Gen Z Revives 1980s Fashion Excess: A Shift Toward Boldness and Individuality

Dress for the lifestyle you aspire to, not the one you currently lead. This philosophy, once emblematic of the vibrant fashion culture of the 1980s, is resurfacing with renewed vigor among the younger generation. Gen Z is embracing a style reminiscent of the era marked by flamboyance and extravagance.

A New Trend Emerges in ‘Boom Boom’ Fashion

In a recent article, writer Emilia Petrarca highlighted a developing trend called “Boom Boom” fashion. Citing fashion forecaster Sean Monahan, she noted that the trend draws inspiration from the excessive styles reminiscent of the 1980s and early 1990s. The trend embodies a nostalgic fascination with the past, evoking boldness, opulence, and a visible social hierarchy.

Rejecting Minimalism and Embracing Excess

Characterized by an indulgence in ostentation, this new aesthetic favors thinness and has partially been influenced by the rise of weight-loss drugs. While the fashion might be labeled as gilded and greedy, it fundamentally stands in stark contrast to the more progressive ideologies that emerged during the previous decade. Body inclusivity, gender fluidity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) were trending values that have seemingly lost ground amidst the rising tide of Boom Boom fashion.

Resurrecting 1980s Power Suits

The resurgence of this creative expression conjures memories of powerful figures adorned in luxurious attire. The allure of fashion icons like Alexis Carrington Colby, played by Joan Collins on the iconic primetime soap opera “Dynasty,” set a precedent for ambitious aesthetics. This was a time when shoulder-padded blazers and elegant gowns commanded attention, propelling Gen Xers to obtain a look that suggested wealth and prestige, regardless of their actual circumstances.

The Impact of Personal Expression

Today’s Boom Boom fashion deviates from the minimalist approach, replacing it with vibrant and lively styles. Boxy power suits, luxurious furs, animal prints, and radiant colors are now essential elements of this revitalized trend. Petrol blue blazers paired with gold jewelry make bold statements that reflect a shift in cultural sentiment.

A Complex Shift in Fashion Ideals

Petrarca expresses concern that this emerging movement signals a tacit approval of greed, while others argue that it is a powerful medium of self-expression. With many young people intent on distinguishing themselves, this revival might symbolize a shift toward celebrating individuality and joy.

Some cultural commentators speculate that this could be Gen Z’s reinterpretation of the Roaring Twenties, resonating with their desire to rebel against the previous decade’s austere minimalism that predominated. Dressing extravagantly allows for an exuberant attitude that stands in opposition to muted trends.

The Global Phenomenon of Boom Boom Fashion

The trend is not confined to the United States. Reports indicate it is sparking a significant interest in vintage furs on social media platforms. In particular, TikTok has experienced a 243% surge in videos related to vintage fur coats, while Google searches have spiked by 688% since the beginning of 2023. This trend highlights a growing appetite for flamboyant fashion aesthetics.

As noted by various sources, Gen Z is moving past the notion of ‘quiet luxury,’ which conveyed wealth discreetly, but rather embracing conspicuous displays of fashion that exude confidence and optimism.

Dressing Against Financial Struggles

This shift towards opulence in fashion occurs against the backdrop of broader societal challenges, including a pressing cost of living crisis. Some observers link the rise of traditional gender roles, such as the emergence of trad wives, to an overall re-evaluation of values propelled by the political landscape. The desire for luxury may also function as a coping mechanism for many individuals grappling with financial struggles and the dreariness associated with the pandemic, which encouraged a casual dress code.

A Stark Contrast in Fashion Trends

As fashion evolves, it becomes evident that this newfound approach is challenging the established norms set by previous years. The trend reflects a substantial distance from the quiet, unobtrusive styles of the recent past. Notably, the Autumn/Winter 2025 catwalks showcased vibrant, eye-catching ensembles that boldly declare the wearer’s social standing.

Celebrity Influences on Boom Boom Fashion

Several celebrities have already embraced this trend with their fashion choices. Actors like Pedro Pascal have donned dark tartan blazers, while Parker Posey has been spotted with a white Gucci handbag and a matching fur coat. Singer Chappell Roan, too, has entered the spotlight, showcasing a boxy navy suit with a tie for her music video “The Giver.”

What Lies Ahead for Fashion Enthusiasts

This bold pivot to extravagant styles raises questions about the future direction of fashion. As the fascination with the past fuels trends, young people are redefining what it means to dress up in a modern context.

Gen Z is effectively reshaping the landscape of fashion, using it not only as a means of self-expression but also as a way to signal optimism in uncertain times. Through embracing the vibrancy and excess of past decades, they are crafting a distinctive identity that boldly resonates with their values and aspirations.