Text Box: Jenene Stewart Compare and Contrast March 4, 2008 English 111 Current Styles of Dress among Teenagers and Young Adults Teenagers and young adults have a similar style of dress. Young adults are a little more conservative than teenagers. They prefer to look more professional and classy, but on some occasions their dress is parallel to the dress of the teenagers. Young adult females wear dressy attire such as; blouses, dresses, blazers, skirts, and pants suits. Young adult males wear sport coats, jeans, suits, and sweater vest. Teenagers usually get their style of dress from videos and TV. The females wear tight, revealing clothing and various bulky, dazzling, bright and colorful accessories. The males wear the rock-star look; skulls, bones, and chain wallets. Most female teenagers try to compete with each other in their appearance to the extent that their dress is still parallel. They prefer to see who has the biggest hair, shortest skirt or shorts, the biggest earrings, the most accessories, the tightest clothes or the most colorful outfits. Teenage females wear low-cut, backless, strapless shirts, tight clothing and mini skirts. Because of this style of dress, the message being sent could be thought-provoking, confrontational, seductive or provocative. This could send the message that they want a man or want to be seen by men. Unlike teenage females, young adult females dress more pleasing to the eye. They prefer to wear business suits, dressy skirts and blazers, heels, dress flats, and elegant accessories. Stable, trendy, stylish, or well adjusted could be the message being perceived from this dress style. Dressing this way gives them better career opportunities for their future which could help them be successful in the occupation of their choice. In time, they could manage a company or perhaps own their own business. Young adult females prefer this style of dress for work or school. Yet, teenage females wear this style of dress mostly when they go to work and to special occasions. Teenage males mimic their style of dress from the most popular rappers. They must have the greatest outfit, the boldest jewelry, the coolest hat, spiked hair, torn jeans, tiny t-shirts, flip flops, or the newest shoes. Their style is baggy pants, pants below their hips, shirts that are too big, and gang colors or signs. This style of dress could be perceived by the public as aggressive, intimidating, hostile, unfriendly, and unapproachable. Dressing this way makes the teenage males feel that they are better than everyone else and are larger then life. They feel they can’t be harmed. What they must also understand is that this style of dress may get them negative attention from people in authority. They get turned down when inquiring about a job because of the baggy pants, due rags, torn jeans, flip flops, t-shirts, and not speaking proper English. At school they get looked over, are watched more, and get blamed for things they couldn’t have done. People may even walk on the other side of the street when they see them coming or clutch their belongings while passing them. Their inner person may not be known all because of the way they dress. They could also not get a date or loose a date because of their dress. This type of attention could get them killed, shot, stabbed, or incarcerated. Compared to teenage males, young adult males dress professionally at work and school. They are perceived as being trained, skilled, proficient, and knowledgeable. Compared to male teens, young adult males’ style of dress is more fashionable, stylish, and well put together. Dressing in this professional manner gets young adult males more business opportunities. Just like the young adult females, they too can get more career opportunities, become successful in whatever occupation they pursue, and may even manage and/or own their own business. Yet, when they are not at work they wear baggy pants on their hips, fitting shirts, bold jewelry, cool hats, and flashy shoes. It sends the message that their work day is behind them, they are getting ready to enjoying themselves, and relax with their friends. To put it briefly, females do send a different massage then males. Teenage females send the message that they are seductive and sensual. Young adult females send a message that they are sophisticated and classy. Teenage males send a message that they are superior to God and larger then life. Young adult males send the message that they are skilled and professional. At school and work, teens and young adults both dress tastefully. Where as, teenage females and young adult females wear dresses, dress blouses, dress pants, heels, and dress flats; teenage males and young adult males wear slacks, dress shoes, and button down shirts. Outside of work and school, teenage males and young adult males dress parallel to one another on some occasions (baggy pants, oversized shirts, tennis shoes, bold jewelry, etc.) and dress differently on other occasions (slacks, sport coats, button down shirts, tennis shoes, etc.). In contrast, teenage females and young adult females’ professional and casual dress are the same and their evening attire is parallel. Female teens, young adult females, male teens, and young adult males all dress according to their character which duly express’ their individuality. 852                                                                                     short.jpgboys 2.jpg

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