Mix and match pieces to create your own style. For example, if you like certain things about the bohemian style and certain things about the sporty style, combine the 2 into your own. Browse Instagram or Pinterest to find outfit inspiration when you’re choosing your new look. The #OOTD hashtag (which stands for “outfit of the day”) is a good place to start to see what fashion bloggers are wearing. Whatever style you choose, make sure your clothes are neat and clean—wrinkled clothes give the impression that you don’t care. [1] X Research source Christina Santelli. Professional Stylist.
The most important thing about dressing yourself is wearing what you’re comfortable in. You’ll feel better and, as a result, look better, too. For girls, wearing the right-sized bra makes a major difference. Measure yourself using a tape measure or get professionally measured and fitted at a department store. Don’t rely on the size on the label. Sizes vary from brand to brand and store to store. You could be a size 7 in one store but a size 11 in another. Choose your clothes based on fit.
If you aren’t sure what your best features are, ask your friends or family for their opinions. Take them with you shopping to get feedback. You don’t have to show skin to show off a part of you that you love. For girls, for example, if you like your stomach, a shirt that’s cinched at the waist will spotlight your narrow waist without being revealing. Don’t feel self conscious if your body is changing. That’s natural when you’re going through puberty! Pick clothes that make you feel most comfortable with your new body, whether that means covering up a little more or showing off your new curves if you’re a girl.
Examples of common dress codes include no strapless shirts or spaghetti straps, no clothing shorter than mid-thigh, no offensive T-shirts, no clothing with chains, etc. If you show up to school wearing something that’s against the rules, you’ll often be sent home to change or you’ll have to wear something from the lost and found to cover up.
Consider what kind of hair you have (curly, thin, thick, straight, etc. ). Thin hair needs layers for volume while thick hair might need angling and thinning. There are a lot of different face shapes and hair types. Talk to your hairstylist to find out what they recommend for you. Pick something that you think looks good, no matter what anyone else says. Take a picture of yourself and upload it to a website or app that lets you try on different hairstyles. This will let you see what looks good on you before you actually go for it. Take different angles and see which one you like the best. Get your hair cut as often as needed to keep your style looking good. Boys usually go more (like once a month) whereas girls can go 6 to 8 weeks between cuts. [4] X Research source
Choose a style that’s practical, too. For example, if you hate having your hair in your face, wear it pulled back or tucked behind your ears. Or if you’re someone who oversleeps a lot, pick a style that takes less than 5 minutes like a simple messy bun for girls or a quick combed look for boys. If you’re a girl with glasses, a high bun or loose waves give you that artsy chic vibe. Bangs are also a cute option to pair with bold frames.
Using a deep conditioner once a week in the shower and heat protectant sprays or serums before styling your hair will also keep your strands soft and smooth. Unless you have very oily hair, you probably don’t need to wash your hair every day. For some people, 3 times a week is enough. Ask your hairdresser what they think for your hair type.
Ask your mom or an older sister to help you learn to apply makeup. Avoid heavy powders, bright colors, or too much product. Less is more! Watch video tutorials online or look on Pinterest for inspiration and guidance. Don’t be afraid to experiment at home to see what looks good on you. For girls with glasses, focus more on playing up your eyes since they’re a little covered by your frames. Some extra mascara will help them stand out behind your lenses.
Keep your lips moisturized by putting on chapstick or lip balm often so they aren’t cracked and chapped. Practice your smile in front of a mirror or by taking selfies. You’ll learn what looks best for you, whether that’s a closed vs. open mouth or a slight vs. wide grin. Don’t be embarrassed to smile if you have braces. Remember it’s just temporary and focus on how amazing your teeth are going to look when you get them off!
Look at yourself in the mirror to check your posture or download an app like PostureZone that will take a picture of you and evaluate your stance. [8] X Research source
Stick to a sleep schedule where you go to bed and wake up at around the same times every day, including weekends. As tempting as it is to sleep in, it can make it harder to fall asleep on Sunday night and affect your sleep throughout the week. If you have trouble sleeping, start a before-bed routine that helps get your body ready for sleep so you drift off faster. Include calming activities like taking a warm shower, reading a book, or drinking a mug of chamomile tea. Stay away from screens like your phone and the TV at least 30 minutes before bedtime. The blue light they give off messes with your sleep cycles.
To make sure you’re getting enough water each day, carry around a reusable water bottle filled with 64 ounces (1,800 g) of water. Once it’s empty, you’ll know you’ve met your requirements for the day. Your water bottle doesn’t have to be plain! Decorate it with fun stickers or draw on it with permanent markers. There are apps like Daily Water Free for your phone that will track how much water you’re drinking and even send you reminders throughout the day to drink up. [11] X Research source Swap sugary drinks like soda for water. If plain water is too boring for you, add slices of fresh fruit.
Try out for a sports team at school, like soccer or football. Not only is it a great way to stay in shape, you’ll make new friends, likely get to travel to different schools, and participate in team events. If there’s a particular area of your body that you want to tone or change, add exercises into your routine that specifically target that muscle. For example, if you’re unhappy with your stomach, do moves like planks, sit-ups, or crunches.
Whitening strips and toothpaste work well but they’re also harsher on your teeth. Ask your dentist before you use one, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Create your own whitening paste by mixing 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hydrogen peroxide. Brush the paste onto your teeth for 2 minutes before rinsing your mouth with water. [14] X Research source If you have braces, brush extra carefully because food can easily get stuck in the wires. Your orthodontist can recommend ways to avoid stains or spots on your teeth when you have braces.
The type of cleanser that’s best for you depends on your skin type. For oily skin, look for a cleanser that has salicylic acid to dry up excess oil. For dry skin, pick one that has hydrating ingredients like glycerin or essential oils. Apply toner in between cleansing and moisturizing to remove any extra dirt or oil your cleanser didn’t get. Protect your skin from sun damage by always using a moisturizer that’s SPF 30 or higher. Don’t pick or pop pimples. It will spread the bacteria around your face, leading to more breakouts, or leave scars. If you have skin issues like acne, frequent bad breakouts, or super oily or dry skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist. They can prescribe a medicated treatment to help your skin or at least recommend over-the-counter creams.
How you shape your nails is up to you. Some people prefer a rounded nail where others like a more squared-off nail. Painting your nails is a great way to show off your personality. Just make sure your paint job is pretty and clean, and remove or fix any nail polish that starts chipping off. If you aren’t good at painting your own nails, get a professional manicure at a nail salon. Don’t bite your nails. It’s an unattractive habit and makes your nails look awful. If you’re having trouble keeping your fingers away from your mouth, brush a coat of bitter-tasting nail polish over your nails. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Waxing is another option for removing unwanted facial hair. Do it yourself at home with a kit or go to a salon or spa to have it done professionally. For boys, if you are already growing facial hair, shave and trim it every day so it looks clean and not patchy. Check with your school to see if they have any rules about facial hair and ask your dad to show you the proper way to shave.
