What about the "kids" that all dress alike and hang out in large groups together so they can be....different and express their own individuality
YES!
Gary, when I was in high school I was a rebel. I didn't just rebel against the appearance of the previous generation, but I rebelled against the appearance of my own generation. None of those fashion rules make any sense; they're all ludicrous so why not just skip the whole thing?
I remember when "my" generation's thing was to wear jeans dragging on the ground, and I must have had the high-water ones on one day and somebody said to me, "Your pants are too short." I immediately said "too short for what???"
Sometimes I even wore polyester - just to prove a point - which of course I never did prove - that it doesn't flippin' matter.
Spinymouse-I also rebelled against "my generation" in school. There was this awful, awful trend in the late 80's-early 90's to peg the bottom of your jeans. Basically fold them in tight to your leg, and fold them up twice to set it. It did nothing but make everyone's ankles look 2 inches around...and their butts a mile wide, even if they were thin.
I refused to do it...and got razzed a lot about it. I didn't care how popular it was, it just looked STUPID.
i think there are positive ways to stand out as well as negative ways.
personally, i think most things are neither "wrong" nor "right", rather "different" unless it is obvious hate speech, etc...
i think blending in is also a completely personal choice.
if you make an effort to "blend in", question yourself as to why. as well as if you are making an effort to stand out.
i question anyone who makes an effort to either of the above.
be you as naturally as you can.
I went thru my punk rock/mohawk phase in the 80's as well. But even then I rebelled against being labeled a punk. I rode (still ride) a Vespa which had me hanging out with Mods...but I wasn't really one of them either...I was into punk for the music and the political stance...not just for the fashion statement. Nowadays I'm still a clown...I'm 41 now. I guess my clothes are closer to the norm than they used to be - but I like to think I still have my own style. It's still Thrift Store chic...
I went thru my punk rock/mohawk phase in the 80's as well. But even then I rebelled against being labeled a punk. I rode (still ride) a Vespa which had me hanging out with Mods...but I wasn't really one of them either...I was into punk for the music and the political stance...not just for the fashion statement. Nowadays I'm still a clown...I'm 41 now. I guess my clothes are closer to the norm than they used to be - but I like to think I still have my own style. It's still Thrift Store chic...
I miss my Lambretta I had a Vespa once too, but it was only 50cc... not much "get up and go" Sold the Lammy so I could buy my house. DH sold his too. Now we're starting to wish we had scoots again. I miss riding! I was into the mod scene at one point too, hence the handle "modkittn" which I've had for MANY years now.
i do try to keep up with everything though. take fashion for instance, i'll keep it up to date but i always do something to make it my own. for ex. many people have there hair colored in layers as aposed to the old streaks concept. my hair is bleached blond at the roots, auburn in the middle and black in the tips and the back. same concept as others, just added an extra layer.
i do see myself as different and i don't purposely do things to stand out it just kinda happens that way. the things i like just stand out.
my two favorite colors to wear are black and silver. many people mistake all my blakc clothes for trying not to be noticed but that's not true i just like black. it's looks good on my skin. i'm brown so it does not look good on my skin and i don't like to walk around and look like a pack of skittles!
Now look quick at that avatar on the right. It will be posted for about 24 hours. This is a photo of me at around 30. I think I was about to blink, but never mind.
Jay
Damn! You posted a pic and I didn't get to see it! I suck!
that's brilliant
I had a Vespa once too, but it was only 50cc... not much "get up and go" 
Sold the Lammy so I could buy my house. DH sold his too. Now we're starting to wish we had scoots again. I miss riding! I was into the mod scene at one point too, hence the handle "modkittn" which I've had for MANY years now.
