From perfectly disheveled Aftersun-inspired fits to rom-com aesthetics pulled straight from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Vivaan Shenoy takes you through why Gen Z isn’t just watching movies, they’re wearing them.
In an era where every outfit could end up in a photo dump or a TikTok OOTD, fashion has turned cinematic. Think: floaty fabrics that look like slow motion, sunglasses that belong in a noir thriller, or statement coats that feel Wes Anderson-approved. For this generation, the goal isn’t just dressing well, it’s dressing like the main character.
Outfits with a Plotline
Whether it’s the Sofia Coppola soft-girl vibe, the rise of desi vintage sarees à la Masoom, or the ’90s hero-in-a-crisis core, outfits are being curated with mood, emotion, and a storyline in mind.
Case in point: Paul Mescal in Aftersun sparked a wave of dad-core summer looks, oversized tees, baggy shorts, and barely-there sandals. The vibe? Melancholic, minimalist, and deeply human. On Instagram, creators aren’t just copying the look, they’re capturing the feeling.
Alia Bhatt’s look in Rocky Aur Rani, chiffon saris styled with sweaters and kajal-heavy eyes, went viral for its dreamy vintage aesthetic. Suddenly, Gen Z was draping sarees like they were in a Karan Johar ballad, mixing nostalgia with soft glam.
Bollywood’s Quiet Influence
From Tamasha to Dil Chahta Hai, deeply emotional fashion moments are being dissected and reassembled by Indian creators. Ranbir’s layered scarves, Deepika’s linen kurtas, it’s costume design turned Pinterest gold.
Retailers Are Catching On
Labels like Polite Society, Urban Suburban, and The IYKYK Edit are dropping collections that feel less like trends, more like screenplays. Think character-driven capsules, not seasonal stock.
Final Frame:
Gen Z isn’t dressing to impress, they’re dressing to express, perform, remember. Each outfit is a frame, a vibe, a mini movie of its own. And in this film, they’re not waiting for a costume designer, they are the costume designer.