Gen Z’s craving for community, and a shift to valuing human connection over screen time, has seen a surge in “in real life” get-togethers (IRL). This growing Gen Z IRL movement is putting real-world community and shared experiences back at the centre of social life in 2026.

Brands have jumped on this in-person trend momentum as a gateway for hosting events and get togethers working with wellness communities, walking groups and book clubs. Run clubs have transformed a once solitary activity into a communal one, while Ireland’s sauna scene is reflecting the demand for sober socialising, and IRL dating events are back with a bang with dating events companies such as Your Friend My Friend. Dublin’s expanding community sauna scene has reminded us to pause and intentionally connect. With ranging capacities, local sauna groups such as Wood Fired Sauna and The Hot Box, offer a shared space to restore and connect. This ‘in real life’ simplicity has echoed the Scandinavian values of togetherness and restoration throughout Ireland.

Gen Z IRL: Real World Community in 2026

At IRL events, attendees not only foster connections with each other, but they also build a connection with the brand hosting the event. As these community focused events continue, we may see the younger generation’s habits of online networking expand further into real-life. ‘Mild Activity’ is one of many Dublin-based run clubs that blend Strava with socialising. With little focus on PBs, the clubs’ purpose is on making friends and attracting all ages to share a run together. Their Wednesday night social run commences with a pizza slice from Bambino.

Vox magazine has cited 2026 as Gen Z’s ‘breakout summer,’ and that a generation haunted by the pandemic with challenged mental health and a preference for online engagement, is having a memorable summer. In Ireland, there are packed cinemas and camaraderie over the World Cup and Mayo finally beating ‘the curse.’

Music festivals are a key moment for Gen Z IRL hedonism, with ATN and EP serving as key calendar moments. These events highlight the growing desire for real-world community, where people can come together, share experiences and create memories away from their screens. This week’s eclipse also showed the power of community and nature, offering another reminder of the importance of experiencing significant moments together.

As Gen Z IRL continues to shape social and cultural trends in 2026, the desire for real-world community looks set to remain an important part of how this generation connects, socialises and experiences life.

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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of burgundy pants to wear this fall, and think I may have struck gold with these crepe pants from Vince. I love a crepe fabric for a comfy but still pulled-together office look, and as someone who gave up wearing heels to the office years ago, the 31” inseam is perfect for me to wear with flats.

I think these would look lovely with a camel blazer, but I’m trying to branch out into some more adventurous color combinations, so I’m planning to try them out with a pale pink sweater or a fuchsia blouse. 

The pants are $368 at Vince and come in sizes XXS-XL. They also come in four other colors.

Sales of note for 8/28:

• Ann Taylor – End of summer sale, last call — extra 70% off all sale, new markdowns added.
• CVS – Epic beauty sale, $10 off when you spend $30 (Walmart is having its “Beauty Event” as well right now!)
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• J.Crew – Last chance summer styles on sale
• J.Crew Factory – 40% off new arrivals, extra 15% of $100+ orders
• J.McLaughlin – Extra 40% off sale
• Lilysilk – Anniversary sale, save up to 70%
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added, exclusively online)
• M.M.LaFleur – Labor Day Sale Event, save sitewide! (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clearance, new markdowns up to 75% off! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Talbots – End of summer clearance, 70% off markdowns, including lots of colors of the reader favorite cardigan!
• Theory – End of season sale is on!

Outfit Details: Valentino Jacket (old, similar here and here), Doen Tank, High Sport Pants, Sherman Field Necklaces, Jamie Haller Wedges, Hermes Bag (similar, less expensive here)

August began in Gstaad, where one week became nearly two once we decided to stay instead of continuing to Vienna. I had packed with a sportier mood in mind, but the best looks came from what happened after staying longer, when color, layers, and practical pieces started feeling more lived-in. A knit over stripes, a scarf tucked close, sneakers carrying everything from hikes into town to long lunches.

By month’s end, Charleston meant school again, though summer lingered. Layers came off, but color followed home in dresses, shorts, skirts, and richer prints, pointing toward September in Daily Looks.

Valentino Jacket (sold out, similar here), Suzie Kondi Shirt, High Sport Pants, Chanel Bag, Scarosso Mules | Namai Jacket (sold out, similar here), Goop Sweater, Jamie Haller Pants, On Sneakers (more sizes here)

Reformation Jacket & Tank, Miu Miu Shorts, Elder Statesman Sweater, On Sneakers, Saint Laurent Sunglasses | Miu Miu Jacket, Top, Skirt, Bag & Flats (sold out, similar here and here)

Merlette Dress, Toteme Bag, Call It By Your Name Loafers (sold out, more colors here), Celine Sunglasses (sold out, similar here, less expensive here) | Destree Dress, Valentino Bag, Manolo Blahnik Heels

Gwyn Dress, Call It by Your Name Loafers (more colors here), Valentino Bag, Leset Jacket | Bottega Veneta Jacket (similar here and here), Valentino Top and Shorts, Miu Miu Sneakers, Rue de Verneuil Tote

