Most teenagers like to be up-to-date on fashion, especially when peer pressure is involved. When it comes to what to wear, it can be a hit or a miss due to different factors influencing a teen’s decision on style. Building good fashion sense early will guide a teen in making good choices in appropriate clothing and style as she matures.
Remain True To Self
Trends often dictate teen fashion. However, that does not always mean that if something is in style, it will look good on your teen. In trying to be fashionable, some teenagers lose their identity, which can be disastrous in the end. A teen can still manage to be trendy without sacrificing her style. For example, if a plunging neckline that shows the chest area is not your teen’s cup of tea, suggest layering to give enough coverage on the chest. Help her choose a complementing fabric of blouse to go underneath the plunging neckline blouse. Combining solids and prints will help cover the chest areas without sacrificing style.
Dress Their Age
Some teenagers love to copy celebrities and models to a tee. Unfortunately, some of their dress choices are too mature for your teen’s age. Your teen should wear age-appropriate clothing so that she still looks like a teen and not like a grown woman. Examples of types of clothes to avoid are provocative clothes, office-wear and, to some extent, your clothes.
Keep It Simple
Overdoing it will only attract negative attention. When building your teen’s wardrobe, guide her through making choices that she can build upon as she grows older. For example, a flamboyant outfit may only be good for a few months and will easily go out of style; an outfit with cleaner lines will last longer. Words of caution–do not dictate what she wears to a point that you are choosing for yourself and not for her. Let her choose, but give her valuable insight.
Experiment
Allow your teen to experiment with style. After all, he may still be trying to search for his own style. Trying on different styles can help your teen see for himself what works or not on him. By giving your teen the freedom to choose, you help him develop his own fashion sense.
Accessorize
Advise your teen about wearing accessories such as jewelry, hats, belts, scarves and bags to accentuate her look. Teens should avoid wearing over-the-top jewelry such as oversized, expensive gems to school or when hanging out with friends. Chokers, bangles and simple earrings for girls will do just fine. Shoes should match the type of clothing and occasion whether they are rubber shoes or high-heels.
Dress Responsibly
Teenagers are often free-spirited; however, this should not mean that your teen should just wear anything without being sensitive to others. Wearing shirts with printed images such as a swastika and negative messages, such as those that bash against race or sexual orientations, can spark an argument from people who find them offensive. Wearing gang-related clothing, or certain colors, can also put your teen in danger. Remind your teen that freedom of speech has limitations and he should avoid wearing clothing or accessories that can be degrading and dangerous to himself and to others.
Photo Credit
- teenager image by Miroslav from Fotolia.com
