Clothing is usually a big expense for teens, particularly because many like to have the latest fashions and make an effort to keep up(1) with changing fashion trends. Even if there are less costly choices, many students prefer to shop in expensive stores and despite(2) higher prices they buy the latest styles.

Maybe clothes are important to teens because, at that age, having the right clothes is a way of fitting in(3) as well as looking good. In choosing to wear a popular brand, kids “brand themselves”(4).

There is a strong connection between dressing cool and popularity. When you ask a teenager to describe a person, the expression “dresses well” is always near the top of the list of attributes. What is striking(5) is that physical attractiveness is a plus factor for popularity, but it’s actually less important than stylish clothes. Can you really buy popularity with a dress that costs £ 200? Well, the latest studies suggest that this really might be the case. 

Nora is a 13-year-old girl. She loves exclusive brands and she admits that this can lead to expensive habits.
«I love buying prestigious brands. They make me feel cool.» 
«Clothing is more or less an expression of one’s personality», says Daniel, 15.
«And expensive clothes offer a more unique look.»

Notes:
1. make an effort to keep up: cercano di tenersi al passo con
2. despite: nonostante
3. fitting in: adattarsi
4. brand themselves: si marchiano
5. what is striking: ciò che colpisce


(Tratto da TREASURE, Travel the English-speaking world di Cinzia Medaglia)