From the navy drop-waist pleated jumper and pilgrim-collar white blouses teenagers used to wear, to the perfectly fitted dresses, lacy garters, and sparkly shoes adolescents are wearing now, it was a long way to go. In present times, teenagers are showing the world who they are or who they’d like to be through their clothes, as fashion transcends the mere concept of a simple industry, and becomes a kind of culture itself.
Teenage fashion is an ever-evolving landscape that features an eclectic mix of trends: retro influences and modern aesthetics, streetwear, glamour, feminine artistry, office sirens, and so much more. However, adolescents didn’t develop such exquisite tastes overnight, as several compelling forces are driving their fashion choices. This article aims to elaborate on this matter, uncovering these factors and what makes them so influential.
Table of Contents
Social media and celebrity influence
This time, we’ll set aside social media and its often-troublesome influence on teenagers seeking validation. Instead, we’ll hone in on the fashion side of things. Social media is now one of the most incredible places where teenagers can see what’s trending, moving away from traditional fashion magazines. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest aren’t just space-fillers on teenagers’ phones; they are the incubators where fashion trends take root and grow.
It’s not as if a teenage girl just sat in her room one day and thought, ‘I want to embody the Range Rover Mom style’. If you’re unfamiliar with it, the ‘Range Rover Mom’ aesthetic is a fashion trend TikTok gave birth to. It’s all about that affluent, polished style, which typically includes oversized sunglasses, luxury accessories, and stylish leggings paired with cozy sweaters. It’s a look that aims to say, “I’m busy, but I’m running errands in style”. This serves as a prime example of how social media dictates everything, being the platform where even the most niche and unexpected aesthetics can go viral and shape the way young people define and express their fashion choices. Let us pose this question to you: Do you think Crocs made a comeback because they’re undeniably beautiful (they aren’t), or is it because social media gave them a second chance?
Furthermore, in a world where celebrities flaunt their designer bags, luxury shoes, and couture dresses, young social media users constantly thrive on emulating the style of their idols. Influencers, the so-called ‘trendsetters,’ determine adolescents to put so much thought into their fashion choices, serving as lodestars in their search for identity, social belonging, and creative expression.
Movies
Films and television are now providing paths to young fashionistas, almost entirely transforming the way this generation approaches fashion:
- The iconic ‘Clueless’ where Cher has taught every little girl that the proper tweed matching set can turn heads and make a lasting impression.
- The sophisticated ‘The Great Gatsby’ brought back the glitz and glam of the 1920s, showcasing the magnificence of perfectly tailored suits, flapper dresses, beaded headbands, and sparkling jewelry.
- The memorable ‘What a way to go’ has proven that fashion goes beyond clothes—it’s a lifestyle. If you’re wondering who is the visionary costume designer behind those legendary looks, the answer is Edith Head. She managed to show off the uniqueness of vintage glamour, leaving girls daydreaming of the day when they’ll dress like that.
- The incomparable ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ undoubtedly changed how we view the fashion industry, which is a world of power, influence, and creativity.
- The idiosyncratic ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ taught girls that fashion is about creating a look that speaks to who you are and how you carry yourself.
Fandoms
Fandom, in case you didn’t know, is a subculture built around shared passions and a sense of community. It is now making significant waves in the fashion industry, as people are turning their collective enthusiasm for specific artists or movies into bold fashion statements. Let’s take a look at the following examples that might help you picture this phenomenon better:
- Harry Potter fans are one of the most creative fan bases to ever exist, as some enjoy wearing full-on cosplays: wizard robes and magic wands. Generally, they dress in oversized sweaters, plaid skirts, scarves, and round glasses, embodying academic aesthetics.
- Lana Del Rey is a self-adorned muse and a symbol of Hollywood glamour, embodying a sense of emotional depth and vulnerability, which resonates deeply with a generation of young girls who are actively seeking beauty and authenticity in their expression. Lana Del Rey’s fandom is embracing vintage-inspired fashion, with many fans sporting bows and floral prints as a part of their signature look. Their vibe is coquette, mysterious, and seductive.
- Disney enthusiasts proudly wear a big range of products from Disney, such as Mickey Mouse ears and retro character tees, channeling their inner personalities with clothes and accessories. If you walk on the boulevard at 3 p.m. to get a coffee and see a boy casually wearing a Spider-Man costume, it’s fine; he’s just part of a Disney fandom.
- K-pop fans are dressing like their favorite album, usually embracing bold and trendy streetwear looks. These include a mix of branded hoodies and t-shirts, oversized jackets, colorful sneakers, and statement accessories.
Vintage-inspired styles
Teenagers aren’t just stuck romanticizing their exes; they’re also busy raiding thrift stores for vintage clothes because, apparently, both love and fashion were better in the past. They’re quite fascinated by vintage clothing, proudly wearing 80s sunglasses, 70s leathers and denim, Ralph Lauren striped button-down shirts, loafers, vintage watches, and couch shoulder bags. The sudden rise of vintage among teens serves as living proof that everything comes back within time, and the impeccably tailored pieces that shaped the very essence of fashion will always be revered.
Final Thoughts
Gen Z is strutting to school like they just stepped off the runway, putting serious effort into their appearance and making every hallway their fashion show. Therefore, if you’ve always wished to see models on the runway, skip the expensive tickets and just take a walk through a high school corridor.
Gen Z is the future, and it seems like very bright (and stylish) times are waiting for us!