As we have recently pointed out, everyone is mad with “Gen Z” socks. But why do we assign the taller socks, so dear to, say, cyclists, to a specific generation?

They say, “Millenial’s fashion is back”, meaning the rise of low-waisted hip-hop trousers, capri and skinny jeans have come back. And also, these butterfly hair clips we all had as kids are coming back, too, I guess. But! How do we assign these particular “symbols” to a generation? Does it have anything to do with the generation, actually or are there any other preconditions? 

We all know that fashion is cyclical. 

But how do trends happen? Let’s look at capris. Honestly, I hate this piece of clothing with all the bits of my heart because back in the ‘00s, my mother thought it was the trendiest thing ever, and I couldn’t understand why my legs looked so ugly. So, yeah. But, as they say, to win the fear — face it. So, let’s explore capris. Are they the sign of Millennials, or is it just a trend that has come back? And why did it come back then?

First, we need to understand how trends work. 

According to Diffusion of Innovations Theory by Everett Roger and Social Identity Theory by Henri Tajfel, and Trickle-Down and Bubble-Up Theories, fashion trends emerge from a blend of cultural, social, economic, and technological influences. They reflect the values and shifts of their time, such as the rise of power dressing in the prosperous 1980s or the current focus on sustainability linked to environmental activism.

Trends often start with designers and fashion houses, whose innovations trickle down to mainstream fashion. Street style and subcultures also contribute, with movements like punk transitioning from niche to popular culture. Celebrity endorsements and media coverage amplify these trends, driving public interest and adoption.

Economic conditions and technological advancements further shape trends, with fast fashion accelerating their spread. Together, these elements create a dynamic landscape where fashion trends continually evolve and gain popularity.

Considering the context above, let’s investigate the “Capri Case”.  

Capri trousers, first introduced by European designers like Sonja de Lennart in the late 1940s, gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s (check out their lookbooks; they are fabulous). Fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, who famously wore them in the Roman Holiday (1953), helped establish the style as a chic yet casual choice, perfectly suited to the growing leisure culture and relaxed lifestyles of the post-war middle class in Europe and the US.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw a resurgence of capri trousers as part of a broader revival of 1950s and 1960s fashion. Their vintage appeal fit well with the preppy and minimalist looks of the time. Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City (1998) popularised the style, and fashion brands capitalised on its versatility and chic image.

In 2024, capri trousers returned once again, driven by an interest in sustainability and slow fashion. Their design aligns with current trends toward classic, versatile clothing, grating the owner with vintage looks. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have also played a key role in bringing back styles from the 1990s and 2000s, with influencers often reviving capri trousers for their practicality and comfort, especially in the post-pandemic shift toward more relaxed fashion.

Looking at our case, one can conclude that it wasn’t really about the generation; while it was about the socio-economic context people were in. It is very unlikely that Sarah Jessica Parker was in charge of her looks in the TV show and rather it was a costume designer. Paying tribute to what was on Vogue at that time, the 60s were blasting again because there was a feeling of a new era in the air, just like back in the 60s. 

It is unlikely that Gen Z is now trying to make me wear this terrifying piece of clothing, rather, some of them found their mother’s or sister’s capris at home and they realised how comfy they are for both — working from home and going for a coffee. 

To conclude, in my humble opinion, one trend or another usually comes because people are experiencing sort of the same feeling as they already did many years ago because we have a similar cultural, social, or economic context. Therefore, don’t blame capris on Gen Z and ankle socks on Millennials. Don’t rush to a store for the sake of buying something trendy if you don't like it — be wise and responsible with your purchases, and you do!