If you are a woman between the ages of 20-50 and chronically online like me, I’m sure you have seen the ‘cheugy’ wars. If you are a normal person who doesn’t live and breathe Tiktok, hey girl! Prepare to be irritated! I totally made up the term “Cheugy Wars” to be funny but I am describing the back-and-forth millennials and Gen Z are having over fashion. Much in the sense that we Millennials made fun of our parents and older relatives for the clothes they wore, Gen-Z is doing the same thing to us.
I can’t really blame them, however. As I said in my personal style post, we wore business casual clothing everywhere, even to the club. We deserve a little shade for that because no one should’ve been cranking dat Soulja Boy in a blazer but it was happening. What can I say? You had to be there! But since then, we have grown and many of us have developed a new sense of style to fit the stage in life we are currently in.
The younger generation criticizing the fashion choices of the older is nothing new and honestly, that’s not the problem. The issue is when millennial women take this… advice to heart.
When to trend and when not to trend
I use the word advice very loosely here because the suggestions these young girls are making are often a bit mean-spirited and not truly helpful. It’s giving, “Haha you’re old, dress like us. We look better!” when it should be, “I think this would look better on you, and update your style if you want!”. Many of the suggestions they offer boil down to throwing out your old clothes simply because they are old and buying everything that is on trend at the moment.
There is nothing wrong with trying out new trends, I do it all the time. The problem is when you forego having a personal style to try to fit in with the ever-changing trend cycle. For most actual grownups, this will be a losing battle anyway. Who has the time or money to completely change their wardrobe every year? Certainly, those of us who have responsibilities and aren’t interested in cheaply made fast fashion.
My suggestion to you, if you want it, is to gain a solid sense of what your individual style is first. After that, try out trends you think would compliment your wardrobe and body. There is no sense in buying a spandex catsuit if it’s on trend but it doesn’t fit your personality or your real life. We often get easily influenced by the haul videos and ads we are constantly seeing online. Instead of making that impulse buy, ask yourself a few questions first:
- Is this item reflective my my personality and sense of style?
- Is this a need or a want?
- It looks great on her body, will it also look like that on me if I buy it?
- Is this something I’d be able to get multiple uses from?
- Where and when will I get use of this item?
Dress for the person in the mirror
At the time of my writing this post, 2024, millennials are currently between the ages of 28 and 43. I would bet you a million bucks, the majority of those people can look at the way they dressed in high school & college and cringe at the fashion choices. I’m sure the previous generations experienced that as well. People are more likely to try out and follow fashion trends between the ages of 18-29; as experimenting with your look is a part of the development of your personality. When we look back on that time we cringe at the tacky level of trendiness in the photos as well as how often we changed our look. Remember the Anastasia brow era we all had? Yeah…
During that time, we were so concerned with how others perceived us, staying on trend and current that sometimes there was little authenticity in those looks. The clothes were ill-fitting and ill-suited to our genuine personalities. But when you are grown, your wardrobe needs to work for you and offer something more than just cool points. When you reach full adulthood, your clothing also has to offer practicality and comfort as well as style. Dress for the person looking back in the mirror. If you don’t, you might be looking back at pictures of yourself, embarrassed, that the 22-year-olds on TikTok had you looking like a fool in their clothes at 38.
Familiarize yourself with the classics
My suggestion to you is to hold on to a few classic pieces and mix the trendier things in if you want. No matter what the 20-year-olds are saying on social media, some things are classic and will never go out of style. The wrap dress was initially designed by Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s and popularized by Dianne Von Fürstenberg in the 70’s. This silhouette is a classic, it looked great then, it looks amazing in the recent Target iteration and it will continue to look great.
Another timeless piece is the little black dress (LBD). First introduced by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, the LBD has remained a wardrobe staple for almost a century. Its simplicity and elegance make it versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a cocktail party or a formal event. Pair it with heels for a chic look or dress it down with a denim jacket and sneakers for a more casual vibe.
Timeless looks are essential because they provide a solid foundation for your wardrobe, ensuring that you always have something to wear that feels right for you. Investing in high-quality, classic pieces means you won’t have to constantly replace your wardrobe as trends change. These staples not only save you money in the long run but also help reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion. Remember, the goal is to dress for the person looking back in the mirror. By incorporating timeless pieces with a few trendy items, you create a style that is both current and authentically you.
So, the next time you find yourself caught in the crossfire of the “Cheugy Wars,” remember to stay true to yourself and your own style. Fashion is cyclical, and what’s trendy today will inevitably become outdated tomorrow. Rather than chasing every fleeting trend, focus on building a wardrobe that reflects your unique personality and suits your lifestyle. Embrace the classics that have stood the test of time, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a few trendy pieces that truly resonate with you. After all, confidence and authenticity never go out of style. Keep dressing for the person in the mirror, and you’ll always be the best-dressed version of yourself, no matter what TikTok says.
Your dedication to quality is evident.