Fashion: Gen Z is embracing the new ‘Boom Boom’ fashion trend — and it looks familiar
- InsightTrendsWorld
- 6 hours ago
- 12 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
Nostalgia:Â A "fetishization of the past," specifically the boldness of the 1980s and early 1990s fashion culture, is resonating with Gen Z.
Rejection of Minimalism:Â Gen Z is moving away from the prolonged era of "quiet luxury" and neutral aesthetics, embracing a more expressive and attention-grabbing style.
Social Media Influence:Â Trends often gain momentum rapidly through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where visual and bold styles tend to thrive. The article itself highlights increased social media searches for related items like vintage furs.
Cultural Shift:Â Some speculate this trend reflects a broader societal mood, possibly linked to economic anxieties or a desire for escapism and joy after the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. The mention of a shift towards "male-coded values" and the rise of "trad wives" suggests a potential undercurrent of broader cultural changes influencing fashion.
Overview:Â The "Boom Boom" fashion trend is characterized by excess, boldness, and a visible display of luxury, reminiscent of 1980s and early 1990s fashion. It stands in stark contrast to the recent trend of minimalism and "quiet luxury."
Detailed Findings:
The trend favors thinness, with weight-loss drugs mentioned as a contributing factor.
It pushes back against some progressive fashion ideologies like body inclusivity, gender fluidity, and DEI.
Key looks include shoulder-padded blazers, Nolan Miller gowns, furs, elegant hats with netting veils, gold jewelry, boxy power suits, loafers, ties, animal prints, and vibrant colors.
There's a surge in social media searches for vintage furs, indicating a desire for authentic pieces from the era.
Some interpret the trend as a "thumbs-up for greed," while others see it as a form of self-expression and a way to stand out.
It's considered a potential parallel to the "Roaring Twenties," representing a bold and exuberant reaction to prevailing sentiments.
The trend is not isolated to the U.S., with similar observations reported in the UK.
Celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Parker Posey, and singer Chappell Roan are already seen incorporating elements of this style.
Key Success Factors of Product (Trend):
Nostalgia and Novelty:Â It taps into a familiar yet somewhat distant aesthetic, offering a sense of novelty for a generation that didn't directly experience the 1980s/early 90s.
Visual Impact:Â The bold and excessive nature of the trend is highly visually appealing and translates well on social media platforms.
Self-Expression:Â It allows individuals to make a strong statement and express their personality in a loud and unapologetic way.
Perceived Confidence and Optimism:Â Wearing luxurious and bold attire can create a feeling of confidence and project an optimistic outlook.
Key Takeaway:Â Gen Z is embracing a maximalist, 1980s/early 90s-inspired fashion trend called "Boom Boom," signaling a shift away from minimalism and a desire for bold self-expression and visible luxury.
Main Trend:Â "Boom Boom" Fashion
Description of the trend (please name it): "Boom Boom" Fashion – A maximalist fashion trend characterized by bold colors, exaggerated silhouettes (like shoulder pads and boxy cuts), luxurious materials (like furs and gold jewelry), and a general sense of excess and opulence, drawing direct inspiration from the fashion of the 1980s and early 1990s.
What is consumer motivation (detailed description):
Desire to Stand Out:Â After years of more understated styles, consumers, particularly Gen Z, are motivated to express their individuality in a visually striking way. They want to be noticed and make a statement.
Seeking Joy and Optimism:Â The vibrant and often playful nature of the trend can be seen as a way to inject fun and positivity into their wardrobes, potentially as a response to economic uncertainties and past periods of more subdued fashion.
Embracing Nostalgia:Â There's a clear appeal to the fashion of the 80s and early 90s, which for Gen Z represents a retro aesthetic that feels fresh and exciting. This "fetishization of the past" allows them to engage with a bygone era in a contemporary context.
Feeling Confident and Powerful:Â The power dressing elements, like sharp blazers, contribute to a feeling of confidence and assertiveness. The association with luxury can also elevate the wearer's sense of self.
What is driving trend (detailed description):
Social Media Influence:Â Platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify visual trends, allowing the "Boom Boom" aesthetic to spread rapidly and gain popularity through user-generated content and influencer endorsements.
Celebrity Endorsements:Â When celebrities and public figures adopt aspects of a trend, it significantly increases its visibility and desirability. The article mentions several celebrities already aligning with this style.
