Gen Z’s Desire for Maximalism in a World Turning Minimal

By Sara Volka

“The world is losing its color.” 

If you’re online, I'm sure that you’ve seen remarks such as these being made– specifically by younger generations. Either that, or you’ve likely come across a plethora of nostalgia-based content. Slideshows of hazily filtered Instagram pics with songs from 2015. Our adoration towards Y2K fashion and the demand for vintage pieces. We miss old logos and criticize brands for picking up a more ‘sleek’ design. We reminisce over the vibrancy of old sunsets, claiming that the sky used to be bluer, the grass greener, the lights warmer. 

The question is, are we just getting older, or is the world actually turning grayer? 

In the early 2010s, society turned its cheek to maximalism and began to favor a more simplistic, modern look. Much of this can be attributed to the 2008 recession, with the economic hardships of the time bringing about the need for usefulness and practicality in everyday life. This impacted our environment on a large scale, reshaping our cities, homes, and even our fashion sense. Though, as it always does, the pendulum began to swing in a different direction circa late 2019, only to rapidly accelerate during the 2020 lockdown.

You remember it– we all do. There was an influx of D.I.Y home renovation TikToks, a glittery revival of early 2000’s fashion, a love for big, colorful jewelry, and a new wave of highly saturated filters on every video. Perhaps this was an outlet to retain mental stimulation during the bleakness of the pandemic, or maybe it was a way to find community in times of isolation. Whatever the reason, we all fell victim to the hyperpop clutter-core Monster Energy craze of the ‘rona 20s.

It’s safe to say that the bright aesthetics of the early 2020s held out for a few years, but as of recently, there’s been a noticeable shift in the culture. With recent fashion fads like “office-siren” and “ballet core”, this is hard to ignore. Even more so, with the current job market and everyone’s abrupt conservative wardrobe choices, these “-cores” feel even more foreboding. 

Minimalism is making a comeback, but in a corporate suit. 

What does this reflect? Well, a lot actually. The world is at a point of high tension politically, socially, and economically. The Hemline Index is a good reference point in deciphering this. Essentially, this index suggests that the length of our skirts correlates with the current social and political climate. During The Great Depression, our skirts lengthened. In the early 2000s, they shortened. And now, in the 2020s, maxi skirts are considered a closet staple. Could this fashion piece hold a mirror to how comfortable we feel with outwardly expressing ourselves? In short– yes, absolutely. How we dress has always been a signal for how we feel socially and inwardly. 

With this in mind, it's clear to see that our stylistic choices directly relate to how we feel about the world around us. 

The recent turn toward more minimalistic lifestyles could be a possible contender as to why there is so much nostalgic content on our socials. This is our way of saying that we are not happy with the current state of our society, that we reject any limitations imposed upon us. We long for a world with color and character because we want to feel free expressing ourselves authentically and unapologetically. 

Regarding whether or not these minimalist style choices will continue– once again, the pendulum will always swing. Personally, I believe that our desire for maximalism will bring it into existence alone. We are a generation that admires individualism and creativity, and that’s evident in how we are able to reinvent fashion trends and make them unique to ourselves and our identity. 

If we continue to advocate for a world adorned in color and charm, we can certainly achieve it. So, continue to lean into your eccentric side to maximize a world that is turning minimal.