Most Students Follow Clothing Trends, Some Go Their Own Way

While walking through the halls of Dimond, I cannot help but notice the numerous yet limited combinations of style that students have. The reason I contradict myself is due to the lack of diversity that the student body displays.

While some students do have their own unique dress styles, it is far more commonplace for the majority to be bundled up in a North Face jacket, leggings or designer brand jeans and a pair of white Converse.

That is to say, students tend to be influenced by each other and adopt the styles of one another, leading to the creation of trends.

Trends— they aren’t the end of the world, but they’re also not the start of anything new.

My mindset tends to be “stray from the herd!” and “Don’t be the same,” and so this intrigues me.

A few other students in the school share this idea.

Russell Seymoure, a senior and winner of the senior superlative “Best Dressed,” said, “The way you dress is an expression of yourself.”

This is an idea that I firmly believe in. Although we shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover, the way a person dresses can often speak volumes about them. Wearing sweats, a hoodie and slides is the style of a soccer player, while a flannel, designer jeans and Eccos is likely to be a hockey player.

“I think people are scared of what others might think of them if they dress differently from the norm,” said Seymoure.

This is a logical fear, as going through high school is difficult when everyone is in the mindset of needing to “fit in.”

High schoolers tend to be judgemental and criticize, leading most to be self-conscious of their actions, words and appearance.

What we may forget is that often times an expression of individualistic style is admirable by many, rather than outlandish.

Instead of attempting to fit in, why not stand out?

“I dress the way I dress because of what I surround myself with. Social media and my work place allow me to be creative in combining and perfecting my styles and what I like to wear,” said Seymoure.

Seymoure tends to wear a lot of darker clothing, often dressing in all black. Not too long ago this would have been interpreted as Gothic; however, now it is much more accepted and not as exclusively viewed. This idea applies elsewhere, as well.

Being “different” and standing out is far more accepted in the present. Current day puts a lot of emphasis on equality for all, acceptance and stopping bullying. These ideas transfer into allowing people freedom of expression and creating an environment with less judgment.

Stefani Chase, a senior, often dresses fancily. She owns a Patagonia Synchilla, a newer trend amongst girls, and does not care about the fact that many people are picking up on the style.

“I’m comfortable in what I wear, and ultimately that is all that matters. If you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, and happy with what you’re wearing, then you don’t need to worry about what other people think of you,” said Chase.