HBO
We can see that very clear. Portia embodies a generation of the younger generation that finds its way outwardly. (Some of us just don’t deal with existential angst while on an expensive resort vacation with an incredibly codependent boss.) Overall, Portia’s style is messy, and she definitely makes some interesting choices. But strong choices are better than no choices in fashion, right? Fashion blunders are a thing for Gen Z as trends peak in the zeitgeist.
We can judge Portia’s offbeat fashion faux pas the same way older generations look back on the style choices their younger selves have carefully curated. Whether sporting bold prints by Urban Outfitters or walking the streets of Sicily with her perfectly dangling String Ting, Portia’s fashion is a curated collection of Gen Z essence. I can name at least 30 Gen Z members I’ve encountered who have worn the exact combination of flowing dress, Nike Air Force 1s, and ruffled church socks to colleges across the country, including New York. (Apologies to the fashion girls.) Also out of town there are a few Instagram influencers I follow who dress exactly like them and get next level support and #outfitinspo comments. So is it just Haley’s messy on-screen performance that makes Portia’s outfits a little less bearable?
Fabio Lovino/HBO