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The Story on Style
by Ray Dudley, 09.23.03
"It is always better to be independent — to be a trendsetter instead of a fashion victim." |
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It can be hard to get through a day without thinking about the clothes we wear and the labels inside. We put them on every morning. And we see new clothes all over movies, TV, and billboards. Celebrities talk about "who" they are wearing, and magazines tell us what brands to wear and how to wear them. There's even a magazine that's devoted entirely to shopping for the latest and nothing else! But are designer clothes all that? And will dishing out the big bucks for them really make you popular?
Confidence Is Key
Fashionistas want us to think that fancy threads hold the magical power to make someone cool. They feed us this message because it helps those famous designers make money. But the truth is, the clothes you wear mean nothing unless you have the attitude to wear them well. No matter how much trendy clothing they throw on, people who are unsure of themselves will still come across as insecure.
Confidence is key, and the key to confidence is comfort, so make sure to go with a style that suits you. And if what makes you comfortable doesn't happen to be the item of the week, don't fret. Standing out can actually be a major plus. Think of Kid Rock, Kelly Osbourne, or Avril Lavigne. These pop icons didn't become cool by wearing what they saw on MTV — they became cool by setting themselves apart from the crowd.
The Truth About Fashion
Big celebrities may sport trendy threads in their movies, but that doesn't mean that's how they dress when they're behind the camera. "When you see a lot of actors in magazines, they're just wearing sweatpants and sunglasses," says Tiana, 16. "I always remind myself that movies are a lot of hype, and the real world is more about being yourself."
Even fashion designers will admit that individuality is an asset. James Matin, a clothing designer in New York City, makes pricey, trendy clothes. But he agrees that "it is always better to be independent — to be a trendsetter instead of a fashion victim." Take it from the experts — blending in isn't all it's cracked up to be!
Do Your Own Thang
Fancy brands don't have super popularity powers — but of course that doesn't mean that wearing designer clothes is always wrong. Some people may want to sport the latest trends because they reflect their personality. And once in a while, it can be fun to treat yourself to some pricey threads. But spending all that money can get out of hand if you're doing it just to fit in — especially when the style will probably be out by next year!
The key to being cool is to let the world know that you like who you are and how you look. Don't let fads in fashion dictate your style. Most people can't afford the expensive clothes that are supposed to make us cool, and who wants to spend all their time and money copying someone else's style anyway? Be yourself, and be confident. There's nothing cooler than that! |
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