Frizz and Flair: How Millennials Redefined Coolness

HThe right to bare ankles is a cause for which Natalie Ormond is willing to fight. Millennial Ormond has a strong aversion to the socks of ZZ crew members. “I’m all about my trainer socks and I won’t budge,” says the 43-year-old. “The more prominent the socks, the better.”

A trend of concealing socks within low-top trainers is just one reason why everyone born between 1981 and 1996 is perceived as outdated by the next generation: Gen Z, or Zilennials. As seen in numerous TikTok videos, traits like millennial pink, social media, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes reflect a distinct generational divide. Choices in denim (with skinny and mom jeans front and center, while baggy styles fade) and passions for avocado toast (Gen Z’s version being matcha) emphasize differences, as does the emoji usage—particularly the crying-laughing face for millennials and the skull emoji for Zoomers, which connotes humor akin to “I’m dying of laughter.” Millennial videos often commence with a brief pause, known as the “Millennial Pause,” highlighting their nostalgia for outdated tech, as they check devices they record on.

This suggests that in recent years, the once trendy youth, who appeared fresh alongside their millennial counterparts, now seems somewhat outdated, particularly in contrast to the unabashed baby boomers and the mysterious Generation X.

As a proud millennial born in 1991, I share the memories of a pre-tech era. I wasn’t on Facebook until my friend’s mother was attempting to join her sixth form. I remember when Netflix was a DVD rental service. Yet, being a millennial hasn’t been without its challenges. We’ve been labeled as lazy, entitled, and overly sensitive. Older generations often overlook the realities of rising salaries, student debt, and housing costs, blaming us for our financial habits and brunch preferences instead of understanding our struggles. Yet, I must admit that we are part of a pioneering generation that bridged the gap between analog and digital, making us significant, fascinating, and yes, undeniably cool. Realizing that you’ve suddenly been surpassed is quite a shock.

Some millennials are resisting their newfound status with fervor. Lily Saujani, 37, feels insulted. “It’s absurd. We’re evaluated by younger generations who act like we invented everything,” she remarks. “But really, they’re just repurposing our teenage styles.” Saujani recalls first feeling this generational gulf while scrolling through TikTok, an app invented by millennials, as she realized being born before 1992 equates to being labeled ‘old’. “There’s certainly competition across generations on TikTok, and yes, I feel older while using it,” she states.

Much of the tension stemming from Gen Z’s teasing seems rooted in the notion that they are capitalizing on trends pioneered by millennials. “We carved paths that Gen Z now thrives upon, taking what we once did on MySpace into their college dorms,” comments Lizzie Cernik, 41, a strong advocate for hard work who identifies as a “tough cookie.” Meanwhile, Ormond, fond of trainer socks, aims to open a sustainable family store, Smallkind, in 2019, emphasizing that Gen Z’s eco-consciousness echoes the paths laid by millennials.

But when exactly did this shift in coolness take place? Selnik suggests the pandemic might have been pivotal. “Many older millennials, myself included, saw the end of our party days during the lockdown,” she reflects. “The pandemic accelerated this shift; when we emerged, Gen Z had taken over fashion with new trends.” Beauty editor and influencer Laura Pearson, 40, who feels under 25, concurs and has noted changes in the online milieu during COVID. “Previously, the internet was more exclusive, but now, there’s a wave of individuals without any prior credibility who are making careers on Instagram and TikTok.” Although Pearson, who stays relevant by mingling with Gen Z friends, insists she won’t be defined by labels, “If someone feels ashamed to be called a millennial, they’re handing over too much power.”

Generational disparagement is hardly a new trend. In fact, one could argue that millennials were partly responsible for the late 2010s’ “OK Boomer” meme, which dismissed baby boomers’ outdated viewpoints. This latest generational conflict has played out prominently online, becoming a very public battleground for two groups that are most at home in digital spaces.

Dr. Carolina, a social media researcher at the University of Northumbria’s Digital Civic Center, notes that Gen Z’s commentary on millennials’ perceived coolness mainly occurs online. As a millennial, she observes that the two generations often differ significantly in their online existence and that millennials tend to appear less stylish to younger peers.

“Being online necessitates a constant mediation of self through various platforms. So even those who claim to be ‘unfiltered’ can struggle to establish credibility,” she explains. “While millennials have curated sophisticated feeds and focused on their best moments and personas, Gen Z seems to favor a more chaotic and unpolished approach.”

When I asked my Gen Z younger sibling and their friends about their thoughts on what makes millennials feel outdated, it was revealing. Even comments that alluded to my excessive messaging were deemed “very millennial.” For instance, take selfies. My generation preferred front-facing angles, while Gen Z utilizes the 0.5x lens for expansive shots, which often include a distorted arm of the photographer.

Millennial selfies have a cultivated quality, yet looking through my collection, there’s my friend in a laid-back pose, drink in hand, and looking slightly self-conscious. Moreover, our penchant for taking selfies during various occasions (like in parks, pubs, or casual hangouts) underscores a millennial trait. “While Gen Z is also aware of social media’s pitfalls, they seem willing to embrace the chaos of our current reality,” they say. “The fact that millennials often post carefully curated images or try to project a polished image may strike them as out of touch.”

Perhaps Gen Z’s ribbing of millennials stems from their lived experiences, generating diverse humor. While millennial humor tends to lean toward self-deprecation, Gen Z’s is marked by absurdity, irony, and meta-commentary. My 25-year-old brother breaks this down: “We still feel the waves of social media, the consequences of 2008, climate anxiety, soaring housing costs, and the negativity of fractured news environments. This confluence of factors contributes to Gen Z’s more sarcastic, absurdist, and often angry humor.”

Ultimately, this generational coolness may inevitably shift to the younger generation, casting millennials in the shadows. Sam Harrington Law, 55, founder and editor of Silver Magazine, which focuses on “Generation X-ers and Beyond,” posits that Generation X (born from 1965 to 1980) is “arguably the coolest generation.” “Coolness is subjective,” she emphasizes. “The viral nature of ‘OK Boomer’ illustrated the sheer joy derived from ridiculing Baby Boomers’ outdated attitudes.”

One millennial who remains indifferent and seemingly embodies the millennial spirit is culture journalist and author Daisy Jones, 32. A Goldsmiths alum and Vogue writer, she notably lacks brunch selfies or cute animal photos on her Instagram. “I believe that ‘coolness’ doesn’t stem from hard work or consideration,” she asserts. “It’s about the relentless worry regarding trends, appearances, and persistence.” Jones further mentions that she and her followers share common cultural references; recalling the past is essential, especially regarding significant events like 9/11 or Limewire. “It’s strange to act as if I didn’t experience growing up on the internet; I was on MySpace.”

Truly, defining cool is subjective; what’s deemed cool to one may differ for another. Yet perhaps there’s hope for the millennial legacy. If we perceive ourselves as cool, does it truly matter? Maybe we can all embrace being like Ormond and wear trainer socks with pride. “As I grow older, it’s less about fitting in, and more about expressing who you are,” she remarks. “That authenticity may just be the coolest aspect of being a millennial today.”