A lot of people stress over bigger issues in society, like drug addiction, obesity, violence, overpopulation, education disparity and much more. You may be one of the people who sit at home caught between the silver lining of those issues. But did you know that many people, most especially teenagers, are suffering from fashion pressure? Some feel inferior about themselves for not keeping up with the trendsetting slaves of fashion. But should you feel bad about yourself for not doing so? No, because after all fashion is not always about following the fashion gods and goddesses. Fashion also about expressing yourself in ways you are comfortable.

According to Erik Erickson, a developmental theorist, finding the personal identity is at the peak of the adulthood. Teens struggle to find their identities because they preoccupy their minds with acceptance from others. Ultimately, fashion pressures come from the influence of friends, parents, and magazines. Healthy Children.org reported that 37 percent of teen magazine articles fixates on the topic of appearance as the research shows. As they play a major role to influence your fashion tricks, you should consider yourself too.  Here’s how to ease the fashion stress and start believing in yourself.

Make Your Own Fashion Identity

The trends that many people follow also came from their fashion identity. That identity is theirs, and we can also make one for ourselves. We cannot pursue ideas that are socially acceptable every time. Make your own fashion identity and express who you are. It doesn’t matter what you choose for as long as you still dress appropriately for the occasion. For example, in the office, you probably wear smart casual clothes. Make sure that you pick the colors and prints that can best express your personality. This is the way to build your fashion identity.

Dress to Stand Out

If you are not following trends, then there are more chances of shining out. You can always make your fashion remark. You can create your signature things if you refrain from following what is “in.” You can always go vintage if that’s your style. You’ll never go wrong with a classic look. You can go retro, too, if that’s your thing. Whatever it may be, for as long as you are comfortable and you feel good, then go for it!

Don’t be self-conscious

According to a survey conducted by Dove, Australian women are having a hard time feeling confident and happy because of how they look. In fact, 89 percent of them are canceling job interviews and important appointments because they are very self-conscious of their body. If you have experienced anything like this, then you should know that it’s really less a matter of looking great, but of feeling great about yourself. If you are able to do that, then confidence will just radiate from you and people will see your beauty. Every time you feel conscious about your body, don’t stress out. Know and remember that it’s not worth it. Don’t compare yourself with models because those will only make you less confident.

Takeaway

In the glamour world, fashion expressions always change from season to season. It is a beautiful thing to doll up. But you must not become a slave to fashion trends. Invest what you have in things that make you happy and can shape you to be confidently beautiful. Marilyn Monroe said that “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.” Don’t get insane trying to impress the people around you. Feel free to wear what is best for you. Fashion should make you feel good about yourself, not something that makes you feel pathetic nor a mere copycat. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try on the clothes you’ve been wanting to wear. Express yourself through your own fashion statement.