I wanted to do something a little different. I have had several clients who have young girls and they are always asking me how to give their teens or pre-teens the most informative and understanding advice when it comes to their styles.

My poor mom. We had a lot fights over clothes. I guess it seemed to work itself out in the end.

I know that school is gearing up for most of us and that means back to school shopping for a few. Typically I write about saving money on your styles, and how to dress for your body type, but I am going to take a different approach this time.

I have recently had an opportunity to work with some gorgeous young ladies and styling them has been nothing more than a joy.

I have had a few moms approach me asking me to help out their sweet teens in regards to their fashion. I will admit, I know that this age is hard for both teen and mom. Trying to agree on what they should or shouldn’t wear can be the source of a lot of frustrations.

Believe me, I know, I might not have a teen or a daughter but I have two older sisters and I was once a teen so, I can certainly relate on both levels.

Remember, God made us in his image so the key is honoring that. We can look beautiful as long as we embrace who we are and how God made us.

Here are a few fashion forward tips for your growing teen. Love yourself and love your style!

1. Embrace Your Body.

We are all made differently and that is a wonderful thing. Some are tall, short, bigger boned, etc.

Don’t get caught up in why someone can wear a particular style and you can’t. That’s not what it’s about. It’s about you understanding who you are and your body.

We need to remember that we all can embrace and wear the same or different styles in different ways, and in return that is what makes your style stand out more.

2. Confidence

This is the key to embracing your style. Now, don’t be overly confident you don’t want to come across the wrong way.

I am talking about when you find your style and what you know you can and cannot wear it’s about enjoying and knowing you look and feel your best. Pass that confidence along to other ladies.

3. Modesty

To a lot of teens this sound like a scary word. I promise it’s not.

Talk to your teen about modesty, style and appropriate clothes. Let her know that you want her to be comfortable in her clothes. And that while fashion is about self-expression, she should understand that she can make the right impression on others when she understand that being modest can actually come across as being trendy.

Let her be a good example to others.

4. Research

Moms do your research with your teens. Make this fun.

Find your teen’s favorite style magazines, blog or websites. Check out Pinterest.

Be open minded with your teen, but in return make your teen understand that there will be a compromise when it comes to what styles they choose to wear.

5. Get Creative

This can be so much fun for both you and your teen. If you feel that your teen may be choosing items of clothing that are too tight, too short or are just all around inappropriate then, find items in the outfit she chose that might work with more appropriate pieces of clothing.

Style is unique to every person and taking the time to figure it out can be a fun experience for parent and teen.

6. Learn to Layer

Layering is key to any style no matter what age you are. Try a long cardigan with a tee or a tank.

I know teens love comfort, who doesn’t, so this can be a simple process with minimal items.

Pair their favorite layers over a maxi dress, skirt, tights, jackets, jeans, shorts, sweater or leggings. Then you can add some fun style with boots or flats and jewelry.

Layers will balance out what might seem inappropriate.