Fashion choices booming in growing children and teens

Rithu Dravid | NT

Bengaluru: Fashionable choices of growing children and teens play a significant role in their personal styling and grooming.

Trendy fashions are picked up by children and teens almost instantly from celebrities and influencers on social media like Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and so on.

The accessibility of online shopping and the promotion of inclusivity have contributed towards the exciting world of fashion and trend. Such digital exposure has not only made fashion more accessible but even more desirable for children and teenagers.

Many children enjoy expressing their personal style through accessories such as bags, belts, hats, jewelry, sunglasses, scarves, badges and so on. heir outfits but also allow them to showcase their individuality while keeping up with the latest trends.

Moreover, specific online shopping websites and apps have made it easier than ever to purchase trendy clothing and accessories. Teenagers from Bengaluru like Arya and her close friends love to wear trendy clothes and suitable accessories to feel special.

She says, “Although I barely get time for shopping at markets, I make sure I catch up with the latest fashion trends ‘online’. It helps me relax and keep up with the latest trends. I love buying fashionable items online as it's affordable and fits my pocket”.

However, online fashion retailers, websites and apps like Myntra, Amazon, Ajio etc. have made shopping more fun and exciting with its wide range of options and affordable alternatives for youngsters.

Shoppers at buzzling hubs in Bengaluru like the ever-popular Commercial Street, Brigade Road, Malleswaram, Koramangala, Jayanagar have seen an increase in footfalls in teens and children in recent years.

Shopkeepers around these locations say teenagers come in search of fashion items that popular personalities and pop stars wear. Street hawkers in such hubs roughly sell junk jewelry worth Rs10,000 daily.

Some shop owners say, “Of late the buyers, mostly teens and children, ask for resin jewelry and keychains (a type of jewelry made of resin using gemstones, flowers, glitter, beads etc.) Bracelets, simple stud earrings, and stamped jewelry sell hot. Young boys also choose to buy a few trendy and stylish jewelry”, says Asha, owner of Smart Tailors and Accessories, Commercial Street, Bengaluru.

Shop owners like Kavita Mehta who has sold jewelry in her shop Urvi Creations, at Safina Plaza, Bengaluru for decades says, “Costume jewelry has always been the number one choice for kids, teens and adults. Buyers don’t want to invest in gold as it’s expensive making it risky during travel.

"They prefer having a variety of cheaper good quality jewelry that is safe for the skin as well. They usually buy semi-precious, oxidized or goldplated jewelry that is pocket friendly and trendy”.

Additionally, specific brands cater to the younger age groups by creating stylish and affordable accessories.