The Euphoria Effect: The HBO Tv Show That Has Become A Fashion Inspo For Gen Zers

Sequins, sparkling make-up, Y2K-inspired mesh tops and revealing dresses. HBO tv series Euphoria – which premiered its second season last month – is pushing its fashion influence on wardrobes all over the world.

The show, comparable to a Skins of the new decade, follows the lives of a group of high schoolers who struggle with deep themes such as drug addiction, sexual identity and violence. But, in contrast with the dark subjects explored, Euphoria has been highly acclaimed for its glamourous aesthetics. Although often criticized for being unrealistically expensive for the budgets of an average teenager, the outfits by costume designer Heidi Bivens are now all over the media and have generated the production of affordable imitations by high street brands such as Bershka and SHEIN. Mixing vintage and designer pieces, Biven’s styles have gained incredible popularity – especially amongst Gen Zers, who have been recreating outfits inspired by the tv series all over TikTok and Instagram.

But, if the first season was all about playing with colourful and sparkly pieces, season two is evolving into more mature and darker tones, as the style of each character is in constant development and reflects their identities, emotions and inner struggles. “I hope the show encourages people to use fashion as a form of self-expression – that excites me. It is definitely something I have noticed, from season one to two, that – on social media at least – there is a lot more individuality among young people, and I really hope the show has inspired that.”, said Bivens in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar.

Let’s have a look at some of the most iconic styles from the new season.

Known for wearing mesh garments and revealing outfits, Maddy (portrayed by Alexa Demie) makes her first appearance in the second season in a cut-out black dress with matching gloves. The look above – one of the most loved and recreated by the fans of Euphoria – includes a £136 dress from AKNA and a pair of Amina Muaddi x AWGE lace-up heels that retail for £1931.

The scene in the bathroom was one of the most discussed in the season, and so was the outfit that Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) was wearing. The £119 mini dress is from House of CB, while the white sandals are Prada and they go for £645.

In this season, Lexi (Maude Apatow) is becoming a more influential character, and this change is also reflected in her stylish fashion statements. Here, she's been spotted in a Miu Miu dress that goes for £830.

The outfit worn by Jules (Hunter Schafer) during the NYE episode also exceeded the fans’ expectations. Her look was created by layering a Maroske Peech bodysuit under a made to order Nihl top costing $1,250 (about £950). In addition, she was wearing an Orseund Iris lace-up skirt, that retails for $825 (about £630).

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Faye (Chloe Cherry) is a new entry in the show, but her fashion sense got everyone talking about her. As seen in the scene above, her vintage wardrobe fits perfectly with the Y2K fashion trend – as we know, one of the most loved by Gen Zers. One of the pieces she is rocking is a vintage denim pleated mini skirt from Miss Sixty.

Words by Agnese Picchio.