How to Be Stylish in Middle School

Co-authored by Ashley Kahn

Last Updated: March 20, 2023

Being stylish is a subjective concept, as it really comes down to dressing well for your body type and personality. You can help your stylishness come to the fore by combining quality clothing, good grooming and having a sense of what works well for you.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Working on your own style

1
Decide whether you want to follow fashion trends or create your own. Either approach is fine. Also, have a good sense of what looks good on you, so as to avoid fashion mistakes.
- To keep up with the latest styles, read teen mags, like Teen Vogue, Tiger Beat, and Seventeen.
- Browsing online "look books" is an awesome way of getting some much-needed inspiration if you're missing it.
2
Keep things simple. Perhaps plaid, or a small burst of sequins. Something like a pair of capris and a loose sweater, with a tank top underneath. Simple and stylish.

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3
Check out what others are wearing around you. It's fine to be inspired by what the others are wearing, and even to find out where that boy or girl is purchasing their clothing from. The main thing is to be sure that what you're fancying on another person is going to look good on you too.
- Don't be afraid to ask another boy or girl which stores they get their clothes from. It's a compliment. If they don't know, don't care or don't want to tell you, just say something like "No worries, I just wanted to compliment you on your good taste".
- If you want to take part in hot trends at your school, that's cool. However, once again, if the clothing doesn't suit you, don't feel obliged to fit yourself to it.
4
Be aware that style isn't just about copying others. Don't go overboard trying to look like someone else. If you see something different that you truly like, then buy it. Don't waste your time getting clothing to please others. Part of fashion is about making yourself happy because you're worth it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Finding clothing

1
Go shopping at the mall. You can go with friends if liked but don't take them along if you feel that all they do is distract you or try to convince you to get clothing different from that which you like. If they're good at giving honest advice though, they may be helpful.
2
Hit the trendy stores. Find out what clothing is on display and considered currently trendy by browsing various different stores. Having an overview of what's in fashion can help you to get a better idea of what you like best. This means not buying the first things you see––the items will still be there when you go back after thinking about it.
3
Consider thrift and charity stores too. Nice, one-off pieces can be found for little money in such stores and these can really add to your look. Many such stores color code the clothing, making it easy for you to find pieces in your favorite colors. A touch of unique is good for your fashion style.
4
Set goals on what you want to get for each trip. For example: "I want to get a new skirt, two pairs of jeans, and a white lace sweater today". Having specific items in mind will help you to focus solely on what you really want to get, instead of getting distracted on things you don't need or already have in your closet.
5
Make sure that any clothing you end up choosing complements you and your personal style. Choose colors that look good on you and that fit well. Remember that fashion is not worth discomfort, especially not at school.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Adding accessories

1
Decide which accessories will work with your clothes. Also be aware of what the school permits by way of accessories.
2
Don't spend fifty dollars on a necklace. If you do, it'll suck when you see a cute bangle, or when you spot a sweet handbag, and can't afford it.
3
Don't overdo the accessories. For girls, accessorize with assorted bangles, necklaces and pendants, bright earrings, and casual but cute clothes but do not wear bangles on both arms, or rings on every finger. Don't wear every single piece of jewelry you own. For boys, hats, belts, arm bands, rings and earrings are cool accessories, as preferred.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Dressing to be stylish

1
Dress as befits who you are. Wear things that reflect who you are, not the girl or boy in class that you think dresses fabulously. Do not try to be something you're not. Rock your personality with a style you're comfortable with. Just be yourself.
2
Reflect some of your personality in your clothing. For example, if you're a quiet, unassuming person, try a cute plaid skirt with a button-up. If you're a talkative type, try a colorful neon rainbow, or if you're a punk rocker, try some pink and black skirts and hoodies. Take one day of the week, and wear something nicer or something you didn't give justice before.

Community Q&A

Question

I'm in middle school. Should I wear lip gloss to school?

Community Answer

You can if you want to, and if it's okay with your parents. Plenty of middle school kids wear lip gloss.
Question

Our school uniform is a strict boring pinafore and only minimal jewelry is allowed. What do I do?

Community Answer

Wear jewelry that you like and that fits into the dress code. If you are allowed to wear makeup, a little lip gloss or mascara can do a lot. If you aren’t allowed to wear makeup, moisturize and keep your skin healthy. As for being on trend, jewelry can be trendy too, and sometimes a little (a cute bracelet, tiny hoop earrings) can go a long way without violating a dress code.
Question

How do I know what will be trending in styles?

Community Answer

Many new styles can be found online on sites like Pinterest, social media and YouTube. To stay up to date, you can follow fashion pages on Instagram, read current style magazines, watch fashion-related TV shows and subscribe to beauty YouTubers.

Warnings

Don't wear things that make you feel uncomfortable.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 21 Not Helpful 0
Money wasted on clothing is money that could be spent on having fun experiences. Don't spend too much of your savings on clothing.

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Helpful 19 Not Helpful 4