Female teen clothing trends are leaning toward modesty. Current styles are stressing more layering and less skin. What’s driving the trend?
Some are crediting the economic downturn, which is forcing many teens to get thrifty at second-hand stores which, in turn, force them to get creative in the way they spruce up the style.
Others are suggesting the fashion market is simply in need of a change to get teens to buy more clothes.
"Apparel sales for the 13-to-17-year-old set were nearly $30 billion for the 12 months ending May 2008, according to market researcher NPD Group's consumer tracking service. Add "tweens" and near-tweens -- 7-to-12-year olds -- and college-age kids -- 18-to-24 -- and that figure soars to nearly $70 billion. Overall, sales are increasing only slightly."
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The media and celebrities continue to have a large affect on trends, as well, and many of the most popular celebrities are tending to dress more modestly.
In addition, there is a growing public awareness about the affect the sexualization of young females is having on teenagers. "Last year, an American Psychological Association task force reported that cognitive performance and health can suffer when teens and young women make themselves into sex objects by wearing sexy clothing or styling themselves after sexy celebrities. Eating disorders, depression and low self-confidence can result."
However, some are also warning that even "modest" styles showing less skin can carry sexual connotations, such as the covered but disheveled "morning after look" being made popular by the Olsen twins.
Disccussion Starters What do you think about the current fashion trends? Do you feel current trends are any better than older trends? What roles, positive and negative, do you feel fashion plays in society? What do you think the best role for fashion might be for someone who is serious about living their life in partnership with God, and being about God's business in the world?
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