A viral nightclub video has exposed an uncomfortable truth for women everywhere: if you wear high-heels to go out, you’re officially old.
The clip, filmed on a Friday night at a local bar, shows the entire venue filled with young women who all appear to be wearing the same outfit: Jeans, a nice top, and comfy sneakers.
While the first two items on that list were a Millennial wardrobe staple, the latter is a footwear item no one over the age of 30 would have been “seen dead in” to go clubbing.
Flat footwear. On a night out? Absolutely not.
For young women who were coming of age before the era of social media and smart phones, it almost went without saying you’d end a night clutching your heels in your hands.
But it seems Gen Z have put an end to that age-old tradition, deciding that being comfortable is a far superior option when it comes to dancing and pub crawls.
The global pandemic certainly played a part in our footwear preferences, with recent data showing sales of flats and low-heels have soared in recent years as interest in high-heels dwindled.
Despite being practical, the apparent death of the high heel has also made it easy for the younger generations to identify anyone older than them.
As one person on a Reddit thread titled, “Are Gen Z genius or was it because of Covid?”, explained: “Heels scream try-hard-old-person.”
@amandaleefarinaa PS it’s also 90 degrees in the middle lf july #foryoupage #liveinthemoment #trendsetter #copypaste #upstateny #fridaynight #summervibes ♬ Girls just wanna have fun 2k19 remix – KB
However, the comments on the recent viral video – shared by TikTok user @amandaleefarinaa – have taken a different direction, prompting many to call for the return of dressing up.
“OMG I would have hated this when I was in my 20s. The best part of going out was getting all dolled up,” one argued, with the comment receiving huge applause, earning almost 20,000 likes.
“I remember when we couldn’t enter a nightclub if we had jeans on,” another remarked.
As one Millennial stated: “Fashion has definitely changed, I’m 35 and when we used to go out clubbing it was mini dresses and the tallest heels going even when it was snowing outside.”
Still, many Millennials could see the benefit of the sneaker trend – mostly because the pain of an evening spent tottering around on skyscrapers is seared forever in their memories.
“As a ‘91 girl who HATED wearing heels in the 00s, I salute these young girls and I mimic them with every fiber of my being. Just let me enjoy my night in comfort. Thank you,” one shared.
“Way better than limping in ridiculous heels,” scoffed another.
While one added: “They look so comfy and still cute. I don’t miss my feet aching after the club.”
However, Australian stylist to the stars Donny Galella said we’ve definitely not seen the end of high heels.
“Everything works in cycles. So without a doubt, heels will definitely make a come back,” he told news.com.au.
As one Millennial stated: “Fashion has definitely changed, I’m 35 and when we used to go out clubbing it was mini dresses and the tallest heels going even when it was snowing outside.”araelf – stock.adobe.com
“Having styled thousands of women over the years, yes my clients love the comfort of sneakers, but many of them feel most confident when they wear heels.
“Heels can elongate your body, the make you look taller, longer, you maintain good posture, you feel powerful. So there will always be a major place for heels in most women’s wardrobes.”