Fashion Industry Adoption:Â Mentions of the trend appearing on Autumn/Winter 2025 catwalks indicate that designers and brands are incorporating these elements into their collections, making them more accessible to consumers.
Economic and Social Context:Â The trend might be partly driven by a reaction to economic hardship, with some using fashion as a form of escapism or aspiration. The reported shift towards "male-coded values" could also be playing a role in the return of more structured and traditionally "powerful" silhouettes.
What is motivation beyond the trend (detailed description):
Self-Expression and Identity:Â Beyond just following a trend, consumers are likely using this style to communicate their personality and identity. The boldness of "Boom Boom" fashion allows for a strong and immediate visual expression of self.
Belonging and Community:Â Engaging with a fashion trend can also create a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals who share similar aesthetic preferences. Online communities and social media play a crucial role in fostering this sense of connection.
Breaking Norms and Challenging Conventions:Â For Gen Z, known for their progressive values, the trend might represent a deliberate departure from recent norms and a way to challenge conventional notions of style and luxury. However, the article also notes its potential rejection of certain progressive ideologies.
Description of consumers article is referring to (what is their age?, what is their gender? What is their income? What is their lifestyle):
Age:Â Primarily Gen Z (born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s), with some influence on Millennials and potentially other generations.
Gender:Â The article doesn't explicitly focus on a single gender, showcasing examples on both male (Pedro Pascal) and female/non-binary (Chappell Roan) individuals. The trend seems to be quite inclusive in its potential application.
Income:Â The trend has elements of visible luxury, suggesting that consumers with disposable income might be early adopters. However, the trend's inspiration from past eras also makes it accessible through vintage and secondhand shopping, potentially appealing to a wider income range. The desire to "cosplay as the one percent" suggests an aspirational element that could attract individuals across various income levels.
Lifestyle:Â The consumers are likely active on social media, influenced by online trends and celebrities. They value self-expression and are not afraid to make bold fashion choices. They might be reacting against more casual and minimalist styles that have been prevalent in recent years and are looking to inject more excitement and personality into their wardrobes.
Conclusions:Â The "Boom Boom" fashion trend represents a significant shift in consumer preferences, particularly among Gen Z. It signals a move towards maximalism, nostalgia for the 1980s/early 90s, and a desire for bold self-expression. While some concerns exist about the trend's potential association with greed and its departure from certain progressive values, it undeniably reflects a desire for visual impact and a break from recent fashion norms.
Implications for Brands:Â Brands need to be aware of this significant shift and consider how to incorporate elements of "Boom Boom" fashion into their offerings to appeal to Gen Z consumers. This could involve:
Introducing bolder colors, patterns, and silhouettes.
Exploring 1980s and early 90s-inspired designs and reviving iconic pieces.
Utilizing luxurious-looking materials, even if they are more affordable alternatives like faux fur and statement jewelry.
Developing marketing campaigns that embrace maximalism and showcase the trend's expressive potential.
Leveraging social media platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram, to showcase "Boom Boom" style and collaborate with relevant influencers.
Implication for Society:Â The trend could signify a broader cultural shift away from the subtlety and understatedness of recent years towards more overt displays of personal style and perhaps even status. It might also reflect a renewed interest in the cultural output of the 1980s and early 90s. The debate around its potential "greediness" could spark discussions about consumerism and societal values.
Implications for Consumers:Â Consumers might feel pressure to adopt this trend to stay fashionable, potentially leading to increased spending on clothing and accessories. However, the trend's vintage inspiration also offers an opportunity for more sustainable and budget-friendly approaches through secondhand shopping. It empowers consumers to be more expressive and potentially more playful with their style.
Implication for Future:Â This trend could pave the way for other maximalist revivals from different eras. It highlights the cyclical nature of fashion and the continuous dialogue between past and present styles. It also underscores the significant influence of social media on shaping and accelerating fashion trends.
Consumer Trend:Â Maximalist Nostalgia:Â Consumers are increasingly drawn to bold, expressive styles that evoke a sense of nostalgia for past decades, particularly the vibrant and often extravagant fashion of the 1980s and early 1990s. This trend prioritizes visual impact, layering, and the embrace of statement pieces.
Consumer Sub Trend:Â Vintage Revival:Â Within the broader maximalist nostalgia trend, there's a specific sub-trend focusing on sourcing and wearing authentic vintage clothing and accessories from the targeted eras. This is evident in the increased search for vintage furs mentioned in the article.
