The resurgence of Matrix chic

The Y2K trend of wearing a leather trench coat, combat boots, and oblong sunglasses in all black is making a comeback owing to its popularity among Gen-Zers. Inspired by the 1999 film The Matrix, these “high-tech cool” looks are all things fashion and style, whether you’re trying to channel your inner Trinity, Neo or Morpheus (characters from the film) or just on the route to take your regular utilitarian style up a notch.

Drop it like it’s hot

You can give any fashion trend to singer-actor Rihanna, and she will present her own unique version successfully (read: stylishly)! The Life Me Up singer can be seen here wearing a black leather jacket with a matching thigh-high slit dress, demonstrating how one should strongly adhere to their individual style. To give the look a sensual spin, she chose pointed-toe heels, ditching the usual combat boots. Ladies, take notes!

To the T

Fashion gurus will collectively agree that supermodel Hailey Bieber was single-handedly responsible for making the “glazed donut” a raging beauty trend last year. And now, nearly a month into 2023, Bieber appears to have a new mission! Recently seen in her post-gym get-up wearing a black leather trench coat with matching boots and teeny-tiny oblong sunglasses, Bieber sealed The Matrix style as the first major fashion moment on 2023’s calendar. Take cues from the model to ace the trend with perfection.

The robe coat way

Want to incorporate the trend without making it look cyber-ready? Then take a leaf out of actor Margot Robbie’s style book and give a feminine twist to your ensemble. She styled her leather robe coat with matching sunglasses and a pair of strappy heels.

Sneak attack!

Spotted in a black leather jacket with oblong sunglasses, supermodel Gigi Hadid was almost on point while donning the trend. She ditched the chunky boots and opted for a not-so-serious look by wearing sneakers! If you, too, wish to recreate the Matrix style à la Hadid, wear colourful, funky and playful sneakers, just like the supermodel.

Style it right

While trying out the trend for the first time, include any one of the style elements from the film rather than going all in. But make sure you opt for a head-to-toe black outfit.

You can give multiple twists, such as opting for a ribbed midi dress with combat boots and a trench coat or denim sneakers for the perfect party or casual getup.

While oversized sunnies have been calling the shots for the past few years, this year people might start gravitating toward teeny-tiny frames, giving more opportunities to fit right in the world of The Matrix.

Inputs by stylist Swathi Kunjan