Dear Dish-It, How Do I Update My Wardrobe?

Dish-It Fashion Advice

Dear Dish-It,

My parents don't have money to buy me clothes that are up-to-date. I'm tired of wearing jeans and a T-shirt with a sweater over it. I'm way outta style - what do I do?
pop_luvr_05

Dear pop_luvr_05,

High school can be hard enough when you're able to keep up with all the latest trends and buy new outfits whenever you want, but the reality for most teens is that they don't have the resources to buy the same shoes that Mischa Barton wears. So, how do you stay stylish on a low budget? First off, being stylish does not mean dressing like everyone else. Just because all your classmates are wearing Diesel jeans does not mean you have to as well. It's important to figure out what you want your personal style to be before you head out on your shopping trip.

Once you've established the look you want to go for, it's time to head to your local thrift and vintage shops. Shopping here takes a lot more time and patience than heading to the mall, but can be just as, if not more, rewarding. Shopping second-hand doesn't mean you have to look out-of-date or messy - there are tons of clothes in great condition just waiting to be found by the perfect person. If you're looking to go a little more preppy, search the skirt aisles for cute, school-girl style pieces. This paired with a collared, button-up dress shirt, leggings and ballet flats are perfect for spring. Looking for something a bit edgier? Skim the jeans aisle for some old-school, '90s skinny jeans, grab a plain, over-sized T-shirt and a chunky belt to throw around it. You'll be stylin' in no time and it'll cost a fraction of what it costs at stores like Hot Topic or Abercrombie and Fitch. Once you've established what kind of clothes you like for your body, you can even start making your own. De-construct old items you don't wear anymore or start from scratch with some cheap fabric.

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 .

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