Ulla Johnson Dress, Miu Miu Flats (sold out, similar here and here), Pierre Louis Mascia Cape (similar here), Etro Bag | Flore Flore Halter, Donni Pants, Gwyn Sweater, Polo Hat, Toteme Bag, Call It By Your Name Loafers (more colors here)

Valentino Shirt, Chan Luu Shorts, Hermes Bag, Miu Miu Flats (sold out, similar here and here), Sherman Field Necklace | LilyEve Jacket (sold out, more styles here), Flore Flore Tank, Kule Shorts (similar here, less expensive here), Elder Statesman Sweater, Miu Miu Sneakers (sold out, more colors here, similar here), Bombas Socks, Retrosuperfuture Sunglasses (sold out, similar here)

Elder Statesman Sweater, Leset Pants, Bode Jacket (old, similar here and here), Polo Hat, Miu Miu Sneakers, Saint Laurent Sunglasses | AYR Shirt, La DoubleJ Skirt (more sizes here), Manolo Blahnik Heels, Etro Bag, Sherman Field Necklace

Nili Lotan Top (last seen here) & Pants (last seen here), Call It By Your Name Loafers (sold out, more colors here), Toteme Tote, Dior Sunglasses, Rimowa Suitcase | Thank You Have A Good Day Jacket (sold out, similar here), Doen Top (more sizes here) & Shorts (more sizes here), Reformation Sandals, Cordera Bag (sold out, similar here), Arielle Ratner Necklace

LilyEve Jacket (last seen here), Maria de la Orden Top, Miu Miu Jeans (last seen here), Gucci Sneakers (last seen here, more sizes here), Jacque Marie Mage Sunglasses | Gwyn Dress, Chanel Belt, Miu Miu Flats (sold out, similar here and here), Janessa Leone Hat, Jacques Marie Mage Sunglasses

Chloe Top (more sizes here), Alemais Pants (more sizes here), Jamie Haller Wedges (last seen here, similar here), Savette Bag (last seen here), Bottega Veneta Sunglasses | Celine Jacket (last seen here, similar less expensive here), Doen Dress (more sizes here), Miu Miu Sneakers (last seen here, more colors here, similar here), Saint Laurent Sunglasses

Chloe Top (more sizes here) & Shorts (more sizes here, similar, less expensive here and here), Chanel Bag, Jacque Marie Mage Sunglasses, Gabriela Hearst Sandals | Pippa Holt Kaftan & Belt, Toteme Bag (last seen here), Ancient Greek Sandals, Celine Sunglasses (sold out, similar here)

Alix of Bohemia Top, Doen Shorts, Chanel Sandals (last seen here, sold out, similar here), Toteme Bag, Saint Laurent Sunglasses | Comme Si Shirt, Natalie Martin Top, Harris Tapper Pants (sold out, similar here), Manolo Blahnik Heels (last seen here), Cordera Bag (sold out, similar here), Sherman Field & Arielle Ratner Necklaces

Bottega Veneta Jacket (last seen here, similar less expensive here), Prada Tank (last seen here, similar here), Doen Shorts, Miu Miu Sneakers (last seen here), Saint Laurent Sunglasses | Alessandra Rich Dress, Reformation Sandals (last seen here), Valentino Bag (last seen here), Kujten Scarf, Sherman Field Necklace

Outfit Details: The Great Dress, Call It By Your Name Loafers (last seen here, more colors here) | Donni Top (sold out, more colors) & Skirt, Le Bop Sweater (sold out, similar here), Vibi Venezia Flats

Donni Shirt (last seen here), Tresse Shorts, Vibi Venezia Flats, Goyard Tote (old, similar, less expensive here), Sherman Field Necklace | Nili Lotan Tee (less expensive here), Destree Pants, Le Bop Sweater, Chanel Flats (sold out, similar here), Liffner Clutch

Celine Polo, Tory Burch Skirt, Chanel Bag, Alaia Flats (similar, less expensive here and here) | Chloe Top, One/Of Skirt (similar here), Chanel Belt, Flats (similar here) & Bag, Saint Laurent Sunglasses

Tory Burch Top, By Malene Birger Skirt, Reformation Sandals (last seen here), Vanessa Bruno Bag | Flore Flore Halter (more sizes here, last seen here), Tory Burch Skirt (old, similar here), Celine Flats (similar less expensive here), Chanel Bag

This week’s Amazon Sunday is all about kids’ fall finds with color, texture, and tiny details that make everyday outfits more playful. Corduroy skirts, denim layers, and ribbed tees are easy to mix, while floral pants, striped cardigans, and ruffled dresses add their own spark.

The extras bring even more charm, from pastel barrettes and rainbow socks to metallic Mary Janes and personalized backpacks. Everything is ready for weekday routines and weekend activities, so that even the youngest in the house can take part in getting dressed.

Browse the full edit below, and explore more in our JB Amazon Shop and Amazon Storefront, refreshed weekly.