At Westwood High School, the hallways are more than just a place to get to class; they’re runways, canvases, and stages where students showcase who they are through their clothes. Some outfits stand out more than others, blending personal creativity with influences and turning the everyday act of getting dressed into self-expression.
Even though people may dress differently from others, dressing uniquely can be scary. But, 12th grader Zariel Jefferson believes she made an impact by showing her friends that dressing differently isn’t so scary.
“My friends around me who also dress alternatively now didn’t want to (dress differently) because they knew people would judge no matter what, and that’s okay. They didn’t want to be judged and lacked confidence in themselves. But, once I started dressing up daily, they came out of their shells and dressed how they wanted.”
According to insideoutstyleblog.com, “As we mature, our priorities and self-perceptions shift. We start to value our own self-expression more and seek less external validation.” This implies that the more we grow, the less we care about being perceived and the more we care about what we like.
Redhawks’ styles may seem original and unique because people rarely see them, but everyone has their inspiration, just like 10th grader Braelyn Toomer.
“Some of my biggest fashion inspirations are Aliyahsinterlude and Tyler, The Creator. I feel like those two people describe how my style switches so often, from pink and over the top with accessories to retro and semi-minimalistic.”
Unfortunately, only a few people dress alternatively or in different styles. So using the internet or things around us for inspiration is very common. Some people even use characters from shows like Morticia Adams, Raven Baxter, etc.
You may think their styles are cute but they don’t only wear these clothes for their appearance, they use them to express themselves. “I express myself by showing that I’m not afraid to show who I am” Zariel Jefferson stated.
According to catlnspeak.com “For teenagers, it serves as a powerful tool for articulating their identity and individuality. Maybe not all the time personality and style may clash but, most of the time it’s a way to show who you are. Show that you aren’t scared and have an open mind to try new things.”
Fashion at Westwood High School isn’t just about what’s trending or appearances; it’s a tool for self-expression, community, and growth. From bold statements to quiet confidence, students use clothing to tell their stories and connect with others. In the end, it’s not just about what they wear—it’s about who they are and how they choose to share that with the world.
