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Your socks reveal whether you're a millennial

25/6/2024

Translation: machine translated

Actress Jennifer Lawrence was photographed in short socks - fuelling an ongoing fashion dispute between millennials and Generation Z.

Hollywood actress Jennifer Lawrence was recently dubbed bold by Vogue for her choice of outfit. Not because she wore striking colours, experimented with unconventional cuts or made a political statement. Nope. The 33-year-old simply left the house in loafers and short socks - fuelling the generational feud between millennials and Generation Z.

This mainly seems to culminate in harmless banalities such as questions of fashionable taste. Side parting or centre parting? Skinny jeans or baggy jeans? Or even: Short socks or long socks?

Socks want to be seen these days

The Zoomers have made their judgement: Anyone who wears socks that end below the ankle immediately outs themselves as a millennial. Not to mention footies that make it look like you're barefoot in your shoes. Instead, the young generation favours so-called crew socks. These end at least three fingers wide above the ankle, or even extend to the middle of the calf.

Millennial socks:

Socks

Jack & Jones Dongo

5-pack, One size

Zoomer socks:

Socks

Puma Crew Sock

pack of 3, 39 - 42

Generation Z has only just realised that socks were once considered an item of clothing that was equivalent to a pair of pants when it came to shame. Nowadays, socks are considered fashionable and are more present than they have been for a long time. They are worn as a matter of course with loafers, ballerinas and even sandals and don't want to be hidden away in trainers either. Short styles have to make way for crew socks or even knee-high socks.

Zoomers go for crew socks
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight

According to Gen Z, socks shouldn't be shorter than this. — Zoomers go for crew socks
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight

Even knee-high socks trump short socks.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight

Soon Generation Alpha mocks Zoomer mode

High white socks, on the other hand, make some millennials cringe - they are reminiscent of their fathers' style. Zoomers probably feel similarly about low socks. It is typical for younger generations to differentiate themselves from the previous generation. Fashion offers a simple means for this self-expression.

Always wear your socks high.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight

Socks are often worn with high heels these days. — Always wear your socks high.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight

Consequentially, centre parting, baggy jeans and crew socks won't stay hip forever either. It's only a matter of time before Generation Alpha makes fun of Zoomer fashion.

So, dear millennials: don't take it personally and keep wearing what you like - just like Jennifer Lawrence.

Header image: Cottonbro via Pexels

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