What I Learned About Style From Gen Z (and Embraced Instantly)

I’ve never been one to follow rigid office dress codes – yet I followed them religiously. Over the years, as a new wave of young colleagues entered my workplace, I’d stand in the elevator each morning, wrapped in a fur coat and uncomfortable heeled boots, perfectly blow-dried hair in place, quietly observing their relaxed outfits and even more relaxed attitudes – and secretly envying their effortless approach. Step by step, I began learning from them, letting go of old habits, and embracing a new way of dressing.

Fashion has always been a powerful tool for self-expression – a mirror of cultural and social shifts, a marker of the spirit of the times. For Gen Z, fashion carries even greater weight. It’s more than clothing: it’s a language of identity, a reflection of turbulent times, and a response to the unique challenges they face. Isn’t that exactly what we all need today?

Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this generation grew up in a world shaped by rapid technological change, social media, and global crises like the pandemic. These experiences have uniquely shaped their approach to style. For them, fashion is no longer about following trends; it’s about breaking tradition, rebelling against rules, and declaring individuality and social awareness in a hyper-connected world. Head-to-toe denim at business events, oversized silhouettes, micro-lengths, the return of logomania – these are just a few Gen Z signatures I’ve happily embraced, thanks to A|X Armani Exchange, a line attuned to their needs.

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Why A|X? Few designers have managed to enter the collective imagination of younger generations the way Giorgio Armani has. In 1991, almost thirty-five years ago, he launched A|X Armani Exchange – the most dynamic part of the Armani universe. Created as “a simple, accessible line for a new generation,” A|X drew inspiration from the youth Armani saw on the streets of New York and during his travels. Looking at the urban reality, he created fast, affordable metropolitan clothing for younger generations – or anyone with a youthful mindset. That spirit persists today in apparel and accessories that move to an urban rhythm, maintaining the quintessential effortlessness and active stance of the Armani DNA.

The brand has experienced a revival, embraced by anyone eager to adopt their rules for casual, effortlessly cool dressing. The first A|X store, opened in New York – the capital of the streetwear culture Armani wanted to reinterpret – featured a minimal industrial space that captured the freshness and spontaneity of the line. Its global success speaks for itself, from millennials to Gen Z, who appreciate the craftsmanship behind Made in Italy.

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Now, the mono-brand store in Belgrade’s Galerija continues that same minimalist, functional spirit. This winter, it’s the prime destination for the FW25 collection, celebrating the energy of a new generation: bold cuts, oversized silhouettes, and daring details define an urban, modern, cosmopolitan style — for those who set trends rather than follow them: strong, free-spirited, unyielding.

Three Style Rules I’ve Adopted From Gen Z

The Rise of Quiet Luxury and Mixing High Fashion With Everyday Wear

One of Gen Z’s most fascinating trends is the shift toward quiet luxury. This trend emphasizes subtlety and understated elegance, often through high-quality pieces that don’t “shout” luxury but are instantly recognizable to those who understand fashion. It’s a departure from the flashy displays of previous generations, reflecting a more refined approach to style and value.

Gen Z often pairs elevated pieces, like those from A|X Armani Exchange, with everyday basics to create unique, personalized outfits. A single statement item can elevate a look while allowing for individual expression. Even within the so-called “messy,” effortlessly stylish aesthetic, quality and exclusivity remain central. Quiet luxury reflects a desire for sustainability and timelessness — a deliberate break from disposable fast fashion — celebrating both personal creativity and the craftsmanship behind each garment.

The Pursuit of Individuality – With a Touch of Conformity

Gen Z’s style signature is the simultaneous pursuit of individuality and subtle conformity. They move away from posing, pretension, and perfection – the very things that strip outfits of personality. Instead, they choose looks that feel natural yet are carefully considered, combining unexpected elements: cargo pants with a structured blazer, a hoodie under a coat, a sporty tee beneath a tailored jacket, or a vintage leather belt paired with a sleek, essential A|X Armani Exchange bag.

This generation values personal touches and diverse sources of inspiration, seeking authenticity in every choice. Individuality isn’t about one particular style, but the consistent ability to combine, interpret, and adapt fashion to themselves, rather than fitting themselves into fashion. Inclusivity is also central: fashion should be accessible, open, and adaptable for everyone, without limiting expression or identity.

Sustainable Style

Gen Z is addressing questions that previous generations often ignored. Ethical fashion choices matter. Awareness of unethical labor practices has led to rejection of fast-fashion brands, while interest in second-hand shopping, recycling, and sustainable practices is growing.

The rise of “dupes” – affordable copies of luxury items – sparked debate, ultimately encouraging activism for more ethical consumption. For Gen Z, where a garment comes from is as important as how it looks. Fashion’s cyclical nature also brings vintage and second-hand pieces back into play, allowing them to create unique outfits with minimal environmental impact.