With celebrities and models constantly being shown as “perfect” in our day-to-day lives, modern and accessible photo editing, and social media setting unrealistic goals, it can be hard to look in the mirror without noticing that you don’t look the same way other people do. One of the biggest factors in our own self-image can be fashion. Clothing has been a part of human culture for longer than people have been eating bread, which just goes to show how embedded it is in our lives.
Fashion can be, and is, a way that lots of people express themselves in order to feel more comfortable in their own skin. However, it can also have the opposite effect, like causing people to worry about judgment and negative opinions from others. It takes lots of work to use fashion for your own benefit, without feeling like you’re trying to fit in.
Especially in high school, there can be a lot of pressure to follow social norms. Whether you’re trying to impress someone, or trying to not be noticed; fashion should be personal, not about the people that surround you. Elizabeth Rohloff, a local clothing designer in Portland, talks about individuality. “Many of us would rather just follow the norm, because that might just be a little bit easier,” she says. “But I think, truly, if it’s something that you love, dressing a certain way — in the long run — is going to help with your identity.” Even though making a statement can be intimidating, it’s really important to stay true to yourself even if it can feel uncomfortable.
It’s essential to be careful with fashion and social media, especially around personal body image. It’s important to not obsess over how you look, or compare yourself to influencers or celebrities, because those standards are near impossible for one to achieve, especially because those people are only presenting their best selves or versions of themselves that are fake. Instead, you should do your best to see yourself and say “I look great!” because it’s true, you shouldn’t compare yourself to the mainstream standards.
An unhealthy relationship with fashion can be as detrimental to your mental health as it can be beneficial with a healthy relationship. “That’s why I [prefer] personal style versus fashion. Fashion has these narrow boundaries of how you look on a runway, or in a catalog, social media, etc.” Rohloff notes. So, instead of trying to fit into what’s considered “mainstream fashion,” you should try and go for something that is unique to you. Maybe mainstream fashion is a style that appeals to you, but if it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to step away from it and explore something of your own.
One thing that I have found helpful in feeling more comfortable with my style is to choose one article of clothing I like that maybe feels a little “much” or “different” and wear it to school. Now, take this however subtly or extremely as you’d like, but it could help you increase your comfort level. If someone passes judgment on you, do your best to remind yourself that whatever insensitive comments they are making are probably coming from an insecurity that they have. So try to not internalize it, or let it take you down with them.
Fashion is really just one tiny piece of what makes us who we are, but it’s an important one. It’s how we present ourselves, and in most cases it’s the first impressions we give to people. It’s important to do everything in your power to make yourself as close to your authentic self as you can. We only have one shot at this game we call life, so why not separate yourself from the others? You’ll likely have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The human experience is too short to take other’s criticisms seriously, so who cares if you wear something silly. An anonymous student from Franklin High School shares, “Fashion in itself is like a canvas for your identity.” So get out there and embarrass yourself, stay true to who you are, and most importantly: wear what you love.
