5 Millennial Style Myths TikTok Gets Wrong (and What to Wear Instead)

TikTok Loves to Roast Millennials

If you’ve scrolled TikTok for more than two minutes, you’ve seen it: Gen Z dragging millennials for skinny jeans, side parts, and saying “adulting.” Cute.

But here’s the thing: millennial style in 2025 is not a punchline. It’s not about clinging to the trends we grew up with—or desperately trying to dress like we’re 22. It’s about figuring out what works for our actual lives now. And spoiler: most of TikTok’s takes don’t apply.

So let’s break down the biggest myths and what to wear instead.

Myth 1: Millennials Still Live in Skinny Jeans

TikTok loves to claim that every millennial is stuck in a second-skin jean. Reality check: most of us stopped cutting off circulation years ago.

Instead: Wide-leg and straight-leg jeans are already in rotation, but the real upgrade is investing in denim that fits your body. Cropped flares, slouchy cuts, or trouser jeans—whatever you’ll actually wear.

Myth 2: Side Parts Are “Aging”

This one refuses to die. Supposedly, a side part is the style equivalent of announcing your age at a bar. Please.

Instead: The real move is finding a haircut and part that works with your features and feels authentic. Some women look fantastic with a deep side part, others with a middle. It’s not about the line in your hair—it’s about whether you look and feel put-together.

Myth 3: Business Casual = Boring

According to TikTok, millennials are doomed to sad cardigans and limp pencil skirts. False.

Instead: Business casual millennial style in 2025 means polish without pain. Think pull-on trousers, relaxed blazers, elevated sneakers. It’s not boring—it’s practical, modern, and a lot more stylish than “corporate cosplay.”

Myth 4: Millennials Don’t Take Risks

Apparently, we’re too “safe” with our clothes—always neutral, always practical. The irony? After years of black wardrobes, millennials are finally embracing color again.

Instead: Texture, color, and print are on the rise. Whether it’s dopamine brights, bold accessories, or one killer statement piece, millennial style is more playful than TikTok gives us credit for.

Myth 5: Millennials Missed the Trend Boat

TikTok acts like we’re irrelevant if we’re not in micro-minis and baby tees. But most millennials don’t want to spend money on clothes they’ll regret in six months.

Instead: Millennial style isn’t anti-trend—it’s selective. It’s knowing which trends fit into your real life (hello, wide-leg trousers) and which are better left for resale apps. That’s not being out of touch—that’s being strategic.

A Client Story

One of my clients, a 34-year-old teacher, came to me embarrassed because she thought her closet screamed “millennial.” Translation: too many striped shirts, too many cardigans. TikTok had convinced her she was dressing “wrong.” After a wardrobe edit, we realized her real style leaned vibrant and textural—think colorful midi dresses, statement earrings, and modern sneakers. The difference? She stopped dressing to avoid looking like a meme and started dressing like herself.

The Bottom Line

Millennial style isn’t dying—it’s evolving. It’s about women in their 30s and 40s building wardrobes that support careers, families, and everything in between. TikTok can keep its hot takes; we’re busy actually living in our clothes.

If you’re over the noise and ready to figure out what millennial style means for you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s a Wardrobe Edit, a full closet reset like Unf*ck Your Closet, or just starting the conversation through my contact page, I’ll help you get there.

FAQs About Millennial Style on TikTok

Why does TikTok make fun of millennial style?

It’s easy content. Skinny jeans, side parts, and Starbucks jokes make for quick memes, but they don’t reflect how millennials actually dress in 2025.

What’s the difference between millennial and Gen Z style?

Gen Z leans more experimental and trend-driven. Millennials focus on wardrobes that balance practicality, polish, and self-expression.

Should millennials follow TikTok trends?

Only if they make sense for your lifestyle. Millennial style is about editing, not blindly following trends.

If you’re wondering what millennial style really means now (beyond side parts and skinny jeans), check out What Millennial Style Really Looks Like in 2025.