Millennials can’t understand why Gen Z stopped wearing this going-out essential

Opinion: Millennials and Gen Z are at it again… Sorry, early ‘90s kids, but this time, it’s time to put away the rose-coloured sunglasses.

Everyone, strap in: There’s another debate brewing between Millennials and Gen Z, and this time, they’re taking it to the dancefloor.

Yep, there’s beef between the two generations regarding the way the youth dress when going out to a nightclub. 

I know, I know. I see you roll your eyes.

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Millennials put Gen Z on blast for their club attire

It all started when Rae, a woman from Chicago, uploaded a now-viral clip on TikTok complaining about the way Gen Z dresses when heading out for the evening. 

“I don’t know what’s happening to club culture,” she began. “But the girlies are not wearing heels in the club anymore.” 

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She went on to ask if Millennials need to “come out of retirement and teach the girls how to wear heels” or help the next generation find the right shoes “for when going out in the club”. 

In another now-viral clip, a woman shared snippets of her trip to a club, which was laden with Gen Z women wearing a pair of jeans, a nice shirt and a pair of sneakers. 

That’s right. Heels are out of the picture. They’re donezo, apparently.

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Online, Millennials couldn’t help but marvel at the idea of the younger generation wearing a pair of jeans and sneakers to a nightclub. 

“The best part of going out was getting all dolled up,” one woman wrote. Another said they “wouldn't be seen dead” wearing such an outfit out to a nightclub. 

“So happy I had my club days in the 2000s and 2010s,” wrote a fourth. “Fashion has definitely changed, I’m 35 and when we used to go out clubbing, it was mini dresses and the tallest heels going even when it was snowing outside.” 

Now, I’m going to preface this with something. I’m only a year older than the oldest Gen Z, and I’m the last stop on the Millennial train, so I guess I kinda just float in the middle of two generations. 

I’m a cusper, stuck in the middle, a Zoomer, if you will. I frequently watch both generations argue back and forth about the latest trends on the sidelines like a game of tennis, my popcorn at the ready. 

I am also a big fan of wearing high heels. I was practically out of the womb in a pair of slingbacks, and on any occasion, you’ll likely see me gallivanting in my favourite pumps without a care in the world. 

And it’s true, I’ve seen plenty of Gen Z “girlies” wearing a pair of sneakers on the dancefloor, and it struck me as odd.

When I was out dancing a few months ago, I quickly realised I was the only one in a pair of heels. And sure, at first, I was a bit worried. 

What happened to the Y2K style Gen Z love sooo much? Why aren’t they all dressed as Paris Hilton on her 18th birthday or rocking a micro mini and a baby tee with kitten heels?  Isn't that what the girls like to wear these days?

Then I had an epiphany. Millennials are wrong. 

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What the kids are wearing to clubs these days vs. what Millennials prefer to rock. Picture: amandaleefarinaa, raechristine___/TikTok

“Nah, stay comfy girls”

“Part of the thrill of going to the club is dancing on the couch in your heels,” Rae recalled in the original clip. 

Sorry, but it’s time to put away the rose-coloured sunglasses. 

Yes, dressing up for the club can be thrilling, but do you know what’s not thrilling? Wearing heels on a night out, only to haphazardly take them off one by one because you’re developing another blister on your pinky toe. Now you’re coming home barefoot, with your heels clasped firmly in your hand, wondering why you even wore them in the first place. 

As someone who grew up going to clubs in the mid-to-late 2010s, I regularly saw and heard women complain about the clothes and shoes they wore while going out.

These clothes are too tight, too restrictive, and uncomfortable. Why was it that the guys were allowed to wear a pair of jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers, but women weren’t? Why were we expected to dress in a tight mini-dress and uncomfortable heels? 

Yes, we wanted to look our best (and we did), but we all craved the idea of being comfortable while we were out. 

So that’s what the next generation did. They took a huge staple of the ‘00s - jeans and a nice top - and they made it their own. They throw in a pair of comfortable shoes for good measure, and they’re ready to focus on having fun, not on the state of their feet.  

Gen Z has taken this pipe dream and made it a reality, and you’re complaining? Why?  

Let Gen Z be! They’re comfortable! It’s what we always wanted; they’re living the dream!

If you want to wear heels and a tight dress to the club, do it! No one is stopping you.

Another woman pointed this out in the viral video. 

“Ya’ll are all talking about girls wearing jeans and a tank, but nothing about the guys wearing jeans and a t-shirt,” she said, pointing out the hypocrisy. 

“Good on them for being comfortable AND gorgeous,” said another.

“Wow everyone looks comfy and cute in their sneakers and jeans, love that,” wrote a third. 

Another summed it up perfectly: “Nah, stay comfy girls.” 

Originally published as Millennials can’t understand why Gen Z stopped wearing this going-out essential