The Pet Shop Boys got it right with “West End Girls”. The song highlights the divide between the traditional and working class East End and the cosmopolitan, consumer-driven West End. The same parallel can be made with today’s provocative teen fashion.
In broad terms, the fashion sense of the younger generation is in tatters. I say general because many kids still wear appropriately stylish articles that fit and do not attract undue attention. Conservative clothing was the norm in mid-century. Then the 60s made their attack, but the 70s countered with great collared shirts and short shorts. The 80s were only slightly fazed, as preppy style made a comeback. The 90s were a time of t-shirts and denim. The 00s are ruled by emo, guido, or trashy fashion. Sure there have always been pockets of teen rebels who wear provocative clothing. But such fashion is now mainstream for a variety of social factors. What to do?
from Flickr
Everyone always seems to blame the media for the corruption of youth fashion. Not me. Paparazzi shots usually show fairly well covered celebrities, and the occasional nip slip has nothing to do with this trend. Models wear skimpy bathing suits, but that shouldn’t carry over to streetwear.
Sadly, the parents/guardians are mostly to blame. Too many parents will let their daughters go to school half-naked. Either the parents aren’t around to enforce positive choices and values or the parent actually wants the daughter to be noticed by her peers. Boys will similarly leave the house wearing crazy headwear, chains, muscle shirts, and ridiculously baggy pants. This is viewed as a manly act and complements the supposed femininity of the girls. Or, those seeking an alternative to such non-traditional clothing resort to another extreme and turn emo. I don’t even want to go there. The cost of this popular clothing is not necessarily much lower than more conservative options either. Both types can be found at a department store.
It’s just sad that so many students don’t have proper judgment. In 4th and 5th grade, when one girl wears revealing clothing in an attempt to find herself, other girls will follow. The same goes for boys who look up to “cool” older kids who are a far cry from professional-looking. School uniforms aren’t a good option because they restrict individual freedom and just aren’t an option for most public schools. However, many public schools are revising dress codes for the new school year. Most have always banned see-through clothing and inappropriate messages. More and more schools, however, are outlawing short shorts (especially those with writing on the rear), spaghetti strap tops, chains, hats, do-rags, muscle shirts, and visible underwear. (Aww man, no more thongs peeking out)
The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle writes a length article on the subject:
A survey by the U.S. Department of Education showed that in 2005-06, about 55 percent of school principals reported that their school had a “strict” dress code, up from 47 percent in 1999-2000.
All schools in Monroe County outlaw clothing that is vulgar or denigrates others because of race, religion, greed, nationality, disability, gender or sexual orientation. Clothing with words or images that encourage illegal behavior is also off-limits.
Beyond those basic ground rules, districts’ written dress code policies vary. Some offer vague sartorial guidelines and leave the specifics to student judgment. Others explicitly ban certain types of shirts and head gear and spell out a minimum length for shorts or skirts.
A fine choice indeed
The problem lies in the growing minority who lack sound fashion judgment. Once again, wealth may be a factor, but it is the parents/guardians who need to become fashion police. We don’t need more gang members or women who lack self-esteem and dress to manipulate men. Will conservative fashion ever make a return? I believe it has never completely left and still influences the majority of teen sartorial decisions. Professional dress leads to professional careers by fostering a better learning community and by increasing self-confidence. Enough said.
One more thing: I know laying is chic, but what’s the deal with this extreme tank top laying going on?
Alyssa Milano shows some layers
