The hallways here at Judson are filled with students using fashion as a way to express themselves and who they truly are. Fashion is often linked to one’s identity, confidence,  creativity and those that stand out from the crowd are often made fun of. Many don’t let how they are perceived change who they are and how they choose to represent themselves. 

Many students here at Judson choose to change and dress out of the typical style and trends.

“I remember back when I would always wear black and red, so many people would be mean or just look at me weird. That definitely didn’t stop me though, I just wear more colors now because it’s fun,” said senior Victor Morales.

 Numerous students dye their hair, wear piercings and wear clothes in a multitude of colors, often accompanied by black. Their looks are loud and show who they are. More often than not, other students choose to make hurtful remarks or side eye students when they dress in their style. This may stem from a lack of understanding or stereotypes surrounding many  alternative fashions.

Even still, many students don’t let others dictate their style.

Senior Amiyah Syann shared, “I myself do at times have moments where I overthink my style and get self-conscious about if others judge me. When that happens, I just tell myself that even if I were to ‘blend in’ with others or express myself differently, people would still judge. So it’s better to do it for yourself rather than for other people and what they’d think.”

Here at school, it can be easy to fall in line with others’ style and dress similarly to everyone else. But personal style isn’t about meeting someone’s expectations and standards. Everyone has a unique style that expresses themself and their own individuality. When students let others decide how they should dress, they risk giving up a part of themselves. Confidence shines through when someone is comfortable in their own skin, including how they choose to represent themselves.

For some, the biggest challenge is overcoming the fear of judgement by standing out. Senior Valerie Rodriguez  gave her opinion on why others shouldn’t feel scared to dress how they would like.

“To be honest, just do what you enjoy because not everyone is going to like you since there’s always one person who isn’t satisfied. So in the meanwhile, just do whatever makes you feel nice,” Rodriguez commented.

 Her perspective highlights the significance of dressing for one’s happiness rather than others’ approval. Everyone faces judgement, no matter what. Someone can be at the top of their class and there will still be another person thinking they could do better or top them. What truly matters is how one will follow up with that judgement, letting themselves be held back or denied embracing who they truly are. In fashion and life, critics will always be there, watching and letting out hateful or rude comments. But allowing and having the ability to embrace one’s individuality as well as their uniqueness, despite what others may think or say, gives people the confidence to not focus on others opinions.

Fashion is one of the simplest ways for students to express themselves, but is one of the strongest ways too. It is important to embrace one’s own style, even if it follows the latest trends or past trends. Communities are created where differences are celebrated and not judged. High school can be one of those communities as well, becoming more than a place to learn but also a place where students are allowed to shine in their individuality.