Alright, let's be real here: What you're about to see might be somewhat hard to accept — and you're right. The 10 trends ahead are indeed ugly, weird, and maybe even a bit off. But that is exactly the point — where the too-cool hipster was ironic, today's coolest teens are post -ironic, meaning things (and clothing) that were once considered absurd are now "in." Things like airport baseball caps and Justin Bieber merch.
Today, fashion is subscribing to an "anything goes" mentality. If nobody can tell whether or not your look is a joke, that means you're doing it right. That's why dressing like our dads has popped off in the past year and the Vetements DHL T-shirt became such a thing. But if you're not accustomed to this type of aesthetic, mastering it isn't as simple as getting dressed in the dark. There is an art to the "no fucks given" attitude.
In the slideshow ahead, you'll find the pieces that perfectly perpetuate post-irony. I can't guarantee that all of these items will be in your closet in the coming years, but I can guarantee that if you dig the direction that fashion is headed (as pioneered by today's teens), you're bound to find something you love.
Fighting for inclusivity, diversity, and gender-neutrality, Generation Z is poised to turn the fashion world on its head. Get to know today's most influential teenagers with #TheZList, our weeklong celebration of under-20 visionaries changing how we think about style.
The Sport Sunglasses
Sunglasses you can wear to your outdoor volleyball game or to Fashion Week. Buy a pair at Walgreens or at Barneys. I don't care.
Timberland Sport Wrap Sunglasses, $100 $39.99, available at Century21.
The Thrifted (?) Pants
Cool teens are buying everything thrift and vintage, so they can find a look that's all their own. These pants are absolutely not thrifted, but they have that same one-of-a-kind look.
Acne Studios Maya Check Mix, $680, available at Acne Studios.
The Merch
Merch is in! Is it embarrassing that you waited in line for three hours for a tee from Beiber's Purpose World Tour or is it cool that you don't care that you did? It's both.
Rihanna Anti Tour Long Sleeve Tee, $34.95, available at Rihanna Shop.
The Bowling Shirt
If the bowling shirt is baggy and looks like something your uncle lent it to you when you spilled on whatever you were wearing at your family BBQ, you're doing it right. (Wear one with your patterned trousers, instead of opting for a plain white tee.)
Joe's USA Retro Bowling Shirt, $19.95 - $32.95, available at Amazon.
The Souvenir Cap
This hat is the ultimate post-ironic find. If it warrant questions like, "Did you win it in Vegas? Did you find it on the floor? Did you buy it in the airport?" and, "Wait, why are you wearing that?" You're doing it right.
Las Vegas Souvenir Cap, $5.99 $5.50, available at Las Vegas Gift Shop.
The Charmed Gold Chain
The more it looks like you bought it on Canal Street, the better. (And though it's currently a "trend," let's remember that gold keepsake jewelry like this has strong roots in Hispanic and African-American cultures). Here's to going gaudy in a good way.
Bagatiba Vintage D3C Necklace, $146, available at Bagatiba.
The Cargo Pants
These bottoms can be extremely unflattering, which adds to their charm. Use the pockets to carry odd things like ketchup packets to really make people scratch their heads.
GCDS Military Pants, $190, available at VFiles.
The Hardcore Running Shoes
Okay, I know this one is tough to believe. So I came with evidence.
Asics Gel-190 TR, $80, available at Asics.
The Branded Hat
On the opposite side of the spectrum of the souvenir cap, you have the cap you spent way too much money on, but makes you look fly. The why-would-you-spend-that-on-a-hat factor is what makes this so coveted.
Gucci GG Print Baseball Cap, $295, available at Neiman Marcus.
The Airbrush Tee
Kanye brought back the airbrush tee with his Donda West and Robert Kardashian take. Now, it's time to get your own with whatever you want on it. The more random, the better.
Custom Airbrush Tee, $25, available at Airbrush Customs.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Kanye West Is Opening 21 Pablo Pop-Ups This Weekend