Why 'Kids These Days' Have Started Sticking Rhinestones Everywhere

“'I had my dream 'princess kitty' bday night (I had my dream princess kitty bday night).' The 29th birthday party that Kylie Jenner revealed seemed like a straight transplant of a 2000s princess party.

Celebrities such as the Kardashian sisters and Hailey Bieber wore pink outfits and tiaras, and everything from the cake made by Cory Pohlman Cakes to ordinary plastic cups glittered with decorations.

When you think of 'rhinestones,' a pop star's stage comes to mind. For example, Zara Larsson showcased sparkling stage outfits encrusted with rhinestones and bold makeup on her 'Midnight Sun' tour.

Dua Lipa wore a crystal-covered dress and stuck smile-shaped rhinestone stickers on one shoulder. And when it comes to glittery, rhinestone-studded styles, you can't leave out Sabrina Carpenter either.

Now these flashy rhinestone embellishments have spilled out of parties and stages and into everyday life. Gen Z is sticking sparkly decorations on accessories, cosmetics, and even takeout coffee cups. They glitter flamboyantly, the exact opposite of quiet luxury.

It seems Gen Z is deriving pleasure from moving away from minimalism and more actively decorating their appearance and expressing their individuality. This is part of the 'whimsy' trend. Like an impulsive prank thinking, 'Wouldn't it be fun if this sparkled too?,' they buy and decorate things even if they aren't strictly necessary, adding unexpected embellishments to make everyday life a bit more fun. On TikTok, videos tagged '#Whimsy' have already surpassed 600,000.

Shiny rhinestones evoke the nostalgia of a corner of a stationery shop — picking out sparkly stickers, filling a diary, swapping pretty papers with friends (do you remember the scented glitter paper?). With wallets fuller than in their childhood, Gen Z is vastly expanding those analog DIY projects from back then. Now, instead of decorating a corner of a diary or pencil case, they can adorn phone cases, cosmetics, nails, even their faces. As important as the end result is the thrilling feeling of 'I picked and stuck this on myself.'

Intrigued? The rule is simple: make anything that can sparkle, sparkle.

Published: August 25, 2026

Shop the Edit

Recommended for You

Soleil Lace Maxi Dress

Soleil Lace Maxi Dress Brown

Floral Lace Bell-Sleeve Mini Dress

Satin Lace Midi Dress Yellow