The portrayal of Gen Z in new TV series and movies from recent years is a widespread topic amongst social media users. Some representations of Gen Z seem overly exaggerated, while some are arguably highly relatable.
Generations are usually defined by life experiences, attitudes, beliefs and fashion. Gen Z is said to be anyone born after 1997 and before 2012.
Characters are crafted from experiences of young adults and teenagers, however the written characters have created a spark of controversy in some shows like “Euphoria” or “Riverdale.”
Each character has their own unique and consistent style. However, does it accurately portray Gen Z?
“Euphoria”
“Euphoria” is known for its controversial portrayal of high school students. From excessive partying and drug use, to over-sexualization of teenagers, “Euphoria” depicts an exaggerated high school experience.
Characters such as Maddy Perez and Cassie Howard are widely known for their iconic fashion choices, such as Perez’s matching sets. Although Perez’s outfits are a huge signifier of her personality, would a real high schooler wear her outfits?
Most would argue, no. Perez’s outfits will probably not be worn by real high school students, however for older young adults in Gen Z, I could argue yes.
While the answer is no for most school settings, most out-of-school scenes do highlight Gen Z authenticity. Most schools have a strict dress code and would not allow cropped or cut-out tops, however, “Euphoria” is not far out of touch with Gen Z fashion.
Costumes reflect Gen Z fashion in terms of layering styles, footwear and accessories.
“Euphoria” can be applauded for the attention to detail in each character’s fashion, especially as characters’ storylines progress in the series. Kat Hernandez’s style evolves throughout the series through the development of her self identity.
But overall, real high schoolers are probably not wearing most “Euphoria” outfits.
“White Lotus”
In season one of “White Lotus,” Gen Z characters Olivia and Quinn Mossbacher and Paula, Olivia’s friend, are on a vacation in Hawaii with their parents. The wealthy family experiences life lessons which alter their outlook on life.
In the midst of the chaotic vacation, viewers are absorbed in the moments of realness. The authenticity of the characters like Paula and Quinn portray what it is like to be a teenager and young adult finding oneself in today’s society.
Paula and Olivia’s outfits depict an accurate visual of college age students. They wear fashionable bikinis at the pool, jorts, sun dresses, matching sets and graphic tees.
Quinn features a classic awkward, yet relatable, teenage boy discovering who he is with iconic graphic tees, baseball caps and swimwear.
You wouldn’t be able to tell this family is crazy from an outside perspective.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty”
TV show turned young adult novel, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” showcases the story of teenage Isabel (Belly) and her mother’s childhood best friend, Susannah Fisher’s, beach house on “Cousin’s Beach.”
The show features a majority Gen Z character cast, following the storyline of Belly experiencing teenage romance.
Belly undergoes a fashion transformation with the help of a well-needed shopping trip with Fisher and misleading advice from her best friend Taylor.
Overall, Belly’s style evolution was for the best. Beach side sun dresses, florals, pastels and summer tank tops accurately depict today’s trends.
The writers and fashion coordinators nailed the average teenage, ocean-side summer styles.
Although some shows like “Euphoria” are out of touch with the average high school student’s fashion, they do get some credit for capturing the overall ideas of Gen Z style.
“White Lotus” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty” depict a fair understanding of what young adults wear and like.
