Most schools have dress codes now, rules that prevent teens – both girls and guys – from wearing attention-getting or distracting clothing. Maybe it’s that shorts, skirts, and dresses need to reach the student’s fingertips as an acceptable length. Or that sagging pants are unacceptable; underwear must be covered. But what about showing a little skin after school, or during the summer? We all know some people – girls in particular – who, well, dress like a slut. After all, skin-is-in – just look at Britney Spears. But sure, although belly buttons and cleavage can turn heads – and who doesn’t like a little attention – maybe you’re getting noticed for all the wrong reasons.
Studies show that girls have low self-esteem during adolescence – and dressing in miniskirts or revealing tops can give a powerful ego boost and temporarily erase feelings of a bad body image. Advertisers play into this, using sexuality to sell young girls everything from make-up to clothing. Boys are not immune either. Consider the Abercrombie or Calvin Klein ads that show guys with glistening, packed abs. Teens are encouraged to take control of their appearance and use sex appeal – retailers know that more and more teens are shopping by themselves and making their own clothing choices. There are even Web sites devoted to how to look sexy in a school uniform. But consider this:
- You Put Yourself at Risk by Giving the Wrong Impression: Not only does wearing a lot of make-up and dressing too sexy make you look more mature, you put yourself at risk of attracting older people who may think that you’re ready for an adult sexual relationship.
- It’s Bad for Your Self-Image and Reputation: If you dress promisciously, people might think that you are. Girls: Even if you go out on a date with boys your own age, they may try to take advantage of you and expect you to do things that you might not be ready to do. If you want to attract boys who respect you, and not treat you badly, then you shouldn’t wear clothes and makeup that say “I’m easy.” Guys: You might get away with more cover up on the fashion side of things, but how you react to your female counterparts has an impact. Lead with respect. On the other hand, the pressure to be fit and bulked up can leave a lot of guys in the dust, especially since muscle development happens later in adolescence. Dressing for your body type is always wise, no matter what gender. And although you might be attracted to super baggy clothing, low-riding jeans, and other attention-getting attire, remember they’re a minus in professional settings, such as job interviews. Ask yourself: how do I want to be viewed? Is this the message I want to send to other people?
Mirror, mirror
Sexuality is everywhere, so it’s easy to try to be trendy and wear the latest fashions. But you might want to do a mirror check before heading out in:
- See-through tops
- Spaghetti straps
- Low-cut tops that are too tight, show too much cleavage or midriff
- Underwear-revealing super mini-shorts, skirts or dresses
- Too much makeup
- Tight pants
- Low riding pants
- Underwear that shows
- Ultra-high heels
- Fishnet stockings or thigh-highs
- T-shirts with provocative sayings
- Wild jewelry or earrings
Be Yourself
Now, we’re not saying to be saintly. It’s fun to try on clothes and experiment with different looks to create your own personal style. A little bling is OK, trends are fun, and fashion makes life interesting. But ask yourself: What kind of image do I want to portray? How does this make me look? If you’re not sure, well, maybe it’s time to cover up a little. It is possible to be fashionable – without looking cheap. And if you really can’t resist – well, how about doing it on Halloween?
This article has been reviewed by BodiMojo health expert Tara Cousineau, PhD.
The most flattering length for a skirt is usually just above the knee.
