Dealing with Your Teenager and the Latest Fashion Trends
Are you the parent of a teenager? If you are, you likely already know that many teens want to look their best, at least in terms of fashion. For that reason, many teens keep up with the latest fashion trends and incorporate them into their wardrobes. While this is acceptable in some respects, it can lead to your teenager wearing baggy pants that show their boxers or revealing shirts that expose too much cleavage. Although these styles seem to be popular fashion choices, do you want your child to showcase them? If not, you may wonder what steps to take.
The six pieces of advice below are for this situation.
- Encourage Individuality While Setting Boundaries
- Teach Budgeting Skills
- Educate on Quality Over Quantity
- Discuss Peer Pressure and Trends
- Introduce Sustainable Fashion
- Be Open to Their Choices
When it comes to your teenager and fashion trends that you might not necessarily approve of, your first instinct may be to lay down the law. You have the right to do this as a parent, but did you know it could cause more damage? Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager? If you were like most teens, the last thing you wanted was for your parents to tell you how to dress, which is probably true for your teen. This is why you should consider a different approach.
One of the many instances in which you should talk to your child about their fashion choices is when it could cause them harm. As mentioned, many of the latest fashion trends for women and girls include low-cut shirts and low-rise pants. This often leaves a significant portion of the body exposed. In today’s society, it’s essential to remain vigilant regarding sexual predators. While your teenager may not be interested in someone, that person may develop inappropriate feelings for them. This could place your teenager in a strange and possibly dangerous situation. If that’s the case, you might want to take the time to explain this, as it may resonate more than simply saying, “Change your clothes; you can’t wear that.”
It is also essential for both you and your teenager to remember that fashion trends change regularly. It is typical for a fashion trend to last only a few months. If you’re unhappy with current fashion trends but your teenager isn’t, you might encourage them to explore other options. Numerous fashion magazines and online fashion websites offer a wealth of trends and information. Not all fashion trends require wearing skimpy clothing; therefore, exploring alternatives is a good idea. If your teenager is a girl, this could become a wonderful bonding experience for the two of you.
Another thing you may not necessarily consider is that many teenagers may feel angered when their parents tell them not to wear certain clothes. Therefore, you may want to act before anything serious jeopardizes your child and your relationship.
In short, teenagers and fashion go well together. While teenagers need to fit in with others and be popular, they don’t necessarily have to wear the trendiest clothes or accessories to achieve that. They might not understand this now, but as a parent, it’s your responsibility to guide them and keep them safe.
Managing teenagers and their enthusiasm for the latest fashion trends can be challenging for parents. The key is to balance encouraging self-expression and guiding them toward making wise, budget-friendly, and age-appropriate choices. Here are some strategies along with examples:
- Encourage Individuality While Setting Boundaries-
- Example: If your teen wants to wear ripped jeans and crop tops, instead of saying no outright, suggest layering with a stylish jacket or high-waisted jeans to keep it trendy yet modest.
- Tip: Let them experiment with their style, but set ground rules for formal events.
Example: Your teen only wants to wear Nike, Gucci, or another expensive brand because “everyone has it.”
Advice:
- Have an open conversation about why they need to wear that brand. Is it about quality, fitting in, or social status?
- Please encourage them to mix in other brands or find similar styles that are cheaper.
- Teach them that true style isn’t about labels but how they combine outfits.
- Compromise: If they want a specific item, suggest they save or contribute to the purchase instead of expecting you to buy it outright.
- Teach Budgeting Skills-
- Example: If your teen wants an expensive designer item, encourage them to save up for it or find a similar, more affordable version.
- Tip: Show them how to mix high-end pieces with budget-friendly fashion to create a unique style.
Example: Your teen constantly asks for new clothes and spends all their money shopping.
Advice:
- Teach them budgeting skills: “Let’s set a monthly budget for fashion so you learn to prioritize what you need.”
- Please encourage them to shop wisely by using sales and discounts or exploring second-hand stores.
- Ask them to contribute by saving or working part-time if they want something expensive.
- Introduce the concept of a “cost-per-wear” rule: If they buy a $100 jacket but only wear it twice, it’s not a good investment. But if they wear it 50 times, it’s worth it.
- Educate on Quality Over Quantity
- Example: Instead of buying multiple fast-fashion items, discuss the value of investing in timeless pieces like a well-made jacket or a good pair of sneakers that will last longer.
- Tip: Take them shopping and teach them how to check fabric quality and durability.
- Discuss Peer Pressure and Trends-
- Example: If your teen feels pressured to wear a particular brand because “everyone else is,” have an open conversation about confidence and being true to their style.
- Tip: Encourage them to mix trends with their taste rather than blindly follow fads.
Example: Your teen wants trendy clothes just because influencers or friends wear them, even if they don’t like them.
Advice:
- Talk about personal style: “Do you love this trend, or do you feel pressured to wear it because others don’t?”
- Teach them about media literacy—many influencers are paid to promote brands, and not every trend is worth following.
- Encourage creativity: Let them experiment with trends that still reflect their personality.
- Show them stylish people who mix trends with their uniqueness to inspire confidence in their individuality.
- Introduce Sustainable Fashion
- For example, suggest thrifting, upcycling, or supporting eco-friendly brands. If they love a trend, you can help them find ways to incorporate sustainability, such as choosing second-hand or ethically sourced clothing.
- Tip: Make shopping for sustainable fashion fun by visiting vintage stores together.
- Be Open to Their Choices
- Example: If your teen wants to dye their hair a bold color or try an unconventional style, discuss temporary options or alternatives instead of rejecting it outright.
- Tip: Sometimes, letting them explore a harmless trend helps them feel understood and respected.
