Dressing for the life you aspire to—this idea, once a hallmark of the fashion scene in the 1980s, has made a resurgence with Gen Z. Earlier this year, Emilia Petralka highlighted a new trend dubbed “boom boom” fashion, citing insights from fashion forecaster Sean Monaghan, who noted a rising “fetishization of the past.”
This aesthetic, branded as “gold and greedy,” seems to emphasize slimness, possibly influenced by the popularity of weight loss medications. It appears to challenge more inclusive and fluid ideals in fashion, moving away from some progressive ideologies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A guest essay from the New York Times suggests the fashion industry has somewhat lost touch with its original values.
Next, let’s consider the “cosplay” facet of fashion, reminiscent of the power suits worn by Joan Collins in the 80s soap opera “Dynasty,” or the iconic looks from “Miami Vice.” You can expect to see a blend of elegant hats, shoulder-padded blazers, glamorous gowns, and lots of gold accessories. These styles, reminiscent of a wealthy or “preppy” vibe, seem to be inspiring Gen Xers yearning for something just out of reach.
So, what does “boom boom” bring to the table? It shifts away from minimalism in favor of boldness—think boxy power suits, loafers, luxurious furs, vibrant colors, and prints based on animal themes. Petralka raises concerns about the potential greed behind this trend, while others argue that it fosters self-expression and joy.
Some even view this shift as a spirited response to years of minimalistic fashion, symbolizing emotional currents of the current times.
Across the pond, the trend isn’t limited to the US. Reports indicate a spike in social media interest surrounding vintage fur, with searches skyrocketing—one source noted a 243% increase in video views featuring vintage fur coats in just a year.
Gen Z, often described as embracing a “quiet luxury” style, seems to subtly project wealth without being overt about it. Concurrently, there’s speculation around a focus on retro femininity alongside the pressures of the current cost-of-living crisis and the lingering influence of past political administrations.
Studies hint that Gen Z is being dubbed the “sly generation,” possibly as a reflection of their nuanced responses to contemporary culture.
Some, it seems, might employ these glamorous trends to counteract the economic difficulties and the dullness we all lived through during the pandemic, when casual wear became the norm. If quiet luxury speaks to understated wealth, “boom boom” is, in many ways, its stark opposite—as evidenced on the Fall/Winter 2025 runways.
You’ll likely spot a few celebrities already embodying this trend. For example, a striking white Gucci handbag against a hoodie, combined with a dark blazer, suggests a bold look. Also mentioned was singer Chappellone, who recently donned a boxy navy suit and tie for his single, “The Giver.”
