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This edition reveals Gen Z summer fashion with Baipor.
Bangkok has always been hot but somehow every summer still arrives with a new aesthetic. Last year, the internet crowned it “Brat Summer”, sparked by Charli XCX’s neon green album that spilled across social feeds, playlists and wardrobes. From bright colours to carefree styling, fashion shifted away from polished perfection towards attitude.
This summer feels different. Trends move faster, make less sense and are fuelled by the internet culture that Gen Z lives and breathes. No one captures that energy better than Gen Z itself, a generation that treats fashion as a playground for experimentation, self expression and dressing without rules.
In Bangkok, where street style mixes global influences with local creativity, Gen Z’s summer wardrobe says as much about individuality as it does about what’s happening online. Runway calendars matter less than they used to. Inspiration comes straight from the feed and from the people wearing it. To make sense of the season, we spoke to Thitiya “Baipor” Jirapornsilp, star of You & Me & Me (2023), about the trends she sees and how she makes them her own.
Understanding the Unexpectable: Where Gen Z Style Turns Whimsical
“It’s very unexpectable.”
Baipor opens with a phrase that somehow sums up Gen Z fashion perfectly. It might even be the first rule for understanding how people dress right now. Nothing feels fixed. Personal style matters more than fitting into one aesthetic.
“Everyone seems to be dressing more freely, having more fun with clothes and feeling less pressure to constantly keep up with trends.”
And that is exactly where this conversation begins. What does “unexpectable” actually mean in the context of Gen Z style? It is less about chaos and more about freedom. Clothes become a reflection of identity and personal taste. As a result, no two looks feel the same even when they draw from similar references.
One aesthetic that sums this up is whimsy. A favourite internet buzzword, whimsical fashion traditionally draws from fantasy, fairy tales and surreal detail. Through a Gen Z lens, it becomes more immediate. Trinket jewellery, quirky bag charms, unexpected accessories and objects that feel almost random at first glance define the look. Pattern mixing, playful prints and oversized accessories extend the idea further.
“Yes, it’s a bit whimsical. Very fun. I think whimsical fashion is really on trend right now. People are having fun mixing different pieces together.”
In many ways, whimsy becomes a direct extension of Baipor’s idea of the “unexpectable”. It moves away from perfection and towards individuality. As social media continues to prioritise personality over polish, whimsy fits naturally into the current fashion moment.
The Thrill of the Unfind: Thrifting and the Joy of Second-Hand Style
Thrifting continues to grow within Gen Z fashion and the appeal is easy to understand. In a space where standing out matters, second-hand pieces feel like one-off discoveries. A worn leather jacket, faded denim or vintage tee carries its own identity before styling even begins.
The appeal comes from unpredictability. Nothing is guaranteed and that uncertainty becomes part of the experience.
“When I see people wearing thrifted pieces, it feels exciting. There’s something really fun about it,”
says Baipor.
For her, the appeal lies in how one item can be interpreted in completely different ways. Old clothes take on new meaning depending on who wears them and how they style them. Thrifting has also become easier than ever, whether through social media, vintage markets or pop ups. Alongside the aesthetic, it also encourages people to think differently about how long clothes can last.
Mystery jewellery jars follow the same idea. They contain assorted vintage trinkets and accessories, with only a glimpse visible before purchase, never fully revealing what is inside. Each piece comes from second-hand sourcing, turning the act of buying into discovery. The surprise becomes part of the appeal. Playful, unpredictable and slightly chaotic, it reflects the energy running through Gen Z style today.
Colour Stories: From Soft Pastels to Playful Pairings
Summer shifts the palette away from muted tones towards something brighter and more expressive. Baipor points to soft pastels as a key colour. Baby blue, butter yellow and soft pink appear across fashion, branding and digital culture, which creates a mood that feels light.
This is not limited to one perspective. These tones are increasingly visible across visual culture, from beauty campaigns and packaging to social media aesthetics. The same direction also appears on the runway, with pastel palettes featured in recent collections from fashion houses such as Dior, Chloé and Loewe.
“For example, I see a lot of people matching colours, especially pastel tones like blue, butter yellow and pink.”
For Baipor, colour is only part of the story. The focus shifts to how it is combined. Pairing unexpected shades, mixing warm and cool tones or layering variations within a single palette turns colour into a form of styling rather than decoration.
The same idea carries through to accessories. Jelly pieces have become one of the season’s biggest trends because colour is the whole point. The Jelly Firkin bag, a playful nod to the Hermès Birkin, comes in translucent shades that make colour matching part of the outfit. Instead of blending in, the bag becomes another statement piece. What started as an internet obsession has spread across young designer labels, particularly in South Korea and China, and is slowly finding its way into Thailand.
The jelly shoe follows a similar logic. Once popular over a decade ago, they have found their way back after Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal was spotted wearing a pair. The transparent finish and glossy texture reflect the same playful approach to colour seen across this season’s accessories, where brightness and translucency take over.
How a Trend Comes to Life in an Outfit
After exploring the wider mindset, Baipor’s own look brings everything into focus. A pastel-based outfit reflects many of the ideas discussed throughout the season.
“This look feels quite sweet with pastel colours.”
A floral set sets the foundation, while a ruffled skirt adds volume and movement. Soft waves, chunky jewellery and statement earrings give structure to the look. Each element stands on its own yet still connects as a whole.
Another look pairs a lace blouse with a pink mini skirt and an oversized bow. The lace brings a vintage feel, echoing her love for thrifting, while the bright pink skirt keeps it sweet and playful. As she puts it,
“very whimsy.”
The styling feels expressive without looking overdone. Statement pieces take centre stage, while simple shoes and a minimal bag keep everything balanced. The result is playful and a reflection of how Gen Z turns individuality into everyday style.
The Backdrop Guide
“Everyone dresses in different ways and has fun with every occasion. Even on an ordinary day people make an effort to dress up.”
For Gen Z, fashion is closely tied to content. Outfits rarely exist in isolation. A look often becomes part of a post, a memory or a shared moment online.
“Yes, of course, going out and doing content,” Baipor laughs.
Social media acts as both archive and stage. Fashion becomes part of everyday documentation, shaped by experience as much as intention.
“I just finished filming and haven’t really had time to catch up with trends. So going to a café and doing content is always a classic option for me. There’s always a new café opening.”
Cafés have become part of this routine. Each space offers a distinct concept and aesthetic, turning location into part of styling. The choice of where to go matters as much as what to wear.
Yet the perfect backdrop does not always come with a cup of coffee. Across Bangkok, Gen Z continues to explore new spaces for expression. Old Town Bangkok has become a favourite, where lotus shoots and styling a sabai with jeans turn historic streets into modern backdrops.
Baipor sees this shift too and suggests looking beyond cafés and city streets.
“And it’s summer, right? It’s the blooming season. Visiting parks or gardens like Benchakitti Park is actually a very good option.”
Whether it is a café, a quiet street or a park, the idea stays the same. Gen Z dresses for the moment, captures it and turns an ordinary day into something worth posting. That, more than any single trend, is what this summer’s wardrobe update is really about.
