Teen Clothing Trends
Just like teens themselves, adolescent clothing trends change quickly. What was in yesterday is out today. Trends vary within certain groups or geographical areas as well. California teenagers lean toward a shorts and flip-flop casual style; East Coast teens like to send a more sophisticated message. Does this Spark an idea?
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Fitting In
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As a teen struggles to find his own identity, his choice of clothing and the message he believes his clothing sends becomes very important to him. Although to parents it may appear as though the teenager and his friends all look alike, the teen has likely gone to a great deal of effort to be different while still fitting in with his friends. Those differences sometimes are only visible to teens themselves. Unless the clothing is objectionable, it's best for parents to tolerate a teen's clothing choices and save the arguments for something more significant.
Identity
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Throughout history, teens have looked for role models. As trends have evolved, the models viewed by teenagers and everyone else have shown figures of extraordinarily thin and beautiful people. The effect of this has been a rise in anorexia and low self -esteem as teens attempt to look like the models they see in the media. Only recently has there been a move toward more realistic models that look more like real teenagers. No longer perfect, the emphasis moves to using your personal style to create a realistic, healthy image.
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Choices and Identity
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The media has used advertising to convince consumers that the goods they buy represent who they are and the lifestyle choices they make. Teens today have their own stores, magazines, catalogs and online opportunities to determine the latest trend in clothing. Because of the Internet, teen trends, like those of adults, are changing ever more rapidly.
The Basics
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Teen clothing trends are often influenced by the music they are listening to, ranging from the rock 'n' roll look of the 1950s to the hip-hop, oversized look. Nonetheless, jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts and sneakers are the main components of a teen's wardrobe. The embellishments that teens add to those items help determine a trend. The 1960s featured clothing articles embellished with peace symbols, and the trend came back. These trends cycle through studs, embroidery, tattoos, safety pins, rhinestones, skulls, skateboards and other symbols--whatever the latest craze that catches on.
Shopping the Teen Trends
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Unlike previous generations, teens today have catalogs, websites and clothing stores that are entirely dedicated to them. These include such establishments as Urban Outfitters, Old Navy, Abercrombie & Fitch, PacSun and dELiA's, and magazines such as Teen Vogue, Seventeen, Cosmo girl and Teen Ink. By perusing these teen resources, teens determine whether they wear their jeans loose and baggy or tight and slim, as well as what clothing to pair with the jeans.Teens will often create their own trends by modifying what they see on others. It is a time for creativity and finding one's own personal style.
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Resources
Comments
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When was this article published...
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FrazzledNanny
Feb 12, 2009
Well written article. I have two daughters in their 20's, a teenager and a 7 year old (all girls). I can never keep up with what they like to wear. 5*
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FrazzledNanny
Feb 12, 2009
Well written article. I have two daughters in their 20's, a teenager and a 7 year old (all girls). I can never keep up with what they like to wear. 5*
