What Rules?

Rules?

The rulebook that once dictated what a person could or could not wear has become pointless. Why? Because

Generation Z said so.

If we were to look back at our younger selves, these so-called “fashion no-goes’’ were considered unspoken rules everyone once followed— but not anymore. Today, we see Depop users fighting for any article of brown clothing and embracing styles we never thought would come back, like sweater vests and casual pearls. Styling prints on prints, wearing unorthodox designs, and thrifting for one-of-a-kind pieces are considered a part of Gen Z’s fashion identity. Long story short, we’re now wearing whatever we want and doing whatever we want. It’s no surprise that styles we collectively deemed as hideous in the past would make an incredible breakthrough in today’s mainstream fashion. That’s right. We’re deviating far from normalcy when it comes to our clothing and accessories. As a matter of fact, normalcy is already out of the question, considering we’re over a year into a global pandemic. This newfound, isolating lifestyle leaves us yearning for more— more individuality, more free will, and more fun with our style.

The #1 Fashion Rule is: There are none.

Remember the infamous no socks and sandals rule? Or the fact that the color brown could never be stylish? These rules of the early to mid-2010s were outlined in the hypothetical Fashion 101 textbook followed by consumers to designers alike. Fast forward a couple of years, and to much surprise, once “unsightly” styles have crept their way into the spotlight once more, this time, with the public’s opinion in their favor.

You’re probably wondering; how did we collectively end up welcoming such unconventional trends with open arms? The phenomenon of trends coming and going every season isn’t new. After all, fashion is cyclical and it’s likely we’ll see more styles brought back to life in the foreseeable future. That being said, fashion’s current trajectory towards the unexpected is all thanks to Gen Z’s affinity towards progressiveness and their “don’t-care” attitude. We’re loud and aspire to be heard.

Life is Short, So You Might As Well Have Fun While You’re Here.

Fashion’s current whereabouts are difficult to pinpoint as social media platforms like TikTok—a Gen Z-dominated video-sharing app—churned out a multitude of niche subcultures, driving our fashion trends in various directions. Punk, cottagecore, e-girl/e-boy, and dark academia are some of the many genres that enable us to explore the many facets of our style identity. Viral TikTok trends in conjunction with being stuck at home have allowed us to play around with different looks instead of adhering to a singular aesthetic.

The majority of current popular trends reigning over social media are kitschy, eccentric, and sometimes even a bit ironic—in a stylish way. DIY clay rings, Lirika Matoshi’s whimsical dresses, and funky printed pants from Paloma Wool are making their way into many fashion aficionados’ ‘For You Page.’ Such playful motifs are direct references from the 1960s Mod subculture. Taking inspiration from postmodernism at the time— an artistic and philosophical movement riddled with innovation, irony, and imitation—Mod culture featured geometric prints and patterns, bold colors, and mini skirts. It was fun, feminine, and featured Andy Warholesque aesthetics.

Continuing our generation’s love for revisiting the past, “kid core” is an ode to childhood nostalgia through its ‘90s references and child-like themes. From chunky toy-like statement rings to colorful beaded jewelry reminiscent of the ones you’d make in grade school, revisiting what we once adored during our youth enables some sort of temporary escape amidst all the chaos. With most of us being in our late teens to twenties, the uncertainty that awaits during adulthood can be terrifying. As a way of seeking comfort from all our anxieties, our youth uses fashion as a tool to embrace our playful, inner child.

It’s Not Just a Fleeting Trend. It’s a Movement.

Gen Z takes pride in its unapologetic attitude and rebellious nature. Being so strongly opinionated leaves us socially and politically conscious, constantly questioning authority, and seeking new ways to be heard. Thanks to the digital age, we’re able to disrupt society with the push of a button. You’ll never be able to predict what’s going to go viral next. Who would’ve ever guessed that tastefully obnoxious prints and kitschy styles would be the new norm?

Are you okay? I know that downfall in 2020 hit hard. It’s almost like last year you were the side character who tragically got killed off. No worries, in 2021 you’ll be stepping into your power and making one of the most drastic comebacks, definitely casting you as one of 2021’s main characters. Healing is on your horizon as you start to regroup and find your sense of purpose within community and spirituality. Stepping into this energy, you’ll start to naturally attract everything you deserve. With Aries being ruled by Mars, which never goes into retrograde this year (unlike last year), you’ll be full of energy and drive. Let’s just think of 2020 as a crucial part of your backstory, and 2021 as your time to thrive. Honestly, you guys are giving off main character vibes, but in an Archie-from-Riverdale kind of way. One second you’re pursuing a music career, and the next you’re fighting a war. Buckle up Taurus, because 2021 is continuing 2020’s theme of wavering self identity, especially in career. You may be questioning who you are, what you want, and if what you’re doing now is what you want to do for a lifetime. By the end of this year, you’ll have more answers than questions. In the meantime, listen to your intuition, and most importantly, your heart, because you’ve only been prioritizing what you believe to be logic. Loosen up, and don’t be afraid to move out of your comfort zone to find answers.

