You just have to have the latest book bag, Steve Maddens, and teen tube. In fact, the wrong bronzer color could really damage your rep, right? Let's face it. You wanna look like everyone else. Teen years are all about fitting in, not standing out. The best, easiest way to be part of the crowd is to blend in. Come to think of it, when you're standing with a group of your friends, do you all look the same? Do you have the same jeans, the same shirts, identical shoes? Perfect. Well, almost perfect.
What can you do if you want to stand out, just a little bit? Maybe not like those kids in school who dye their hair bright colors or wear clothes that are far out there. What you're looking for, instead, is your own personal teenage girls style, those tiny details and finishing touches that define you.
There are so many avenues of fashion where you can exercise your style. And style has nothing to do with money. Take Jennifer Lopez, for instance. J.Lo's favorite accessories can be found in any funky store in the mall. She loves to wear interesting barrettes, gold sunglasses, the perfect toe ring. She always wears something a little unexpected, and it works.
"Yeah right," you're thinking, "but I'm not a hot singer or a supermodel." No, but you are YOU. The first step to developing your own teenage girls style is to know what you're all about. What do you like about yourself? Do you have great hair?Beautiful skin? Long legs? Luscious lips? Are you known to wear clothes nicely? Do you have a knack for applying makeup? It is easiest to work around those characteristics that make you feel good about yourself. Ultimately, creating your own sense of style is fun—it's supposed to feel good.
You can take some cues from Jenna. Every morning Jenna got up two hours before her school bus arrived so she could wash, blow dry, and then iron her thick, curly hair. She wished for silky, straight hair in the worst way! Then one morning, she overslept, and had no choice but to throw some no-frizz gel into her hair and wear long, flowing curls. The response was amazing! Her friends loved her hair and asked for tips on how to gel their own. Now Jenna plays with her hair all the time, trying new hairstyles and up-dos. Through her hair, she has found a way to make her own teenage girls style, yet still fit in.
Here are some tricks to get you started on your way to your own personal style. Choose the ones that work for you or try on some of your own. Either way, take it slow...teenage girls style takes time to develop and stick.
- Accessorize! Accessories are style's quick fixes. You can't go wrong if you throw on a terrific fringed belt, a fabulous hair ribbon, a great beaded bracelet. Beware, however, of over-accessorizing. Less is more. Your accessory style shouldn't scream!
- Hats Up! Not everyone can wear hats and feel comfortable but if you can, you have a winning style. There are so many varieties of hats from baseball caps to vintage '40s berets—you'll never be bored coming up with new versions of this fashion statement to rock your own teenage style!
- Vintage Is New and Refreshing. What's old is new again. Research the vintage shops near you and pick up an inexpensive jacket, a whimsical purse, or a pair of earrings from the 1970s. Combine a vintage item with your new, trendy school clothes and your same old teenage girls style takes on new meaning.
- Play with Your Hair. Like Jenna, you'll find your hair is your untapped style resource for your new teenage girls style! Experiment. Crimp. Straighten. Gel. Pull it back or wear it up. You'll be surprised to see how many different looks you can come up with. Now go a step further—complement an outfit with a hairstyle. If you're wearing an embroidered peasant top and low-rise bell bottoms, accessorize your outfit with crimped and gelled hair.
- Makeup Should Add Glow, NOT Color. It is truly the age of the bronzer. However, nowhere is your personal style more important than in the way you apply your makeup. It is not enough to wear the latest eye colors or lip shades. You need to wear makeup that compliments your skin tone and your skin type. It is suggested you see a makeup professional (the tailored women behind the makeup counters in every department store can set you on the right track!) Once you have a basis for your face, you can be daring—experiment with colors and styles that define you. Your own personal style is the signature you become known for. Make it a color or a scent. Maybe it's your love of hats or your talent for mixing styles. Who knows, maybe you have a knack with socks! It doesn't matter—as long as it matters to you. Your teenage girls style will make you feel good about yourself and get you noticed. It will make you memorable.
