Corporate cosplay edges out streetwear as Gen Z’s hottest new style trend

Some streetwear brands no longer reign supreme.

In fact, designer Supreme — the hype animal’s favorite brand — saw its resale numbers drop 25% year-over-year, a recent report from The Real Real revealed, and second-hand sales of its competitor Off- White decreased by 34%. Similarly, sales of Nike Jordans fell 35% year over year.

Noelle Sciacca, Real Real’s director of fashion and strategic partnerships, told Fashionista that the slump in streetwear can be attributed to the death of celebrity designer Virgil Abloh and the public decline of rapper Kanye “Ye” West, who runs his own brand. Yeezy.

With the disappearance of two streetwear icons, “the community welcomed a change to something new,” she said.

The unlikely loser? Corporate couture.

“Around the same time, we saw the widespread growth of quiet luxury,” Sciacca explained. “Customers stocked their closets with jackets, pants and minimalist clothing in neutral colors. However, as time went on, fatigue with the simple uniform began to set in and the desire to express oneself grew again.

“Corp-core,” the 9-to-5 chic characterized by tailored suits, button-ups and more, has grown in popularity among celebrities, influencers and the average Jane. In recent months, A-listers like Sydney Sweeney and Zendaya have jumped on the sleek — dare we say “humble” — trend, which industry insiders describe as “subversive,” given some of the chaotic, colorful outfits. dopamine” pushed by General Z

“Each generation has a tendency to reinterpret popular styles from the past,” she added. “We witnessed the Y2K fashion revival and now there is a growing interest in 1980s and 1990s workwear.”

But the button-down look isn’t just reserved for the confines of the bedroom. Fashionistas are taking to the streets in business style, which Sciacca calls “corporate appropriation.”

According to the data, the “office siren” aesthetic also increased the popularity and prices of boardroom outfits – they cost an average of 51% more this year and suit sales are up 25%.

The Real Real resale report also found that Gen Z was the most likely generation to wear ballet flats to the club, with Chanel as the most sought-after brand.

Louis Vuitton was the most sought-after brand overall, with Pharrell William’s men’s collection driving interest, while Chanel and Prada, the latter of which is also loved by Gen Z, followed.

Consumers were reportedly spending more on arm candy, too. Shoppers spent 20% more on handbags than five years ago, and this year alone, spending by customers in the $1,000 to $3,000 range increased 13%, which the company said was “the largest increase of any price category”.

The company turned to pop culture mainstays like TikTok and television to define the shopping habits of the next generation, which Levesque said shows a “seismic shift” in the fashion industry.

With an interest in investment pieces, The Real Real ranked The Row Margaux’s Andiamo bags, Hermes Kelly and Bottega Veneta as the best value for customers’ money that can deliver returns down the line. And, as demand for quality reaches a fever pitch, the luxury retailer also warned customers that convincingly fake, or “superfake” bags are on the rise.

“It’s no longer about what’s new, what’s next—it’s about what’s going to last,” said Rati Sahi Levesque, president and COO of Real Real, in the opening statement. of the report. “More than ever, shoppers are curating their clothing with a focus on distinctiveness and lasting value.”