Such Pretty Faces

I don’t have a TikTok account. That statement alone may age me.

But even without the video platform, it’s hard to ignore the current battle between Gen Z and Millenials. It’s spilled over onto other social media platforms which is where I became entertained with the viral debate of side parts and skinny jeans!

It apparently started when TikTok user @Lady-Gleep posted a video questioning if anyone (as in one single person) looks better with a side part than a middle part. She took it a step further, asking people to participate in the #MiddlePartChallenge and compare the two looks to prove her point.

And women around the world began second guessing their hairstyle choices…

Now, let’s get this straight. Millenials (those born between 1980 and 1995) are the self-proclaimed creators of cyberbullying. This is their turf. They’ve been poking fun of their predecessors for years. But as we all know, it doesn’t feel as good to be on the receiving end.

The teenagers and early 20-somethings of Gen Z have put their best fashion foot forward and announced that side parts and skinny jeans are no longer relevant. In fact, they are only worn by “the Old”. And if you haven’t been able to keep up — straight, boot cut and wide leg jeans are back in style!

The Old has become enraged over the mockery and have been recording videos reminding the younger generation that they once donned those same looks. But in about 15 years (after college, career, homebuying and birthing children), they, too, may want to wear skinny jeans to be more comfortable and to help hide their FUPAS.

Fashion is cyclical. What is old most often becomes new again. But as an Old, it’s how we process this change that will make us stand out in a crowd — regardless of what we are wearing.