Make a Statement
If There’s Anything the Next Generation Wants You to Know, It’s That They’re Not Afraid to
These are all words used to describe members of Generation Z, straight from Gen Z-ers themselves. But perhaps the most fitting word of all is vocal. Because if there’s one thing this next generation knows how to do, it’s speak up and speak out — speak up about their beliefs and passions and speak out against wrongdoing.
They’re using their voices, their social media platforms, and even their personal style to take a stance and send a message. And when it comes to the latter, they’ve harnessed the power of fashion to unapologetically wear their values loud and proud.
Ahead, get to know three different generational leaders: hear their contagious optimism for the future, learn the significance of their self-expression, and see how they’re using the POPSUGAR x Old Navy collection to convey what’s most important to them right now.
Accepting. Creative. Independent.
Alizé
Alizé Lee
It’s hard to talk about a Gen Z success story without mentioning 14-year-old Alizé Lee. As if being a Level 8 gymnast and Team USA Wushu athlete isn’t impressive enough, Alizé is also a content creator on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, sharing tutorials, interviews, product reviews, and more. It’s clear self-expression is a big part of who she is and who she hopes to become, and that applies to how she approaches personal style and clothing.
We’re independent people, creative artists, and trendsetters.
Expressing your own self, being able to put your own juice in it, and not being afraid to show people the real you.
You can basically communicate your style without talking to anybody. A great outfit for me sends a message that I care about myself, and that when I feel good, I look good.
A great outfit for me sends a message that I care about myself, and that when I feel good, I look good.
Click to Shop Alizé's Looks
My biggest goal in life is to help at least one person believe in themselves and love themselves.
@kherispoppin
If anyone understands the power of clothing and self-expression through the lens of style, it’s Kheris Rogers. At just 12 years-old, she’s a fashion designer and activist with
a clothing line, Flexin’ In My Complexion, that she created to combat racism and empower confidence. “My biggest goal in life is to help at least one person believe in themselves and love themselves,” Kheris said. And she’s getting there one inspiring outfit at a time.
I would describe my generation as leaders and entrepreneurs because a lot of us have started our own businesses at a young age. Some of us have become social media influencers, and we’re helping the next generation behind us to be more comfortable in themselves.
How would you describe your generation?
Being creative. You can express yourself through your style.
What does style mean to you?
When I wear something, it makes me feel confident, it makes me feel like I’m being myself, and it brings out more of my personality.
How do clothes give you power?
Kheris
@JENSENGERING
When it comes to positive role models for the next generation, 11-year-old Jensen Gering is leading by example. He’s an aspiring musician on a mission to make the world a better place, and he’s using his platform and his personal style to radiate good vibes. “My biggest goal in life right now is to help other people,” Jensen shared. “Another thing that’s important to me is making sure I inspire other kids to also do good in the world, because no matter what age, what race, what gender, everyone can make a difference.”
We’re definitely 100 percent accepting of others.
My style means a lot to me, because my style represents who I am. I feel like style is definitely something that you choose — it’s totally you, and it can totally represent yourself.
Clothes give me the power to not only feel good about myself but they also give me the power to make everyone else feel good about themselves, too.
Jensen
How would you describe your generation?
What does style mean to you?
How do clothes give you power?
How would you describe your generation?
What does style mean to you?
How do clothes give you power?
My biggest goal in life right now is to help other people.
Click to Shop Kheris's Looks
Click to Shop Jensen's Looks
Jensen Gering
Kheris Rogers
@socializelee
Being creative. You can express yourself through your style.
What does style mean to you?
I would describe my generation as leaders and entrepreneurs because a lot of us have started our own businesses at a young age. Some of us have become social media influencers, and we’re helping the next generation behind us to be more comfortable in themselves.
How would you describe your generation?
When I wear something, it makes me feel confident, it makes me feel like I’m being myself, and it brings out more of my personality.
How do clothes give you power?
Kheris Rogers
@kherispoppin
If anyone understands the power of clothing and self-expression through the lens of style, it’s Kheris Rogers.
At just 12 years-old, she’s a fashion designer and activist with a clothing line, Flexin’ In My Complexion, that she created to combat racism and empower confidence. “My biggest goal in life is to help at least one person believe in themselves and love themselves,” Kheris said. And she’s getting there
one inspiring outfit at a time.
Click to Shop Kheris's Looks
My style means a lot to me, because my style represents who I am. I feel like style is definitely something that you choose — it’s totally you and it can totally represent yourself.
Clothes give me the power to not only feel good about myself but they also give me the power to make everyone else feel good about themselves, too.
How do clothes give you power?
What does style mean to you?
We’re definitely 100 percent accepting of others.
How would you describe your generation?
Jensen Gering
@jensengering
When it comes to positive role
models for the next generation,
11-year-old Jensen Gering is leading by example. He’s an aspiring musician on a mission to make the world a better place, and he’s using his platform and his personal style to radiate good vibes. “My biggest goal in life right now is to help other people,” Jensen shared. “Another thing that’s important to me is making sure I inspire other kids to also do good in the world, because no matter what age, what race, what gender, everyone can make a difference.”
Click to Shop Jensen's Looks
Introducing the POPSUGAR x Old Navy collection, designed in collaboration with the next generation of leaders.
Designed by the next generation for the next generation. Shop the full POPSUGAR x Old Navy collection here.
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POPSUGAR x Old Navy collection
POPSUGAR x Old Navy collection