Mothers: Remember that Gen Z style can look a lot different from the clothes that you went to school in. While it’s easy to criticize or recommend pieces of clothing that fall more in line with your style, just remember how special it is that they are an original thinker, and have taken an interest in fashion and aesthetics beyond what you’ve provided for them. Turning confusion into admiration is some of the best (and most difficult!) parenting you can do to foster a good relationship with your child.

Daughters: You may be experiencing a lot of ‘recommendations’ (i.e. nagging) from you mom when it comes to how you dress–we all did! Chances are, your mom felt that from her mom, too. While it’s completely natural and encouraged to find your own style for the trends and looks of your generation, remember that your mom is measuring how you look against her own yardstick, so don’t take it personally.

Mothers: At VARD/MOV, we believe that fashion is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to developing a personal style. If your teen isn’t obsessed with the idea of going shopping and getting dressed, focusing on the other components–such as grooming, lifestyle work, and aspirations–will help her to gain the confidence needed to explore a personal style. This is not a time for scolding. In fact, it’s a time for working closely with your child to help her feel loved, accepted and encouraged to find herself during these tough teenage years.

Daughters: Fashion is boring or too girly, right? Maybe you find it exhausting to keep up with modern trends, or you’re radically opposed to distasteful fast fashion practices. Regardless, you’re not into fashion–and we get it. But linking the practice of cultivating a personal style solely to how you dress doesn’t give yourself enough credit. Figuring out who you are is the natural progression of growing up, and some folks don’t even experience that for decades. Thinking deeply about what kind of person you want to be, how you want to hold yourself, and what message you want to give off with your body is the best thing you can do for yourself at this age. You’ll be surprised to see how much working on your inner self ultimately gets reflected in your style!

Daughters: One of the hardest parts of growing up as a girl is watching your body change into something unrecognizable in front of your very eyes. Your favorite band t-shirt might not fit anymore, and those loose jeans you used to love might have gotten tight in all the wrong places. It sucks–but you’ll get through it. And new, well-made clothes that are for women, not for little girls, will help you feel more confident in your body again. I promise you. And lucky for you, Gen Z style is all about loose-fitting clothing and draping silhouettes (think: Billie Eilish), so even if you want to cover up with an oversized style, you’ll still be rocking it!

Mothers: Oversized doesn’t have to mean frumpy. Help your teen find clothes that adheres to their idea of good style AND looks good on their new body. Remember, they haven’t done this before and they might not have an idea of how to adapt to their changing body, so it’s your duty to assist them in a non-judgmental, inviting way. Teen years can be tough, and the last thing your child needs is you feeling uncomfortable on their behalf. Be a role model for how to exude confidence, and embrace your beautiful body. Meet them where they’re at, and don’t push too hard–trust me, with enough nurturing, they’ll come around.