Gen X - The generation that never needed permission to be cool. Why wouldn’t you want to steal everything about us?

We stayed out late, showed up polished, and worked hard, even without the pressure of posting it all online. And now, we’ll probably never be able to retire, but mostly because nobody else can do the job as efficiently (or as stylishly) as we can. If anything, the renewed appeal of 90s minimalism, grown-woman glamour, and TikTok rediscovering Sex and The City has thrust Gen Xers back in the spotlight.

Lucky for us, we never stopped dressing like it mattered.

Suddenly everyone wants the 90s back. They want the music (Goo Goo Dolls, Oasis), the icons, the confidence, and the idea of getting dressed for dinner, regardless of the occasion.  But if you’re coming for us, let’s at least get the fashion right.

At Bleu Clothing, a Gen X-owned boutique, we don't just "put on clothes." We dress. We would quite literally die before being caught in yoga pants or sweats anywhere other than the gym. In our world, the sidewalk is a runway, and every dinner is an event. 

We Went to Dinner Like It Mattered

Think a late 90s dinner at the Sunset Tower, glamorous, dimly lit, and a little exclusive. For that, we dined in dresses like the Bronx and Banco Mia Crochet Maxi Dress in Cream. Something effortlessly glamorous, geometric yet romantic; something with both a sleek silhouette and intricate details. This piece exemplifies statement dressing, luxury meets personality, with elaborate crochet patterns and tassels along its sleeves and hem, adding a playful touch to an otherwise ethereal look. Why look like a mere mortal when you could order your next martini looking like a goddess.

We Took Ourselves Out

You hear a lot about younger generations rejecting clubs and bars, but Gen X embraced going out. When we went out, we did it in chic minis like the Retrofete Katie Dress in White, ideally with a strappy heel and little shoulder bag. 

Or, for a more refined evening, silky body-skimming pieces, like the Ottod’ame Long Viscose Satin Dress in Black. Add delicate gold jewelry, to complement the beadwork and simple luster of this piece.

Either way our going-out dresses embodied confidence through daring cuts, fabric with sheen, and a monochromatic palette. Whether it’s the mini hemline and pearl embellishments of the Katie Dress, or the beaded straps over an open back of the Satin Dress, Bleu has exactly what you need to get this right.

We Loved a Grand Entrance

Do not let the current obsession with understatement fool you, not everything is about restraint. Sometimes the moment called for drama. 

We didn’t wait for a red carpet or an awards show to bust out a look like the Bronx and Banco Portofino Jasmine Gown. Floor-length with a corset back, flower appliqués, and a soft blue hue, this gown was made for a staircase. It gives elegance with a side of theatrical romance. As far as I’m concerned, this is what every birthday girl should be wearing, as she celebrates another year of being fabulous at Chateau Marmont.

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Gen X Fashion

People think 90s style was all disaffected grunge and flannel. And yes, that existed.

But that’s not who I’m talking about. I’m talking about early Carrie and Samantha, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Sharon Stone, Lauren Hutton, Cindy Crawford off duty, and maybe even a little Carolyn Murphy or Jennifer Aniston. Sexy. Intentional. Wearing slip dresses, tailoring, lipstick, statement coats, pointy heels, silk camisoles, and denim as sharp as their opinions.

They dressed like adults who still knew how to have fun. 

And if all the nostalgia is really that mood coming back, Bleu is more than happy to help.

Shop our new arrivals, statement dresses, and going-out pieces, or message us for styling help. We’re very good at this.

If you’re going to steal the vibe, you should do it right.

Xoxo,

Gabrielle Zuccaro