Most high school students have an interest in fashion, whether it is "flashy" or subdued. Your wardrobe choices reflect your personality, creativity, budget, self-confidence and judgment, along with other characteristics.
Having spent almost thirty years in the high school sector, as a counselor, I have witnessed an amazing continuum of fashion statements. Even though many have contradicted the rules of fashion I followed during the 60's, I have prided myself on respecting the uniqueness of today's high school students' clothing and hair styles, as long as it's appropriate.
I can remember my parents' tolerance of my everchanging hair color, from jet black to light brown, and the pixie haircuts. Looking back, my fashion statements were gentle compared to the extremes that occasionally sache in my office. However, when the afro style arrived my senior year, my mother sent me a picture of one with the following message: "Don't come home wearing this hair style!"
Other than an occasional hemline adjustment, I was rather conservative in style; I attended a girls' boarding school. Uniforms were only for gym, but we were expected to dress as well-groomed young ladies at school and in the community. Everything had to be coordinated from "head-to-toe," but now, I am trying to break the habit, a little.
As much as the public wants to respect a teen's fashion statement, the attire needs to be appropriate. The typical teen comment, "Why does it matter?," is not acceptable. If the message you are sending doesn't matter to you, something is wrong, because it should. Opinions are being formed by your observers, who might later be called upon to write a letter of recommendation for college. If you are pursuing a part-time job, you might need to provide a teacher's name as a reference.
Colleges and prospective employers are concerned with how you portray yourself in the public's eye, and your fashion statement can easily be a part of the evaluation. Why take a chance on derailing a golden opportunity, with a situation completely in your control?
Here are some fashion "no-no's" to avoid during the school day:
- Young men wearing pants below the waist
- Exposed underwear worn by males and females
- Hemlines that are too short
- See-through/sheer blouses
- Tops that reveal cleavage
- Exposed flesh/skin in midriff area (especially during warm weather)
Remember, there's a time and place for everything, including fashion. Just pick the appropriate occasion to sport your creative attire. Don't jeopardize golden opportunities, just to be unique. It is possible to be chic and fashionable at school within appropriate boundaries.
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