Slay of the Month: Unpacking Fashion and Identity at Westhill

By Yuliana Dolishna

When it comes to trends, fashion is beyond generous.  It is not only about the way we look; there is more to it than that, especially, in high school, where the biggest avenue of self-expression is through clothing and other forms of style. We all know that styles change every year. Westhill High School picks up these trends as soon as they become popular – one person starts, and spreads them all over. 

According to Global Sources, some of the biggest trends around teenagers in 2024 are “bright colors,”  “animal print,”  and “athleticism,” aka a comfy style. This certainly relates to all students in WHS; however, it is noticeable that more female rather than male students follow fashion trends such as animal print or bright colors, while athleticism is worn by everyone. 

“I have never seen a guy in school wear animal print clothes, and most of them don’t wear bright colors, but the athletic way to dress is one of the most popular throughout everyone,” said Jackson Kern (‘27). However, the bright color trend on the Global Sources list was also recognized by Westhill students in different grades. 

“The biggest fashion trend currently picked up in Westhill is definitely bright colors,” said Gwen Doughney (’27).

It is one of those trends that can be easily seen in everyday fashion. It is a way to be out there, unique, and at the center of attention. It is all about expression, which helps us shape our personality, and high school is definitely the place where this is being fulfilled.

Fashion is a huge factor in individualization. It not only impacts the person but also the community around them. Our school is one big community where fashion is clearly being amplified. 

Fashion influences our lives and those around us. As The Cartan Newspaper states, “Fashion affects how we are perceived and how we carry ourselves.” Our behaviors also tend to change depending on the type of clothing we wear or even other things we carry. The “Stanley” cups serve as one example. Girls who have them might seem to feel more confident around other people. It is not only about cups; it is all about fashion. It affects people’s confidence and builds up or down self-esteem. 

“I have noticed that kids who wear more expensive or popular brands tend to dominate, be overconfident, and be less friendly,” said Bianca Ladles (’26).

Unfortunately, this can be seen a lot in the walls of Westhill, and not only by one person. At this point, it grows and becomes the problem of our modern fashion society. This should definitely be addressed, since the intended meaning of fashion was to create beauty but not to ruin it.