Big Social Trend:Â Return to Expressive Individualism:Â After periods of more uniform or minimalist styles, there's a resurgence in the desire for individuals to express their unique personalities and identities through bold and attention-grabbing fashion choices.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):Â Global Retro Influence in Fashion:Â Fashion trends are increasingly globalized through social media and fast fashion. The "Boom Boom" trend, with its echoes in 80s and 90s styles, is not confined to a single region, as indicated by reports from both the US and the UK.
Social Drive:Â Desire for Escapism and Joy:Â In times of economic uncertainty or social unrest, fashion can serve as a form of escapism and a way to project positivity. The bold and exuberant nature of the "Boom Boom" trend aligns with this desire for joy and a break from more serious or subdued aesthetics.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description):
Embrace Boldness:Â Don't shy away from vibrant colors, strong patterns, and statement silhouettes reminiscent of the late 80s and early 90s.
Consider Vintage Inspiration:Â Incorporate design elements or even curate collections that directly reference iconic styles from those decades. This could include power shoulders, bold jewelry, and animal prints.
Focus on Visual Impact:Â Design products that look striking and photograph well for social media, as this is a key driver of the trend.
Explore Luxurious Textures:Â Utilize materials like faux fur, metallics, and rich velvets to capture the opulent feel of the era.
Engage with Nostalgia:Â Tap into the emotional connection consumers have with the past through marketing campaigns and product design.
Collaborate with Gen Z Influencers:Â Partner with creators on platforms like TikTok and Instagram who embody the "Boom Boom" aesthetic to reach the target audience effectively.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description):
Develop Capsule Collections:Â Introduce limited-edition collections inspired by 1980s and early 90s fashion, featuring key elements of the "Boom Boom" trend.
Incorporate Statement Accessories:Â Offer bold accessories like oversized earrings, chunky necklaces, and statement belts that can easily elevate an outfit to fit the trend.
Create Engaging Social Media Content:Â Develop visually driven campaigns showcasing how to style and wear "Boom Boom" inspired pieces. Utilize relevant hashtags and engage with user-generated content.
Offer Styling Advice:Â Provide consumers with guidance on how to mix and match different elements of the trend to create their own unique looks. This can be done through blog posts, social media guides, or in-store styling sessions.
Consider Sustainability:Â For brands focusing on sustainability, explore ways to incorporate vintage or upcycled pieces into their offerings or design new items using sustainable materials with a retro flair.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified):Â Gen Z's "Boom Boom" fashion trend signifies a bold and maximalist resurgence of 1980s/early 90s aesthetics, driven by nostalgia and a desire for expressive individualism.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:Â Brands and companies should actively embrace the "Boom Boom" fashion trend by designing and marketing products that feature bold colors, silhouettes, and luxurious-looking materials reminiscent of the 1980s and early 90s. They should leverage social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to showcase these styles, collaborate with Gen Z influencers who embody the trend, and offer consumers guidance on how to incorporate "Boom Boom" elements into their wardrobes.
Final Note:
Core Trend:
Name:Â Maximalist Revival
Detailed Description:Â A significant shift away from minimalism towards bold, expressive styles characterized by layering, vibrant colors, statement pieces, and a celebration of excess in fashion.
Core Strategy:
Name:Â Retro-Forward Innovation
Detailed Description:Â Blending the iconic design elements of the 1980s and early 90s with contemporary fabrics, fits, and sustainable practices to create fresh and appealing products for modern consumers.
Core Industry Trend:
Name:Â Nostalgia-Driven Consumption
Detailed Description:Â The increasing influence of retro aesthetics from various decades on current consumer trends, with younger generations re-interpreting and embracing styles from eras they didn't experience firsthand.
Core Consumer Motivation:
Name:Â Expressive Confidence
Detailed Description:Â The desire to use fashion as a powerful tool for self-expression, to project confidence, and to stand out from the crowd through bold and individualistic style choices.
Final Conclusion:Â The "Boom Boom" fashion trend is more than just a fleeting fad; it represents a fundamental shift in Gen Z's fashion preferences towards maximalism and a nostalgic embrace of the 1980s/early 90s. Brands that can strategically tap into this desire for bold self-expression and retro-inspired styles are poised to succeed in 2025.
