Gen Z Says Wearing These Shoes Officially Marks You ‘Old’

A Millennial reflected, “Fashion has definitely changed. I’m 35, and when we used to go out clubbing, it was all about mini dresses and the highest heels, even if it was snowing outside.”

A recent viral video has ignited a discussion about evolving fashion trends among young women, with Gen Z seemingly prioritizing comfort over tradition for their nights out. Captured on a Friday night at a local bar, the video features a crowd of young women sporting jeans, trendy tops, and sneakers—a stark contrast to the high heels that once reigned supreme in nightlife fashion.

While pairing jeans with a stylish top has long been a staple for millennials, the shift towards flat footwear signifies a new trend in style evolution. High heels, once considered a must-have for a night out, are now viewed by some as outdated and symbolic of past fashion trends.

For many women who grew up before the social media era, carrying their heels home at the end of the night was a common experience. However, Gen Z is opting for comfort and practicality, choosing sneakers that are more suited for dancing and bar hopping.

Recent sales data reflects this shift, showing an increase in demand for flats and low-heeled shoes, while interest in high heels continues to wane. The global pandemic has further accelerated this change, making comfortable footwear more popular among Gen Z, who are keen to set themselves apart from older generations.

According to the New York Post, the TikTok video has received mixed reactions. Some viewers feel nostalgic for the days when dressing up was more common, while others appreciate the comfort of the new trend. One Reddit user succinctly commented, “Heels scream try-hard-old-person.”

Despite this shift, many still yearn for the ritual of getting dressed up. One commenter shared, “The best part of going out was getting all dolled up,” a sentiment echoed by many online. Another reminisced about nightclub dress codes, noting, “I remember when we couldn’t enter a nightclub if we had jeans on.”