In our modern society, fashion is one of the most important things in the minds of teens and young adults. Even though expressing oneself through clothes, accessories, jewelry, and other fashion items is important to most of the population, it comes at a cost. 

For example, the average person spends around $1,434 on clothes per year, while a teenager spends around $2,331 on fashion per year according to 20+ Latest Teen Spending Statistics by Matija Ferjan. 

But why is that? Why do teens feel the need to spend so much money to follow the fashion trends? Ross High School Sophomore, Allison Bosse, stated, “I think it is important to teens because everyone in today’s society tries so hard to fit in through clothes but I think everyone should have their own styles and sense of fashion.” Other students agree with Bosse and say that ‘most teens just want to fit in and/or not be judged by others’. 

Teens mainly put most of their money into types of fashion hobbies like sneaker collecting, designing and collecting clothing items, making and buying jewelry, and others. When RHS students were asked “What clothes or other fashion items do you think are ‘in style’ now?” most responded with baggy jeans, leggings, crop tops, and sweatpants.

According to the latest edition of Vogue, the average cost of the latest spring fashion ranges from the lowest being $60 to the highest being $4,450. For example, the lowest cost of a Nike sneaker (the most popular shoe brand in 2025) is $86.97 and the highest is $36,855. 

When asked, “How do you think teens’ fashion trends/habits could positively and/or negatively affect their future?”  RHS Principal, Brian Martin, stated, “I think just keeping in mind, time and place is always important.  Wear what is appropriate for the setting or occasion (i.e. job interviews). Obviously, wearing anything promoting intolerance or hate is always a dumb idea, and remember that some things are permanent (i.e. tattoos) and you might feel differently about them in 5 or 10 years than you do now.”

So, in conclusion, fashion is a great way for people to express themselves and who they are/want to be. But, fashion shouldn’t be a thing that controls you. You should be able to feel comfortable with yourself and be able to shine in your own unique ways. Just remember that every decision – small or large – has a result. So strive to make that result something you’re proud of.