Feature The Uncertainties of the Teenage Self-Image Written by: Jackson Kavanaugh and Meghan Samples
YouTube and Instagram influencers such as Loey Lane (@LoeyBug) and Candice Huffine (@candicehuffine) are working to prove that no body type is “too big” to be beautiful. Loey Lane has an entire YouTube category dedicated to self-love and body confidence where she candidly expresses her struggle with loving her body. Candice Huffine, a Victoria's Secret model, posts photos of herself that society doesn’t typically expect of a model. She posts pictures of herself standing and having fun, not worrying about posing to make herself appear thinner. Every aspect of her Instagram shows self-love and body positivity.
Style is about self-expression and confidence. With the rise of social media trends, many teenagers have adopted trending styles to find what works best for them. What you wear and how you wear it can influence how much confidence you have. The adoption of different styles and trying them out has helped many to find what they are comfortable in. While some with bigger body types may be more comfortable in wearing bigger clothes to cover themselves, others enjoy wearing crop tops and small clothing. Some with smaller body types may enjoy wearing full coverage clothing like hoodies, while others prefer more revealing outfits. It’s all about confidence and comfort. The most important part of style and self-love is understanding that the only person you need to worry about is you! Dress for yourself, and wear what makes you comfortable and happy. Be dressy or casual, be bold or mild. All of those stylistic choices vary from person to person, generation to generation. Style can be used to find more confidence, to express oneself and their personality, or to stay on trend. But what does not go in and out of trend is body type. That is not something a person can choose, and, in some cases, they may not be able to change it either. Whether it be medical reasons, or a lack of resources, many can’t change the body they are in. Which is why loving the body you have is so important. You only get one. Happiness at any size for anyone is achievable through self-confidence and self-love. 7
