Time for a Chat: Talk Fashion With Your Teen

Time for a Chat: Talk Fashion With Your Teen

For a teenage girl, few things seem more important than her wardrobe. Her school days are spent comparing her clothes to those of the girls around her, and her conversations with friends likely center on the coolest brands and latest trends. As her mom, you can either be a positive influence on her fashion choices or the person she rebels against. Get on the same page with your daughter and be a good example. Here are a few tips you can follow.

Emphasize Class

In the midst of her teenage years, your daughter is trying to find herself. Even though she may not have a job, she wants to appear affluent and proudly display any name-brand clothing she wears. Sophistication and trend-setting are her goals, and she wants to be the fashion leader among her peers. With this in mind, help your daughter assert herself.

Let her know you want her to find her own style. Teach her about items that merit an investment, like a quality designer handbag. She should learn what to splurge on as well as where to save, so she can be smart about managing her money. If she falls in love with a Coach shoulder bag, applaud her for seeking a classy purchase that will last, and then help her figure out how to afford it.

Explain Perceptions

Since being a teen is fraught with trying to impress the opposite sex, your girl may want to wear some trends that make you uncomfortable. Have a frank conversation with her and let her know that skin-baring outfits aren’t classy. Help her with the balance. Allow her to feel alluring by choosing an edgy skirt, but remind her to keep her top conservative. If you help you daughter understand that leaving something to the imagination is better than letting it all hang out, she’ll be more open to modesty.

Speak with her about how her clothes can set the tone for her goals. If she wants to interview for a job, what she wears will speak volumes about her aptitude and forethought. Similarly, if she wants to apply to volunteer somewhere, she should be dressed in an appropriate manner.

Explore Style

One of the greatest ways to support your teen in her fashion journey is by being on her team. Have fun with it, and offer to give her direction on defining her own brand. Take some quizzes online that can help narrow down the styles that best suit her personality and ambitions, and then reserve a day to go shopping together. Work with her to select her own signature style and to find ways to highlight the unique facets of who she is. If your girl is a budding actress, maybe flowing, bohemian skirts are what speak to her. Or if she’s determined to become the next student body president, maybe it’s old-school polka dots and knee-length dresses. The goal is to make her feel comfortable and give her support so she feels confident in her own skin.

As a mother, you have a rare opportunity to connect with your teenage daughter through fashion. Take advantage of this chance by teaching her about the value of luxury items, helping her understand that her wardrobe can say a lot about her and be a central part of her style exploration. You’ll impart some wisdom, lead her to better choices and spend quality mother-daughter time together.