Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Dana:

Kids can be cruel. Oftentimes they focus on something small or non-existent to make fun of, and your clothes are the thing they've chosen to tease you about. In many cases, they tease about something just because they know how much it hurts the person's feelings, and not because it's true!

If you feel that you would like to get more involved in your fashion choices, it can definitely be done. Getting a better sense of style overall may not be something you can accomplish overnight, but you can work in that direction. One way to learn about what's going on fashion-wise is to window shop. Go to shops and malls and look to see what's in the windows and on display. Thumb through the racks to get a feel of the clothes and the fabrics close up. Try things on even if you don't plan to buy them, just to get an idea of how the latest styles look and feel on you.

Another way to learn about fashion is to look at fashion and teen magazines, which are available at your public library. Perhaps the ads and what the models are wearing will inspire you!

What can help the most is to take a friend or family member with style sense along with you the next time you shop for clothes. Objective advice is a fabulous tool!

I'm sorry you're getting teased, and I hope some of my suggestions will help improve the situation. But what's really important is to not take everything other people say to heart. Just because they say mean things doesn't make them true. And what matters is that you're OK with yourself!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl