From Baby Talk to Chokers: The Millennial Style Moves Gen Z Can't Unsee

January 8, 2025

Cake with the text 'Gen Z' at the center

Why some trends belong in a time capsule, not your closet.

Millennials ruled the early 2000s, gifting us with iconic moments like The Hills and pumpkin spice lattes. But with their unmatched love for high-waisted jeans and statement necklaces, they also left behind a treasure trove of cringe-worthy trends that Gen Z can’t help but side-eye.

Here’s the tea on the most baffling Millennial quirks, paired with Gen Z-approved alternatives that scream modern chic.

1. Cringey Slang That Feels Like a Time Capsule

"Adulting"? We’d rather not.

Millennials seem stuck in a linguistic limbo, throwing out phrases like “da bomb” or “talk to the hand.” Sure, it worked back when flip phones were cutting-edge, but now? It’s giving major secondhand embarrassment.

Gen Z Fix: Keep it clean, simple, and ironically cool. A quick “vibes” or “low-key obsessed” feels effortlessly fresh.

2. Over-Abbreviating Like It’s 2004

Millennials over-abbreviating text messages vs Gen Z’s approach

"BRB, LOL, SMH"—are you okay?

Texting with Millennials feels like decoding ancient hieroglyphs. It’s 2024; we have full keyboards and unlimited characters now.

Gen Z Fix: Type it out! A casual “be right back” or “laughing out loud” adds personality without feeling like shorthand for a secret code.

3. High-Waisted Jeans That Try Too Hard

Why do they sit so high, though?

High-waisted jeans had their moment, but when they venture into ultra-high territory, they’re less “flattering” and more “compression chamber.” Plus, the sweat factor on a sunny day? No thanks.

Gen Z Fix: Wide-leg or straight-cut jeans with a mid-rise waist are just as chic but way more comfortable. Pair them with a cropped top for the ultimate campus look.

High-waisted jeans replaced by wide-leg jeans

4. Skinny Elastic Headbands: Retire Them Already

Sporty spice called, and she wants them back.

Those thin, elastic headbands that Millennials loved are relics of 2007. They slip, they squeeze, and they serve no real purpose in 2024.

Gen Z Fix: Opt for claw clips or padded headbands that double as a cute accessory and a functional hair tool.

Skinny elastic headbands replaced by claw clips

5. Statement Necklaces That Overstay Their Welcome

Why wear one necklace when you could wear none?

Chunky, bedazzled statement necklaces were once seen as the ultimate outfit-maker. Now, they’re just heavy, dated, and scream “2010 wedding guest.”

Gen Z Fix: Layer dainty chains for a minimal, modern vibe. Add a pendant or charm for personality without going overboard.

Statement necklaces swapped for minimalist layered chains

6. Chokers That Literally Take Your Breath Away

We all dabbled in the choker phase during the 2016 revival, but let’s admit it—they’re uncomfortable and outdated. Millennials clinging to this trend? We’re worried for your neck.

Gen Z Fix: Swap chokers for chunky resin necklaces or funky, colorful beads. They’re fun, youthful, and a lot less suffocating.

Chokers replaced by colorful resin necklaces

7. Baby Talk That Isn’t Cute at Any Age

Millennials using baby talk contrasted with Gen Z’s slang

"Doggo"? Stop it right now.

Whether it’s calling dogs “doggos” or snacks “noms,” baby talk isn’t endearing—it’s cringey. Millennials trying to adult while using toddler language? It’s a hard no from Gen Z.

Gen Z Fix: Speak normally, bestie. A well-placed “yummy” or “adorbs” gets the point across without regressing into preschool vocab.

8. Disney Adults: Too Much Pixie Dust

Adults wearing Minnie Mouse ears vs Gen Z’s vintage tees

We get it, you like Mickey Mouse.

Disneyland is magical, but Millennials treating it like a lifestyle? Too far. Seeing adults cry over a Mickey-shaped pretzel gives us major ick energy.

Gen Z Fix: A vintage Disney tee is nostalgic without being over-the-top. Save the Minnie Mouse ears for the park, not everyday life.

9. Oversharing on Facebook

Sepia-toned food photos replaced by clean, bright images

No, we don’t need your life story.

Millennials use Facebook like it’s their personal diary, sharing everything from their breakfast to their existential crises. It’s giving way too much.

Gen Z Fix: A vibey Instagram Reel or a snappy TikTok is all you need to document your day. Or, slap that existential crisis on a “symphony dolphins” meme. Because nothing says “too much yet just right” like putting your oversharing on a dolphin backdrop with a cheerful tune.

10. Sepia-Toned Food Pics That Ruin the Mood