Kmart release entire fashion collection for Gen Z shoppers

The budget retailer has released an entire range for Gen Z shoppers – but one item has stood out among the young and budget-conscious.

No, you’ve not travelled back in time – halter-neck tops, studded clothes, flares and oversized parachute pants are officially back, and it’s all thanks to Generation Z who are leading the return of Y2K trends.

Not one to miss out on a trend, Kmart is playing its part to meet the hungry demand of its younger customers, bringing out a new range designed just for those budget-conscious 18 to 27-year-olds.

Rails of noughties-inspired clothing now fill the discount store aisles, a detail not missed by Kmart’s loyal shoppers.

TikTok user @tishtheaussiemum took to the social media platform to share some of the finds she made that reminded her of years gone by.

“When you walk into Kmart only to step back into the early 2000s,” she said, before showing a variety of bright chiffon skirts and mini halter tops reminiscent of a Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen film.

This corset is just $18 from Kmart and fans are loving it. Picture: TikTok/@kim_muhovics

Bright colours and halter neck tops have been featured in Kmart's Y2K fashion collection. Picture: TikTok/@tishtheaussiemum

Khaki pants and mesh tank tops were spotted at Kmart. Picture: TikTok/@tishtheaussiemum

One item that Gen Z are going wild is a corset top from the affordable retailer, which retails for $18, and comes complete with boning – that one shopper described as “better quality than some of the other stores”.

The TikTok user @kim_muhovics shared a video after purchasing the figure-hugging top in black and white, and said she was excited over the adjustable straps on the top.

“Slay Kmart. They look so cute. I can’t believe they’re only $18,” she said, adding the corsets were tight so people could size up and still have the desired impact.

Tish also showed off low rise khaki trousers and mesh singlets that could have featured in a Destiny’s Child music video.

She also pointed out huge butterfly clips were on sale, which back in the noughties were worn by teenagers all through their hair, albeit in a much smaller size.

Ashley Olsen & Mary-Kate Olsen were the epitome of Y2K fashion. Picture: Steve Granitz/WireImage

There’s also pleats-a-plenty on throughout the store on everything from skirts to tops and dresses, a design also loved during the noughties.

“We’re thrilled to introduce these exciting new arrivals to our much-loved Kmart clothing range, with on-trend pieces we think our Gen Z community will adore,” Natasha Smith, Kmart’s divisional merchandise manager for women’s apparel, said.

“We love seeing our customers style our products on social media, and we think these new pieces will bring together the must have styles and trending colours they are looking for – in a way that is perfectly tailored for the season.

“Kmart has become a destination for on-trend and affordable fashion for everyone in our community, including our younger customers.

“We wanted this range to really reinforce our commitment to providing customers of all ages more access to beautiful designs and great quality clothing at prices that everyone can afford.”

Chunky butterfly clips – a change from the mini clips of the noughties – have been seen. Picture: TikTok/@tishtheaussiemum

Butterfly clips were smaller in the noughties. Picture: Gabe Palacio/ImageDirect

Kmart isn’t the first major retailer to show signs of the return of Y2K fashion.

TikTok user Liv Rian shared footage of a dress with a ruffled hem styled over a pair of flared jeans in the window of fashion retailer Supre.

“It’s happening,” Rian captioned the cursed vision, which swiftly went viral.

“Walked past Supre to find the DRESS AND JEANS COMBO.”

Supre has also released Y2K fashion items. Picture: TikTok

Nearly 10,000 people took to the comments in the 24 hours after Rian posted the video, and their message is clear: no self-respecting person with even a modicum of taste wants this to happen.

“I can’t go through this era again,” one wrote, to which someone else responded, “Literally. There’s a reason everyone stopped wearing these trends I am physically hurt by this.”

“I feel like this didn’t stay out of fashion long enough,” commented another.

“NOOOOOO WE WERE DOING SO WELL,” a third said.