Core Trend Detailed: Maximalist Revival
Description:Â The Maximalist Revival is a significant shift in consumer preference away from years of minimalist aesthetics towards bold, expressive, and often extravagant styles. This trend embraces the philosophy of "more is more," characterized by the deliberate use of abundant patterns, textures, colors, and embellishments in personal style, home decor, and other forms of consumer expression. It signifies a move towards individuality, visual impact, and a rejection of understatedness in favor of making a statement.
Key Characteristics of the Trend (summary):
Boldness:Â Characterized by bright and contrasting colors, striking patterns (animal print, florals, geometrics), and unconventional combinations.
Layering:Â The intentional combination of multiple garments, accessories, or decorative elements to create a rich and complex look.
Embellishment:Â A focus on decorative details such as ruffles, sequins, embroidery, beading, and ornate jewelry.
Texture Play:Â The use of contrasting and tactile materials like velvet, faux fur, leather, and silk within a single outfit or setting.
Personalization:Â Encourages individuals to curate a look that reflects their unique personality and interests, often incorporating vintage finds and eclectic items.
Nostalgia:Â Frequently draws inspiration from past decades, particularly the vibrant and opulent styles of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (summary):
Fashion Industry Shift:Â The appearance of maximalist styles on runways and in designer collections for Autumn/Winter 2025 indicates a top-down influence on consumer trends.
Social Media Engagement:Â Increased interest and conversations around bold and vintage styles on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, including a surge in searches for vintage furs.
Celebrity Influence:Â The adoption of maximalist elements by celebrities and influencers increases visibility and desirability among their followers.
Desire for Individuality:Â A growing cultural emphasis on self-expression and standing out from the crowd, particularly among younger generations like Gen Z.
Reaction Against Minimalism:Â A natural cyclical pattern in fashion where prolonged periods of one aesthetic often lead to a reaction favoring the opposite. The dominance of minimalism for the past several years has likely paved the way for a more maximalist resurgence.
Economic and Social Context:Â Periods of economic uncertainty or social change can sometimes lead to more expressive and even escapist forms of fashion as a way to project optimism or make a statement.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (summary):
Shift in Purchasing Habits:Â Consumers are moving away from investing in minimalist staples towards acquiring more statement pieces and unique finds, potentially including vintage and secondhand items.
Increased Experimentation:Â Individuals are more willing to experiment with bold colors, patterns, and silhouettes, breaking away from safer, more neutral styles.
Focus on Visual Impact Online:Â Given the influence of social media, consumers are increasingly conscious of how their outfits and personal style translate visually online.
Embracing Personal Expression:Â The trend encourages a more personalized approach to fashion, with individuals curating looks that reflect their unique tastes and interests rather than strictly adhering to current minimalist norms.
Potential for Increased Consumption:Â The desire for diverse and eye-catching pieces could lead to more frequent purchases, although the vintage aspect also promotes more sustainable consumption.
Implications Across the Ecosystem (summary):
For Brands and CPGs:
Opportunity to introduce bolder product designs, packaging, and marketing campaigns.
Potential to tap into nostalgia by referencing past eras in their offerings.
Need to cater to consumer demand for unique and expressive products.
For Retailers:
Merchandising strategies should adapt to showcase maximalist styles, potentially mixing different patterns and textures.
Opportunity to curate vintage or secondhand sections to cater to the vintage revival sub-trend.
Training staff to offer styling advice on how to put together maximalist looks will be beneficial.
For Consumers:
More freedom and encouragement to express individuality through their style choices.
Potential for increased spending on fashion items and accessories.
Opportunity to explore vintage and secondhand markets for unique and affordable pieces.
Strategic Forecast:Â The Maximalist Revival is likely to continue gaining momentum into late 2025 and potentially beyond. Driven by Gen Z's desire for self-expression and a reaction against long-standing minimalist trends, this movement will influence various aspects of consumer culture beyond just fashion. Brands that can authentically embrace the key characteristics of maximalism and cater to the nostalgic elements of the trend are likely to resonate with consumers. However, it's crucial for brands to offer diverse interpretations of maximalism to appeal to a broad range of tastes within this overall trend.
Final Thought:Â The Maximalist Revival represents a vibrant and expressive counterpoint to recent minimalist trends, empowering consumers to embrace individuality and make bold statements through their personal style. This shift offers significant opportunities and requires strategic adaptations across the consumer ecosystem.
