Learning to make choices and handle new responsibilities is an important part of the transition from childhood to adolescence. Middle and high school are some of the first places where teenagers can experiment with their style. Experimentation is unavoidable in this situation. Not only does how you dress influence how your peers view you, but it’s also a critical frontier for figuring out who you are. This is the age where teenagers develop self-identity and explore more about themselves. Also, this is a stage where they are learning to be self-confident, if you come out too strong negating their choices, it will affect their self-esteem and confidence.
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When discussing clothing with your teen, keep in mind how personal their wardrobe is to them and that they still have a lot to learn from you! The journey of cultivating a passion for fashion is fraught with mistakes that parents can help with, from constructing outfits for different day-to-day weather, knowing what’s in or out of season, and combining comfort with style. It’s critical to direct your teen gently but firmly in order to make them look their best while still allowing them to develop a personal style.
Clothes Are About their Personality and Not Just Looks, Let Them Explore
In middle and high school, how one chooses to dress plays a significant role in managing an often chaotic social setting. Allowing your teen some independence is important; take them shopping with you. They may reject the clothing you buy for them in early adolescence because they want their style to feel unique. Talking with your teen about what kinds of clothes they want is a perfect way to show them that you care about their environment while also saving money by not buying something they won’t wear.
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Teenagers use their clothing to explore aspects of their personality that they are still learning about. If your teen deviates from gendered apparel, they’ll appreciate it if you allow them the opportunity to do a clothing and style experiment on their own. You are critiquing their choices may come across as a personal attack, with their emotions already heightened by their self-consciousness. It’s important to note that challenging or questioning your teen about wardrobe changes may seem innocuous to you, but it may appear aggressive to them due to the personal exploration at its heart.
A parent’s encouragement and guidance will make all the difference. I never questioned myself when I was ridiculed in high school for wearing pink and purple as popular colors in my wardrobe because my parents always said I looked fine. Their support gave me the strength to keep expressing myself in ways that made me happy, while also reassuring me that wearing those colors wasn’t as taboo as some of my peers made it out to be.
Have an open conversation.
Engage your teen in an open conversation about the current fashion trends. Complement them when they dress well and discuss what styles suit them. You want to keep your approach friendly and open. Your teenager will look at you for support only when they perceive you as someone who understands them.
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Use current trends to guide them. This might require you to do a little search on what is trending these days and what is the preference of your teen. But trends have the potential to open doors and find a common ground for you and your teen. Trends, from brands that allow shoppers to dress uniquely based on what they look and feel comfortable in, are favored. Your teenager is more likely to be attracted to them, it is a chance where you can explore brand lines together and you can help them make a decision.
Help them think about how they want to be perceived.
Teens, on the other hand, must realize that they live in a world where individuals are constantly judged based on first experiences. Take them shopping with you and understand their preferences, pick out clothes that flatter their appearance and are still something they like. Help them create a wardrobe that fits their personality and looks. Try to keep your tone suggestive while offering clothing advice if you phrase it as order your teen will stop listening and become defensive.
Clothing is an integral part of your teen’s expression and development. It’s critical to allow them the freedom to explore as they develop their own style. When it comes to clothes, be gentle with your teen; deciding on a look is a personal process, and it’s simple for them to mistake advice as criticism. With reassuring words and thoughtful feedback, you will help your teen achieve stylistic success and strengthen your bond.
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