Teen Clothing Stores

Hip, cool, and funky, teen clothing stores cater to youngsters that love colorful clothing that makes a statement. Adolescents are at that awkward stage: too old to play with toys, but not quite adults. But their love for bright primary colors, rib-tickling tops, and baggy pants is a rite of passage unique to their generation; and the fashion industry capitalizes on it big time. Boutiques stock everything in apparel and accessories that are uniquely for the younger set; and what youngsters wear is more important than what they eat. Teens not only dress to impress, but they also dress to express their unique personalities; and even the shyest wallflower blossoms when dressed in fabulous clothing. Boutiques and specialty shops cater to the adventuresome nature of a generation that is just coming into its own. When kids grow up, their interests change and they begin to think like adults, even when it comes to what to wear. "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things" (I Corinthians 13:11).

The most popular teen clothing stores are those that not only provide fashion and accessories, but also those which offer the atmosphere and ambiance that makes kids feel right at home. Popular shops display bright and shiny accessories and fashion forward apparel on themed sales floors. It is not uncommon to walk into a boutique full of brightly painted car doors hanging on the wall, or faceless and funky mannequins in fashionably slouchy poses. Accessories piled high in colored and casual crates amidst a dance club atmosphere create the perfect setting for teens to browse racks and spend some extra cash. For young adult consumers, just the right scene sets the stage for shopping and socializing with a few friends.

Adult fashion doesn't dictate teen clothing, but the teen culture certainly does. Today's young adults get their fashion cues from their favorite pop stars and personalities. And whatever young and hip stars wear appeals to the bubble gum set. Popular bands, hard rock groups, rappers, actors, and idols all contribute to setting the trend for the younger set. Teen clothing stores strive to keep up with the hottest styles and usually hire younger buyers that can forecast what's going to be hot and what's not. Each season, buyers scope out high schools, rock concerts, movie magazines, and gossip tabloids to check out what the stars and the students are wearing. From ripped jeans, pencil thin pants, baby doll tops, and cropped bomber jackets, today's fashion-savvy youth set the pace for the nation's guys and girls. Young females may sport rib-tickling graphic tees and low-rider jeans that emulate garb worn by popular female performers; while guys may want to rock baggy pants, work boots, and ball caps directly imported from the hip hop scene.

Trendy teen clothing stores understand that adolescent apparel is the easiest way young adults can exhibit self-expression; and boutiques cater to those who have ready cash to keep up with the latest looks. And for the younger set, anything goes but conservative clothes. Because adolescent dressing is so subjective, boutiques offer mix and match separates that can run the gamut from funky factory and glammed-up Gothic to military camouflage and shabby chic. Creative teens like to combine oversized factory worker shirts and painters' pants with heavy duty construction boots, taking the work-a-day world to the classroom. Boys and girls love pairing men's sleeveless tanks with pajama bottoms for a casual look that's hot. Basic black Gothic garb, inspired by hard-rockers and "vampire" wannabes, can go from seriously intimidating to nighttime glamorous with the addition of diamond studs, heavy metal belts, and neon accessories.

Youngsters influenced by marittime conflict may opt to show national pride by sporting oversized fatigue jackets with ripped up jeans or denim minis. Teen clothing stores may stock military attire that are knock-offs from every branch of the service, including U.S. Army, Navy, and Marines. Camouflage jackets, shirts, skirts, handbags, and accessories complete the look for adolescents that want to take command of the crowd. Trendsetting teens may choose shabby chic separates to blend something old with something new. Adolescents abhor looking too pulled together. Rather than wear assembled outfits from teen clothing stores, youngsters love creating their own brand by buying one or two pieces of vintage apparel and mixing them with newer pieces. Biker's pants can be paired with a flea market find, such as a crocheted see-through dress, and a brand new neon graphic tee. Off-the-rack striped shirts, the latest trend, can glide easily over body-hugging crop tops and low-ride denims for a look that's casual and chic. Teens take the same look to the masculine side by substituting the crop top for an oversized tee and baggy, stonewashed jeans.

When it comes to brand names, teen clothing stores carry all the latest labels, along with signature jackets with stellar appeal. Fashion-conscious teens go wild over gear that sports a rock star's name, team logo, or fashion icon's initials. Funky graphics emblazoned across T-shirts, ball caps, and oversized leather jackets send a strong message that may have nothing to do with team spirit. Owning clothing and accessories branded with a designer's name or idol's icon separates those who are cool from the regulars in school. Teen clothing stores, sports shoe manufacturers, and fashion designers have long used the adolescent's yearning to belong to capitalize on pricey fashions that advertise a certain sports figure or brand. That's commercialism with a capital C; but for savvy juniors, branded clothing carries a lot of clout with peer groups. Whether shops choose to carry shabby chic or glamorous Gothic attire, adolescents are sure to go wild over apparel that allows freedom of expression through fantasy fashion.