You could be a main character in a coming of age movie kind of way. 2021 is all about your glow-up! The two major themes in your year are self-elevation and discovery. You’ll stumble upon many new learning experiences that will help mold you into your best self for years to come. 2021 is full of enlightenment where you’ll gather knowledge that could change beliefs and mindsets you held onto in 2020. You may struggle with maintaining a reputation relating to your private life, but you’ll learn to have more trust in your intuition and to be true to you. You’ll leave 2021 with a new sense of maturity, a lot of stories you’ll tell for years to come, and the impression that you were 100% a main character. Take a deep breath and relax. I know being a main character for three years in a row wasn’t easy. Consider this year as a reward. Towards the end of 2020, things may have taken a positive turn, and it’s sure to continue into 2021. You’ll build a deep and intimate connection with a romantic partner, friend, family member, or even with yourself. Whatever the case, you’ll feel empowered and that of your emotions are validated. This influence has major effects on your energy and mood which is promising for healing and self reflection. This positive transit lasts until April of 2026! Be wise not to repeat the same mistakes and become too dependent on whatever or whoever you build this connection with (unless it’s yourself).

You’re most definitely the Gretchen Wieners of 2021. You probably don’t like hearing this because it’s in your nature to be a leader, but it isn’t so bad. Last year, it may have felt like you weren’t as social or were disconnected from many of your relationships. You’re bouncing back with your 11th house emphasized, which means major growth in social life. You can expect a new form of influence or popularity(possibly be online given the circumstances nowadays). You may notice lots of people around you going through crazy cycles, and you’ll do your best to support them. But at the end of the day, you’re able to sit back, sip your tea, and focus on your desires which have great potential to expand this year. Sorry to disappoint, but no, you’re definitely not one of 2021’s main characters. On the bright side, your year shows a major emphasis on health and altering your daily routines. You may set out to achieve your dream body, take better care of your mental health, or seek to pay more attention to your own needs rather than others. Whatever it may be, it’s something you’ve been putting off for a while. The results you seek look promising towards the end of the year. Go for it! Trust your intuition and make any changes you deem necessary. This is essential to “level up” and be that main character again.

You’ve been going through it for quite some time now. Yup, definitely the main character vibes. Another transformational year lies ahead of you. With transformation comes challenge, but with change comes opportunity. This year is supporting you recognizing your self worth and not accepting anything less. As your self worth expands, so will many areas of life you may currently deem incomplete. This doesn’t mean you won’t experience challenges, but these obstacles are what will help build the perception of your worth. In the end, this outweighs all the negatives. You guys own 2021. We’re quite literally in the Age of Aquarius(which only happens every 2,150 years)! It’s your year, and we’re all just living in it. With this role, you must accept extreme ups and downs that are typical of a main character. Jupiter, which brings optimism, and Saturn, which brings challenge, are both entering Aquarius. 2021 will reward you greatly, but it will also put you to the test. Don’t sweat it. You’ve been working hard on yourself this past year, so you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way. Hey Alexa, play “Age of Aquarius” by The 5th Dimension.

You’re more than happy to step back from the main character role you’ve held for a couple of years now, and it shows. 2021 is asking you to look within and figure out what’s holding you back from fulfilling your full potential. You may want wealth, but also have a hard time appreciating what you already have (on top of some horrible spending habits). 2021 will be the year where you’re forced to prioritize your wants, break bad habits, pursue what you believe to be impossible, and establish your reality. Before any manifestations can come true, you must get rid of any limiting beliefs you hold. You can and you will achieve whatever you set out to do. You’re responsible for your happiness Libra. 2021 is what you make of it. This one’s tough since you’ll be dragged into a lot of main character drama (like Caroline Forbes from The Vampire Diaries). There may be something in life that’s suffocating you. It could be family, friends, work, your mindset, or even feeling the need to rebel and change your environment. The prominent Saturn energy of 2021 greatly supports this, especially during your season and the month of July. Part ways with whatever’s dimming your life, and you may attract deeper meaningful connections, a stable form of income, or even a long term relationship. Changes are going to take you by surprise whether you’re ready or not.

After a year of carrying 2020 on your back, you can sit back and be the lovable side character for a change. You’ll focus your energy inwards, and work on yourself. You’ll learn to appreciate your solitude more than ever and build a relationship with yourself rebuilding any confidence you may have lost sight of. There’s so many opportunities for expansion in career, relationships, spirituality, personality, and mental health! You just have to be willing to put in the work, and release all that no longer serves you. If you do, Jupiter entering Pisces will be sure to reward you. It’s nowhere near chaotic enough to consider you main characters again, and after being one in 2020 Pisces, is that so bad? Seeds that you planted in 2020 have everything they need to begin sprouting this year, and blossom in 2022. Your year will be far from boring, but not in a main character type of way. After dealing with your shadow-self last year, you’ll find the ability to express your true self naturally and find a new outlook on life. This will draw in new people and opportunities almost instantaneously. This is the perfect year to make lifelong connections and become closer to people you already know, specifically family. You’ll also find yourself building on much-needed organization in your day-to-day life that will pay off in the following year. You have every right to be confident in what’s to come; however, beware that this confidence doesn’t lead you to bite off more than you can chew.