Teen Style

Teen style can be a confusing subject for a lot of girls. For one thing, fashions seem to change every week, and every time you think you've got it all figured out, a new fashion mag comes out with your favorite teen celeb wearing an outfit you absolutely have to have.

This can not only be confusing, but very hard on your pocketbook as well. The clothing manufacturers foster this dilemma, of course, because they make money when people buy their clothes. And so they look to foster new fashion trends every few months in order to sell more and more clothes to style conscious teens.

So what if you don't want to chase every fashion trend that comes along, yet you still want to develop your own personal style that will have you looking great in every situation?

You can start by assembling a basic wardrobe that will still be in style even when fashions change. These are basic must-have items that will wear well over time and can be mixed and matched.

The problem with ultra-trendy clothes and accessories is that they have a shorter shelf life than bananas. Everyone has to have them in spring or summer, and they're out of style before Christmas. And so you're left with a closet full of clothes that you'd be embarrassed to wear out in public.

So start by deciding where you spend most of your time, and what type of clothing is appropriate for your life. You probably won't need a lot of expensive designer clothes if you spend most of your time hanging out with friends at the mall.

Then take stock of your figure (the one you have, not the one you'll have sometime in the future, once you've completed that new diet and exercise plan). Look in magazines and on television for what celebs with your body type are wearing. And try to choose clothes that will highlight the positives and minimize any negatives in your figure.

Here are a few must-have teen fashion staples that should get you through almost season and any situation:

Denim jeans. Try to have at least 2 or 3 pairs that fit good, and aren't too faded. Go for straight-leg, regular jeans that will survive any new style change.
Little black dress. One of these will serve you well in almost any situation. Keep the skirt length short but not too short. You can dress piece up or down with white leggings or a set of pearls.
Khaki shorts. This is another piece that's not likely to go out of style any time soon. Go for a mid-thigh length that's not too long or short.
Well made shoes. Every girl should have a solid pair of boots, sandals, leather ballet flats, jogging shoes, and patent-leather shoes.
A good handbag. You might not be able to afford a Fendi or Louis Vuitton, but you still need a roomy, well-made bag that won't go out of style and will last for years.
Several solid-colored tee-shirts. Okay, not the sexiest of items, but tee-shirts are useful for layers and even wearing by themselves with an ultra-casual look.
Don't get stick in the latest trend. The problem with trends is that like the seasons, they're sure to change in a few months. Which leaves you stuck with expensive clothes you wouldn't be caught dead in.
Don't get hung up on the "real thing." Designer labels great, but so are the price tags. So don't shy away from discount store knock-offs if that's all you can afford (Your friends will still love you, trust me. If they don't, you might need to get some new friends!)

Teen Style

Further Reading

Resources

Top Brands

Sponsored Links