Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Samantha:

Having your own style takes more guts and creativity than following the trends, but it isn't necessarily"better."People who are not creative and self-expressive in their dress might be extremely creative and self-expressive in other ways, such as via art, music, writing, science, debate, dance, athletics, etc. Dressing creatively is only one way to express oneself. Unfortunately, it can elicit a lot of negative attention. We ARE judged by what we wear -- this seems to hold true everywhere and at every age. It's kind of an inescapable fact. People"read"our clothing and make decisions about who we are, so that's why we like our clothing to express who we are inside, so it can give the outside world clues to how we think and feel.

It's OK to follow the trends -- or not! Life can be a little easier if you do follow them, and a bit harder if you buck them, because of people judging or making remarks. If you don't mind attracting a bit of attention, it's fine to break the rules. It might even make you a stronger person in the long run, because you've weathered some extra teasing. Life can be a bit easier if you swim with the tide, and that's fine, because then you might have more energy to focus on stuff like friends, family, hobbies and schoolwork. But if dressing differently is important to you, a few comments shouldn't stand in your way!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl