Do Teenagers Understand the Meaning of Dress to Impress?

Clothes are a way to express yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, colors, and brands.

Clothes are a way to express yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, colors, and brands.

Emma Safari, Photojournalist

Style has evolved over the years and many styles have been seen making a comeback. Examples of this are the high belted waistlines in the 1930’s; the 1950’s with greaser style that included leather jackets and slicked back hair to the flare jeans; and bucket hats in the 90’s.Much of these styles have started resurfacing throughout the past years as many trends from previous generations have become more popular. Nowadays, teenagers have started exploring styles from previous generations; many of these teenagers have adopted the 80’s and 90’s style set. 

However, the styles are very spread out. Some teenagers are seen wearing pajama pants and hoodies while others are seen with jeans, ironed t-shirts, and vintage crew necks. So the question resides, does the twenty-first century generation of teenagers know how to dress themselves? “I really don’t find the need to dress well on a daily basis. I know a lot of people could disagree with me, but school is to learn and you wear what you are comfortable in. On certain occasions it’s nice to dress up a bit or get ready on certain days but students have sports after school and events that cause them to stay dressed down or maybe they have to dress up for. So in that case I think it depends on your day and schedule and what you have to get done throughout your day,” shares Jayce Fahrny (10). Style and the standard of dressing is different for everyone. Each student has their own needs when it comes to dressing so ultimately it comes down to what that person needs on that given day.

Many teenagers agree with her. Not everyone wants to jump into a pair of jeans before seven in the morning. It is difficult to get fully dressed and ready while also managing to eat a good breakfast before the first period starts.

I don’t think it matters whether or not you dress well everyday. You should wear whatever makes you comfortable and happy. And everyone has a different view on style. Your definition of dressing well may be different than someone else’s. I don’t judge people who wear pj’s. Even I wear pj’s outside of my house because it’s comfortable.

— Ilana Perkins (10).

It is not so much the inability to dress but rather the energy that goes into getting fully dressed, and up and running. 

Whether your style is vintage thrifts, sports attire, jeans and a hoodie, or colorless, feel the urge to wear whatever you please. Clothing should represent who you are and how you feel. Clothes are meant to be comfortable but remember that dressing to impress is still as important as ever. Never be afraid to look your best and certainly never be afraid to stand out in a crowd. Attention can be a good thing if drawn correctly.