up over 24,000 likes. Her discussion about the generational gap in fashion had clearly struck a nerve. "People love to throw around the phrase 'millennial-coded,' but today I actually want to dissect what makes something millennial-coded and why," Pfeiffer, known online as @passingwhimsies, told viewers on TikTok. "I was surprised by how many people related to my feelings, and it is clear there has been brewing frustration among millennials about their fashion choices being criticized," Pfeiffer told Newsweek. "Younger generations criticizing older generation's style choices is nothing new: millennials did it with Gen X and boomers, and I am sure those generations did it too. "But I hope that by sharing my take, millennials can learn to embrace their style without feeling pressure to keep up with trends and that Gen Z can have a more diverse perspective on personal style." The creator explained in her post how the phrase "millennial-coded" ties into the broader debate over whether personal style is dead, emphasizing that fashion has long been tied to identity for millennials.

How Millennials Built Their Fashion Identity

Born in 1993, Pfeiffer began personal style blogging in the early 2010s, before TikTok and Instagram were dominant fashion hubs. "Back then, print magazines were still really popular," she said. "There was not a dissemination of street style on social media sites like there is today. "Fashion websites really created style tribes that you would identify with," she said. She named the "Tumblr girl" style and "boho chic" two of the most dominant aesthetics of that era. "Your aesthetic became your identity," she said. "I think that is what is so hard for millennials to let go of. "Their personal style was intertwined with who they are—it really was an emotional connection." For millennials, fashion was not just about clothing—it was about community. Pfeiffer said that acquiring a piece of clothing from a specific brand that defined an aesthetic meant belonging to something bigger than oneself. "All of this put together is why millennials, very often years later, still have the same style they had when they were younger," the creator added. "For us, personal style is very personal." Speaking to Newsweek, she elaborated on the generational divide. "I have been sharing fashion content online since 2009, and as someone chronically online, it has been interesting to see the growing discourse around millennial versus Gen Z style, with both generations often criticizing the other," she said. Pfeiffer has noticed that Gen Z's biggest critique of millennial fashion is that it feels outdated. "I wanted to share from my personal experience why I think that is and the potential impact growing up with social media has had on Gen Z's personal style," she said. Pfeiffer was taken aback by how many people related to her thoughts. Her video is just one of many trending clips that explore the disparities between how Gen Z and millennials dress and, as a result, look. In some ways, it has become a new category of online content. While some of these videos offer casual tips for millennials looking to modernize their style, others playfully mock the lingering trends of the 2010s. One creator, @slaybyjess, posted a video in 2024 offering makeup advice for millennials who wanted a more updated appearance but did not know where to start. Another, @monicamillington, credited the "clean girl" aesthetic with helping her age backward, as its minimal, stripped-down makeup look contrasts with the heavier beauty trends of the 2010s. Newsweek reached out to @slaybyjess and @monicamillington for comment via TikTok and email. The millennial style staples creators frequently reference or poke fun at include heavier makeup looks, skinny jeans, fitted blazers, rose gold jewelry and tucked-in tops.

Just What Is 'Millennial-Coded' Style?

To understand what 'millennial-coded' fashion looks like in 2025, Newsweek spoke with three personal style experts. "Styles typically associated with millennials would be skinny jeans, ankle socks and peplum tops," Therese Reyes, a behavioral analyst at Canvas8, told Newsweek. "Also, more generally, wearing business casual attire regardless of the event—blazers at clubs and bars, pump heels at the mall. "It is very J.Crew." Reyes explained that while millennials often prioritize "flattering" clothing that enhances their silhouette, Gen Z is more interested in pieces that are "interesting" rather than conventionally flattering. The latter demographic cohort also grew up shopping more frequently as fast fashion and influencer culture boomed in their youth. "That is why we see more textures, baggier silhouettes and experimental layering," she added. Reyes also pointed out a broader shift in how people approach fashion today, compared with the heyday of millennial style. "People today tend to dress up as 'characters' they try to imbibe," she said. "'Clean girl' is the most common example, while these are known as microtrends, I think it comes from the desire to project a story through clothing. "But it only becomes a microtrend when you follow every aesthetic, regardless of whether you resonate with it or not." Still, Reyes does not believe the style divide is purely generational. "Rather than it being about millennials versus Gen Z, I think it says a lot more about 2010s and 2020s styles," she said. "I do see millennials today who are very much on-trend."

'Millennial Style Is Simplistic'

Jeanel Alvarado, a retail expert and the founder of RetailBoss, echoed Reyes' insights, picking out more millennial style staples that many people born between 1981 and 1996 favor over new trends today. "Gen Z finds millennial style outdated because it is too minimalistic, preppy, and corporate—think skinny jeans, tucked-in tops and blazers," Alvarado told Newsweek. "Meanwhile, Gen Z favors self-expression with bold accessories, nostalgic and eclectic styles of the Y2K era, looser fits, and if a more formal look is required, an oversized blazer rather than a fitted one." Tami Harrigan, a style coach, backed Pfeiffer's viral take that millennial style is less about showcasing personality through individual pieces than about dressing to fit in with a community. "Gen Z's style is more relaxed and focused on comfort, self-expression, and individuality," Harrigan told Newsweek. "Honestly, these differences can make millennial style seem a little too formal or outdated next to Gen Z's more carefree vibe." She illustrated the difference with a comparison: "A millennial might wear a fitted blazer, tucked-in tank top, skinny jeans, ankle boots and some simple jewelry. Meanwhile, a Gen Z outfit would be an oversized blazer, a crop top, wide-leg jeans, combat boots or chunky sneakers, and big statement jewelry." Harrigan agreed with Reyes and Alvarado that millennial style as a whole sees more fitted, clean-lined silhouettes. "Generally, we are talking about skinny jeans, high-waisted bottoms, fitted blazers and simplistic accessories," she said. Despite the criticism that millennial style gets, Pfeiffer hopes that her cohort can embrace their fashion choices rather than feeling pressured to conform to Gen Z trends. "Millennials should feel comfortable embracing their style choices," she said. Whether that includes adding a tank top, small earrings, or skinny jeans is all up for personal choice.