Dear Dish-It, I Feel Like the Most Unfashionable Kid

Dear Dish-It

Dear Dish-It, is here to whisper "ttyl after I've thought about this some more".

Dear Dish-It,

Hey! I have a little problem... I feel like I'm THE MOST unfashionable kid on earth. I really want some nice clothes that I can wear to school without being embarrassed. I'm always wearing the same clothes over and over again day by day and week by week. I don't wanna tell my parents because they're already having troubles with money, and I'm afraid that if I tell them I need to buy new clothes, they might worry even more. I don't wanna go to a cheap outlet store or a place like Goodwill. I just want some fashionable clothes so that I can get dressed happily! Please reply!
Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

I hear ya. No one wants to wear the same clothes day in and day out - but you can wear your everyday pieces in different ways and make it seem like your wardrobe is a lot bigger than it actually is! For example, you can wear your jeans the plain and regular way one day, fold them at mid-calf to turn 'em into capris another day, and accessorize it with a big belt or wide sash yet another day! You can also change up the look of a cardigan sweater by wearing it upside down and letting the ends drape around your neck and shoulders. I know it sounds weird, but trust me, it's a funky way of wearing a basic item. Just take a look in your closet and brainstorm some ideas. You'll be amazed to find new and creative ways of wearing all of your clothes!

You can also put your sewing skills to good use by revamping some old clothing items and giving them a whole new look! Revamping old clothes is a great way to add "new clothes" to your wardrobe without draining your wallet. Just take those old jeans or sweater and figure out a creative way to update them into something trendy and fabulous. If you have a pair of jeans that you don't wear anymore, either cuz you don't like the style or you've grown out of 'em, you can chop off the legs to make a "new" denim mini. Or, take one of your old T-shirts, snip off the sleeves and sew them back on so it gathers to make puffed sleeves - voilà, you have yourself a "new" tee! There are so many ways you can rework old clothing into new pieces. For more DIY ideas, check out Kidzworld's article on how to revamp old clothes!

Since you're strapped for cash and can't afford to shop at the trendiest stores in the mall, go check out thrift stores like Value Village, Salvation Army, or secondhand shops in your neighborhood to score great vintage pieces. Sometimes, you may have to dig deep in the bins or scour the racks, but you could end up scoring some amazing vintage finds for bargain-basement prices! Don't think of it as used or donated clothing. Just think of it as vintage... and remember, vintage is in! On a side note, what's wrong with outlet stores? They're some of the best places to buy expensive stuff for discount prices!

Oh, and one more thing - if your parents are having money troubles and you don't wanna ask 'em for an allowance, what about getting yourself a part-time job so you can earn your own money and buy the clothes that you want? There are lots of places you can work at, like a fast-food joint, a clothing store in the mall, the movie theatre, or even a babysitting gig in your neighborhood.

So, ya gotta burnin' question? Need some love directions? Thinkin' 'bout stuff like depression, sex,how ya feel 'bout YOURSELF (that's called "self-esteem"), boyfriends, girlfriends, losin' old friends, bullyin' or peer pressure, but too scared to ask the parents? Don't be scared to Dish-It here. Send all of your questions to deardish@kidzworld.com. But 'member, if ya hang out in Chat with other Kidzworld members who know ya by your 'username', ya might wanna use a secret nickname when ya write in. That way no one'll ever know it's you. And, just in case ya don't know, Dish-It gets a lotta letters everyday, and she can't answer 'em all. So keep checkin' the column cuz she's prob'ly answerin' somethin' very similar to your question while you're out doin' somethin' else. K? And Thanks! Ya keep her outta trouble. Oh! And if ya've got words of wisdom you wanna share,We'll dish 'em up, too.

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