African fashion evolves with every generation; this time, Gen-Zs are taking the front row. Therefore, the Gen-Z African fashion style deserves some attention.

Before you ask, let’s give you a little history lecture. Generation Z (Gen-Z) are young adults born between 1997 and 2012, while millennials refer to people born from 1981 to 1996. Then, the baby boomers are our big mummies and daddies born between 1946 and 1964. Ironic, right?

So, here’s the thing about Gen-Z. These people are disruptive nonconformists! Yeah, it’s a lot! From their lifestyle to their taste in music, and fashion trends, it’s nothing like we’ve seen before.

There’s a lot to learn about Gen-Z fashion and style. If you want to look young and hip like the Gen-Zs, we’ve curated the perfect list to help to get you in tune with their style. It doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a lady. We’ve got something for everyone. You can see it as a crash course to get you started, more like a Gen-Z Fashion Style 101. 

Oya, let’s go!

Fashion Essentials for Gen-Z African Fashion Style

For the Gen-Z trope, fashion is about individuality. A typical Gen-Z is not afraid to take risks in their fashion style. They believe in expressing themselves through their clothing while being unconventional.

Here’s a breakdown of the Gen-Z fashion trends that have been making waves this year.

1. Crop Tops

Show us a lady who loves wearing crop tops, and we’ll show you a Gen-Z on the move! Gen-Z ladies love flaunting their flat tummies. While you may have your sentiments about this, let’s just say they are young, vibrant, and getting it. Moreover, they’ve got to show that all that time spent in the gym and fit-fam diet is paying off.

2. Wide-Leg Jeans

Gone are the days when girls were obsessed with skinny jeans. Today, wide-leg jeans are in trend, and you must own a pair if you wish to slay like a Gen-Z. If it’s not Fela trousers or mummy jeans, you’re clearly out of style.

3. Ripped Denim 

You’ll be forgiven for not owning a pair of wide-leg jeans only if you wear denim with rips and patches. While the older generations love the good old simple and straight-legged jeans, Gen-Zs are much more experimental with their clothing. 

If it is not crazy-looking, then it’s not Gen-Z. Take note of that when next you go shopping. If it’s not baggy, oversized, or low-rise fit and doesn’t have rips or patches, don’t put it in your shopping cart. The bigger the tears and patches, the closer you are to becoming a Gen-Z at heart.

4. Coloured Hair

Nothing screams Gen-Z like coloured hair. They are obsessed with dying and tinting their hair. It doesn’t matter if it’s long or short hair. You’d be amazed at the variety of colours they use. Who knew there was such a thing as blue hair until we met Maugbe a.k.a DJ MG, in Introducing the Kujus? That’s the Gen-Z fashion for you.

5. Body Modifications 

Remember what we said about Gen-Zs taking risks? Here’s another point to prove that. They take the words “beauty is pain” literally. If not, tell us how they can bear the pain of getting multiple piercings, and it’s just in their ears. 

It’s not uncommon to see a Gen Z guy or lady with piercings on their nose, belly, and tongue. It probably stems from their love for jewellery. Gen-Z love to accessorize with earrings, nose rings, anklets, bangles, finger rings, and even magnetic facial rings. Some Gen-Zs love tattoos and painted nails, too, men inclusive.

READ: African Fashion on a Budget: How to Slay on a Low Budget

6. Bike Shorts

Gen-Zs derive pleasure from serving hot legs. It’s a fact! Both Gen-Z men and women love showing off their thighs in short shorts or what we like to call bike shorts. If you’re from the streets, you probably know it as ashawo shorts. 

In the past, we wore such outfits in the confines of our homes. But no! The Gen-Zs came and turned it into a fashion trend. Who are we to say no? Ours is to help you look sleek and fabulous. So, if you need one of those statement shorts, don’t hesitate to contact one of our fashion designers today. 

7. Statement Glasses

There was a time when big shades and sunglasses were in vogue. Now, Gen Zs are leaning towards small glasses. These eccentric shades come in different colours and shapes. Usually, these statement glasses are super-thin, rectangular, or round and barely cover half of your eyes. Some say such glasses trended in the 60s and 70s. This is another case of seemingly obsolete fashion trends making a comeback decades later.

8. Slip Dresses

For Gen-Zs, everything has to be soft and comfy. Gone are the days when you were required to wear heavy fabric to look good. Gen-Z ladies now opt for slip dresses and skirts, especially with Ankara fabric. It will look stunning on you if you’re tall and have long legs.

9. Platform Heels and Boots

Gen-Zs love big chunky shoes. Little wonder they are obsessed with boots, platform heels, and sneakers.

10. Bucket Hats

Bucket hats have become a trend among Gen-Zs. They are perfect for casual wear. A bucket hat can be the right choice if you are going for a cosy look. It’s cool and can serve as a shield from the rash rays of the sun.

11. Tie-Dye

Gen-Zs have a way of reinventing old fashion trends. Tie-dye has been around for decades, but it’s all about how Gen Zs are styling it. They are not just wearing tie-dye t-shirts but sweatshirts, bike shorts, and large t-shirt dresses. You’ll find them if you walk into any fashion-forward clothing store. The styles and designs you’ll find are beautiful. Feel free to add them to your shopping list. 

12. Corset

You’re certainly not a fashionista if you don’t own a corset dress or belt. Corsets are in vogue again, and everyone, including Gen-Zs, is crazy about them. Add a corset to your ward collection if you want a dress that will cinch your waist and give you an hourglass figure.

Bottomline

Now, you can see that Gen-Zs are out to take the fashion scene by storm. For them, everything has to be on fleek! Yes, from your outfit to your hair, nails, skin, and makeup. It has to be flawless!

How do you think you dress? 

Do your style and fashion mirror the Gen Z trope? 

If not, are you willing to join them?

Tell us in the comments.