Fashion as a catalyst for teen self-expression
By Amare Kaainoa ‘24
Photos by Amare Kaainoa
Fashion has always been a dynamic form of self-expression, and for teenagers, it serves as a powerful tool for articulating their identity and individuality. In the age of adolescence, where the pursuit of self-discovery and personal expression are crucial, the significance of fashion can seem greater than ever.
During the teenage years, many individuals start to seriously question who they are, what they want to represent, and how their peers will view them. Fashion serves as a visual language through which teens can communicate their identities to the world. The clothes they choose, the styles they adopt, and the way they present themselves can contribute to the narrative of who they are and who they aspire to be.
When talking about teenage fashion as a mode of communication and identity, it’s impossible to ignore the usage of social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have created a culture where appearance is heavily emphasized, leading many teenagers to compare themselves to unrealistic beauty standards promoted by influencers, celebrities, or even kids from their school.
Senior Holland Swan recalls comparing herself to people on social media, saying, “When you’re a pimply 14-year-old, you're like ‘RAHHH!’”
As Swan expressed, this constant exposure to curated images can result in feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Social media's instant feedback loop encourages teenagers to seek validation through likes and comments, often shaping their style choices to fit in with popular trends rather than expressing their individuality.
When a former Catlin Gabel student was asked how they believe social media impacts fashion, they said, “right now with TikTok shop, there's a lot of fast fashion that people are hooking onto really well. Really cheap, really poorly made. That has a big influence.”
Despite these challenges, social media also offers a space for self-expression and creativity, allowing teenagers to explore different styles and connect with like-minded individuals globally.
As teenagers navigate this digital landscape, it is crucial to promote a healthy relationship with social media, emphasizing self-acceptance and authentic expression.
Wearing clothes that reflect one's personality and tastes can have a dramatic effect on how we feel about ourselves. When teenagers feel good about what they wear, they are more likely to carry themselves with assurance and pride. The right outfit can be a source of encouragement, helping teenagers navigate the challenges of adolescence with a heightened sense of self-assurance.
Swan recalls how although some of her middle school outfits were “too much,” they ultimately contributed to feelings of confidence and individuality. “At the time, I was comfortable with who I was because of the freedom I had to express myself. And I wore some weird sh*t,” said Swan.
Fashion serves as a means of emotional expression, allowing teens to channel their feelings and moods into their wardrobe choices. Whether it's the bold statement of a vibrant outfit or the comfort of a cozy ensemble, fashion provides an outlet for expressing emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally.
In addition to using fashion as a source of emotional expression, what we put on also has the ability to display the more external and integral parts of our identities, such as class, gender, and culture.
In terms of gender, fashion has been used to reinforce traditional binary notions or to blur the lines between masculine and feminine, opening up new possibilities for self-expression.
The topic of “fashion” is commonly seen as a feminine subject, and this idea was reinforced as I toured campus, taking photos of students’ outfits. Although I was able to capture both men's and women's outfits, male students were frequently more hesitant to be photographed.
This reluctance could be indicative of fashion’s role in reinforcing gender norms and masculinity, highlighting a societal expectation that men should be less concerned with their appearance compared to women, or that the act of indulging in stereotypically feminine behavior such as taking the time to pick out an outfit and putting work into your appearance is embarrassing.
Class is often communicated through fashion, with luxury brands symbolizing status and exclusivity, while streetwear can represent a different kind of cultural capital. Additionally, fashion serves as a medium through which cultural heritage and traditions are celebrated and shared, highlighting the interconnectedness of fashion with broader social, political, and cultural contexts.
Fashion is an integral aspect of teenage life, offering a canvas for self-expression and personal exploration. As teenagers navigate the complexities of identity formation and social dynamics, fashion provides a versatile and dynamic tool for them to express their individuality confidently.
By embracing the power of style, teenagers can embark on a journey of self-discovery that goes beyond the surface, influencing not only how they are perceived by others but also how they perceive themselves.