Fashion on TV has always been about making a statement, but lately, many shows attempting to capture Gen Z’s style have fallen flat, veering between exaggerated attempts at trendiness and a fundamental misunderstanding of what resonates with young audiences.

Take Ginny and Georgia, for example. Reading an interview with costume designer Bernadette Croft, I was intrigued by her approach to Ginny’s style. Her description of “grungy” with oversized, baggy shirts to reflect Ginny’s desire to “blend in and become invisible” makes sense for the character. But Croft’s claim that Ginny evolves into a look that’s “on trend with a preppy edge” left me scratching my head. Exhibit A: a bright orange cropped button-up paired with tapered green trousers from Season 2. It’s certainly a bold choice, but “preppy” is a stretch.

While Ginny’s wardrobe teeters on the edge of believable for a high schooler navigating identity, Maxine’s style takes a completely different approach—and not always for the better. She’s clearly meant to stand out: her outfits, full of clashing patterns and loud colors, are designed to reflect her extroverted personality. But instead of feeling authentic, her style veers into costume territory.

Take her signature “quirky” pieces: a patchwork jacket here, mismatched earrings there. These elements are supposed to scream individuality, but they feel overly calculated, as if someone behind the scenes is shouting, “Look how unique she is!” The result is a wardrobe that lacks the spontaneity and charm it’s trying so hard to achieve. Maxine’s outfits don’t seem like something she would have discovered while thrifting or raiding her older sibling’s closet—they look assembled from a checklist of what Gen Z “cool” should be. While some viewers might hail Maxine as a style icon, it’s hard not to miss the days when TV fashion felt genuinely aspirational.

Speaking of aspirational, what happened to Gossip Girl? The original series set a gold standard for TV fashion, with every outfit meticulously curated to embody Upper East Side chic. The reboot, however, missed the mark entirely. Julian Calloway’s outfits, labeled as “fashion standouts,” feel more like an influencer’s sponsored posts than a high school senior’s wardrobe. There’s nothing wrong with dressing like an influencer, but the lack of coherence or connection to her character makes the styling feel hollow.

By contrast, Outer Banks succeeds by keeping things simple and authentic. The fashion isn’t groundbreaking, but it fits seamlessly into the show’s coastal adventure narrative. John B’s lived-in tees and Sarah Cameron’s casual beachwear resonate because they’re realistic, not performative. When the show first aired in 2020, its laid-back aesthetic sparked a natural wave of inspiration—from shell necklaces to relaxed-fit shorts—that felt organic rather than forced.

If Outer Banks is the poster child for realistic fashion, Euphoria is its diametric opposite. The show doesn’t aim for realism, nor does it pretend to. Instead, Euphoria uses fashion as an extension of mood and emotional expression. Rue’s baggy clothes reflect her detached, melancholic personality, while Maddy’s bold cutouts and bodycon silhouettes exude confidence and control. Cassie’s hyper-feminine pastel looks convey her desperate need for approval, particularly in her quest to transform herself for Nate. It’s over the top, yes, but intentionally so. Euphoria isn’t about what teenagers wear to school—it’s a heightened exploration of who they are.

That said, while Euphoria‘s fashion choices are visually striking, they’re far from realistic. The glitter, latex, and daring cuts might belong on a runway or at a rave, but not in high school hallways. Yet this disconnect doesn’t diminish the show’s impact. It’s escapist, aspirational, and, above all, memorable.

Then there’s The Summer I Turned Pretty, which feels like a breath of fresh air in its subtlety. Belly’s sundresses and Converse, paired with soft, beachy tones, perfectly encapsulate the dreamy, coming-of-age feel of a summer by the shore. It’s not trying to make her a style icon but rather reflects how many teenagers actually dress.

The supporting characters follow suit. Taylor’s slightly louder, trendier outfits contrast with Belly’s quieter choices, adding depth to their dynamic without being overstated. Meanwhile, the Fisher brothers keep it classic: linen shirts, swim trunks, and easygoing staples that feel natural for their affluent beachside setting.

Let’s hope that future shows can learn from both the hits and the misses, crafting wardrobes that are as thoughtful and compelling as the characters wearing them.