Growing up, the way people act, dress and look is almost of no control to them. Childhood is based on simplicity and childhood choices are left almost entirely in the hands of parents. The best time in someone’s life is when judgement does not exist. What seems so important now was of almost no value back when life was judgement-free.

As age increases, the amount of judging does as well. The once careless childhood life becomes chaotic. A definitive style forms within that presents itself as a reputation.

When high school comes around, a style starts to form. The way someone acts and presents him- or herself becomes crucial to how he or she is viewed. The way someone dresses becomes a part of who he/she is. For young adults, discovering who they are and where they belong is one of the biggest challenges throughout high school.

One way many ways young people choose to stand out or to fit in is through their clothing. Most people’s style changes every year, maybe even multiple times a year. A personal look and style is something that people will make judgments on, both good and bad. In high school, kids spend as much money as they need to fit in and feel like they belong.

It is recognized that name brands are becoming more and more common in high schools. Brands such as PINK, Nike, UGG, Michael Kors and Vera Bradley are all examples of the expensive lines of designer items that are more popular in among teens than ever.

“To be honest, at first I bought [name brand items] for the popularity of the brand,” senior Brendan Moore said. “I get made fun of for what I wear sometimes, but I wear what I wear because it represents me. It’s how I present myself and if you look nice that’s always a great first impression. It’s also a dress good feel good thing. It feels good when someone compliments you on how you look or what you’re wearing.”

It is evident that the style and attitude among high schoolers changes throughout their four years spent among their peers. The value of money and the desire to fit in becomes less and less important. Although some students admitted to wearing name brand clothing for the sole purpose of gaining popularity, others buy name brands simply because of the high quality of the materials.

Junior Karissa Wennstrom said, “I usually buy name brand clothing or accessories when I want to buy something that will last, items from a popular or designer brand are almost always the nicest and most reliable, rather than knock-offs.”

Name brands are seen more and more throughout high schools. Whether kids are wearing them because of the desire to fit in or because of the good quality, it is important to remember that self recognition and respect is more important than fitting in and worrying about the opinion of others. It needs to be made clear to students that although their designer clothes might look nice in the eyes of their peers, money cannot buy happiness. Finding oneself is much more important than finding who everyone else wants and expects.