We live in a culture where dressing scantily and provocatively seems to be the new norm. Television commercials are filled with young women wearing next to nothing selling everything from cars and bikes to pretzels and chips. Music videos feature girls in string bikinis and thongs being reduced to mere sex objects. And entertainers like Britney Spears and Lil Kim seem to be competing for the skimpiest outfit of the year award. Its enough to make a girl feel like she doesnt measure up unless shes wearing the shortest, tightest and hoochiest outfit that she can find. There is nothing wrong with looking cute and sassy. But you can look cute and sassy without taking off all your clothes. Why not follow some of the fashion trends while hooking it up with your own unique style. Your clothing speaks to others long before they have an opportunity to get to know you. And although you may not want to send a message out that says, Im easy. Like it or not, people may form that opinion about you if you dress too provocative. And while you should not obsess over what other people think about you, there are some instances where it does matter like: a job interview, a college interview or meeting your boyfriends parents. Dress for the occasion and wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. There are lots of great clothes that are stylish, affordable and appropriate for your age. The media tries to encourage girls to look and act older than they are. But youre too smart to let the media do your thinking for you. Make your fashion choices based on your own unique style. Here are some helpful tips for dressing in style on a budget. Volunteer to Model for A Department Store or Community Fashion Show Some department stores use real people models to showcase their new fashions. Sometimes the models even get to keep an outfit or purchase it at a discounted price. Also modeling for a church or community sponsored fashion show can be another great way to earn cool stuff. Ask around and see, you never know. Shop In Your Girlfriends Closet If you are like most young women, Ill bet that your closet is full of clothes that youve never worn or havent worn in ages; outfits that you hang on to telling yourself that someday youll wear them. Why not get together with a group of friends and have a clothing swap. Tell all your girls to go through their closets, dresser drawers and shoe boxes and bring in stuff that they havent worn in a long time or they dont plan on wearing. Maybe one of your friends will have a skirt that goes perfectly with that funky blouse you got for youre birthday. Perhaps that jacket youre mother bought you that you absolutely hate will go perfectly with your best friends leather boots. And whatever items are left can be donated to a shelter. Shopping in your girlfriends closet is the perfect way to get new clothes without spending any money. Learn How to Sew Learning how to sew is a great way to dress fashionably without spending a lot of money. Get your grandmas old sewing machine out and ask her to show you some basic stitches. Find out if theres a sewing class in your neighborhood and get to sewing. Once you get really good at it: who knows, you may even start a part time business making outfits for your friends. Go to Thrift and Consignment Shops Believe it or not, you can find some great items at thrift and consignment shops if you look with a discerning eye. Create your own look by trying on different items, then buy what looks good on you. Go to Outlets The wonderful thing about outlets is they offer your favorite brands at discounted prices. Visit the outlet stores in your town and scope the clearance racks for additional bargains. This article is excerpted from Cassandra Mack's book, "Cool, Confident and Strong: 52 Power Moves for Girls." |
