Most of us remember the days when spying someone else’s underwear in public almost always involved a playground and a twirling bar. Generally, any accidental glimpses were accompanied by a singsong chorus of “I see London, I see France, I see (insert child’s name) underpants” and an instantaneous blush of modesty. At the risk of sounding like old fogies, we miss those days.
Recent fashion trends have exposed much more than a fleeting flash of undergarment on far too many young people. Influenced by rock stars and teen idols, skimpy tank tops, midriff-baring t-shirts and low slung jeans are a definite “in” for young girls today. Frankly there are very few body types that look good with that much exposure. But that hasn’t stopped girls of all shapes and sizes from baring their bellies – and more. Sadly, young women aren’t the only ones exposing their undergarments. Boys seem determined to publicly answer the pop culture question “boxers or briefs?” Trust us, we don’t need to know.
Fortunately there is a ray of hope on the fashion scene, with the fall back-to-school trend favoring more modest styles for young people. It looks like what is currently “in” may be heading back out.
At least a bit of credit for this emerging national trend toward restraint goes to 11-year-old Ella Gunderson of Redmond. In a letter to Nordstrom, Ella challenged the clothing giant to offer additional options for teens to balance their wide-array of skin-showing choices. Her observation of young girls’ lack of modesty – and comments on retailers catering to such “style” – was right on the mark.
It makes you wonder how far things have deteriorated when a girl asking retailers for more conservative clothing shocks everyone and makes national news. At least people are listening, for now.
Seventeen Magazine’s fall fashion section this year featured items such as high-waisted jeans, classic corduroys, tweed jackets and denim dresses paired with (gasp) turtlenecks.
Although it’s probably tough for Marysville students to comprehend, the malls have been featuring their back-to-school merchandise for a couple of weeks now. Thankfully, this year’s options include looks that make it clear it isn’t appropriate to wear beach attire to the classroom.
By all means, search for and express your own fashion style. But remember: Having a fashion style means you actually have to wear something – something with enough fabric to cover your body.
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