With relative freedom to wear as they please, the students at one K-12 school in Highlands Ranch has the opportunity to explore and experiment with teen fashion and beauty trends.
As a teacher of middle school at this charter school, I have front-row seats to the latest teen trends. Based on my observations, it was apparent that comfort was a huge part of their wardrobe. Some common looks I saw were the classic red plaid pajama pants and complimentary black or white block shirt — or the timeless jeans and a hoodie that never seem to go out of style.
However, not all students prioritize comfort over style. Many of the girls favor more revealing outfits: cropped tops exposing midriffs, athletic shorts that push the limits of traditional dress code rules and tight fitted leggings that emphasize form. Meanwhile, boys tend to stick to the effortlessly casual look: hoodies, pajama pants or jeans, rarely straying from these staples. Not all of them stick to this cookie-cutter look, and those who do typically wear oversized beanies and baggy streetwear pants with graphic tees. Others want to dress to impress with dress shirts and khakis or pleated pants bringing a fresh look for class.
Overall, these observations led me to a shocking, somewhat heartbreaking conclusion about teen fashion and beauty, one that rides a thin line between following trends and finding yourself.
Face Card Never Declines: Teen Beauty Trends Making The Grade
Fashion, of course, extends beyond clothing. Many of the girls are deeply invested in their beauty routines, spending time perfecting their makeup and styling their hair each morning. From long, spider-like lashes to precisely contoured cheeks, some students appear to be following full-fledged beauty influencer routines before even stepping into class.
When asked how they like to do their makeup, I was met with nonchalant answers like, “I just do what I’ve been normally doing,” or “I don’t really follow influencers but I do like doing this!” These answers led to small conversations about what kind of makeup looks these students like to do best: aiming anywhere from typically natural looks with soft blush and light lip-gloss to dark and moody looks best suited for runway and models.
Some popular influencers such as Harper Zilmer and Sophie Michelleare great ideas of what is popular with gen Alpha. With their GRWM “get ready with me” and OOTD “outfit of the day” videos, these girls really lead the teen generation when it comes to coming up with cute outfits and sparkly makeup.
READ: Pro Hacks for a Flawless Base (According To A Makeup Artist)
But makeup isn’t the only beauty craze among Gen Alpha. Many young beauty enthusiasts have also taken an interest in skincare, sometimes investing in expensive, multi-step routines inspired by influencers and celebrity brands. This shift has led to the rise of the “Sephora Kids” trend — pre-teens spending hundreds of dollars on products designed for older consumers, including retinol creams and high-strength exfoliants. While these products may seem like a fun addition to their beauty routines, dermatologists warn that certain ingredients can do more harm than good on young, developing skin.
Many dermatologists warn against the use of adult skincare on preteens. Retinol, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), and vitamin C serums can strip the skin, cause irritation and even lead to long-term damage when used improperly. These ingredients are formulated for adults dealing with signs of aging, not for children whose skin is naturally resilient
A significant factor driving this trend is social media, where skincare routines have become a status symbol among preteens. Videos of tweens unboxing expensive skincare hauls or applying multi-step regimens have gone viral, reinforcing the idea that more products equal better skin. However, dermatologists argue that these trends may encourage overconsumption and misinformation.
To combat the endless trend videos on social media, there are also tons of reliable videos on what this generation should be putting on their faces to protect their skin, including some by brookiejeffymd who goes into details and gives alternative products to put into your routine. Before adding a new skincare product to their routine, brookiejeffymd (and dermatologists across the country) recommend young users test it properly and gradually introduce it into their routines to avoid irritation or allergic reactions.
Fit Check: What Are Teen Girls Wearing and What Do These Teen Fashion Trends Mean?
So, what’s driving these beauty and fashion choices? Social media plays a major role. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest serve as inspiration boards for Gen Alpha, fueling trends that range from clean-girl aesthetics to Y2K throwbacks. While previous generations may have looked to fashion magazines or celebrities for guidance, today’s students are more likely to mimic influencers or their own peers.
Despite the casual, sometimes risqué choices in clothing, teen fashion and beauty decisions reflect a deeper desire: self-expression and identity formation. Whether through makeup, hairstyling, or the carefully selected hoodie of the day, each choice is a statement — even if that statement is, “I rolled out of bed five minutes ago.”
As fashion and beauty trends evolve, it’s worth asking: How much of their style is about genuine self-expression, and how much is shaped by the digital world they inhabit?
Young girls in Gen Alpha are likely starting their skin care so young due to the extreme world of the internet, forcing them to compare themselves to their peers on the screen. These feelings of inadequacy lead to fighting each other to fit in on all the digital platforms: to be the prettiest or the best dressed.
Little girls often look up to their older sisters, and before social media grew to the level its at today, kids would get tips and tricks from their siblings. Now, constant social media intake undoubtedly spawns feelings of confusion, wanting to fit into beauty standard molds and yet still stick out as individuals. Wanting to look older and more beautiful despite their young age is a reflection of how society continues to expect women to act more mature, to cater to a public gaze and essentially “grow up” before they’re even ready to realize what it means to put on that pretty face and feel how YOU want to feel, not how society thinks you should feel.
#ctct_form_3 {display: block !important;}
发表回复