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Dating apps are cooked. Bowling leagues are dead. Apparently, Gen Z doesn’t even want to drink anymore? How are we supposed to meet new people in 2026?
Maybe I’m being melodramatic, but anecdotally, I have heard nothing but bleak reports from my single gal pals. It seems like all the endless opportunity and mindless swiping is starting to catch up with us.
Meaning? If you’re feeling burnt out trying to meet new people, you’re not alone.
So what’s the alternative? A lot of millennials (and zillenials, I see you!) are turning to IRL activities like run clubs, hiking, and even birding groups for socializing and potential matchmaking.
Indeed, a recent study from LADBible found that 72% of Gen Z run club members joined for the connection—not the fitness.
I love this! I say: Delete the apps, pull on some athleisurewear, and put yourself out there.
Literally.
When Style Girlfriend’s own Gabi moved from the west coast to Chicago recently, in-person socializing was her main means of meeting new people.
“I’ve made so many close friends (and ::ahem:: a better-than-friend) through in-person meet-ups,” she told me. “The people these kinds of gatherings attract are generally friendly and outgoing, and you have a pretty easy in, conversation-wise, just by being there.”
Make a better case for getting out of the house, I dare you!
We’ve put together the ultimate, “Commune in nature here often?” starter pack (with lots of new arrivals!) to give you that extra boost of confidence.
And spoiler alert—these picks work whether you’re looking for a romantic interest or just interested in upping your outdoors style.
It comes down to personal preference for lined or unlined shorts—but I like the simplicity of a one-and-done situation. (Nice to feel ahem, secure, while chatting up a new friend.)
These are made with the brand’s lightweight, stretchy, perforated Swift fabric for more airflow to keep you feeling breezy through all your outdoor encounters.
Most any outdoor activity will call for a shoe you could comfortably jog in, at least.
These stylish sneakers, a collaboration between New Balance and Todd Snyder, will let you feel athletic while looking super-stylish.
Bonus? The sleek suede upper will go with any outside ‘fit you put together.
This thing is so smart! Am I stating the obvious here? A sleek band that can keep your phone, keys and headphones secure is so handy.
I feel like this kind of investment also shows that you’re a long-term thinker. After all, you had to be savvy enough to think ahead that you wouldn’t want all your personal effects jangling around in your pockets, which then signals to potential dates, “Hey, this guy can commit!”
One thing about me? I will never stop pushing the men in sporty tank tops agenda.
No farmer’s tan, casual gun show, more flexibility!
It seems like a no-brainer to me.
I love this faded neon green, which is giving elder millennial Nickelodeon Studios slime t-shirt vibes. You could definitely use it as a nostalgic conversation starter if you want to strike up a conversation.
Keep the sun out of your eyes and all eyes on you in a sleek and practical hat.
Made from a fast-drying, stretch material, you’ll look cute and feel fresh. Perfect for getting your flirt on! (And hide a sweaty mop if you tag a coffee date onto the end of your activities.)
And speaking of post-outdoor activity hangs, a cozy-cool hoodie is the ideal layer to have on hand. The brushed fleece is so soft and breathable; this will be the wardrobe item a future romantic partner steals, trust me.
Look—at the end of the day, your outfit is secondary to showing up, putting yourself out there, and doing something good for your body and your brain.
However, you know the SG ethos! When you look good, you feel good. And that changes how you tackle any activity. Even birding.
Right? Right.
So, spiff up your outdoor wear and reap the benefits. At the park, on the running path, and beyond.