Top 4 Reasons to Love Preteen Style

We all know fashion is no longer defined by age. Preteen style isn't frilly dresses anymore! These ladies are learning more about what they like and don't like everyday. With that in mind we should love, encourage, and get inspiration from their creative looks. At Top Buttons, we can't get enough of their LOVE of LIFE and each other! We asked some young ladies to wear their favorite summer looks for this photoshoot. The outcome couldn't have been orchestrated any better if we would have chosen the outfits for them. So here are our Top 4 Reasons to Love Preteen Style... Take a look.

1. Preteens LOVE clothing items which are Bright and Fun!

Ever found yourself buying that same neutral or black item over and over again?  Your tween self would have totally gone with a neon or bright color, no questions asked!  Embrace color this summer!

2. Preteens will try a new style or trend without fuss!

As they continue to develop their own unique style, this age group isn't afraid to branch out and try something new with their wardrobe.  Aztec, chambray, you name it, and they will try it.  Mixing patterns and colors are a must and it's a great way to maximize your wardrobe.

3. Preteens love to capture fashion and friendship!

You know it's true.  A Preteen does not miss a moment to snap a pic of their new look with their closest friends. Why not make the most of a great outfit, smile, and camera combo???  During summer, it is a most opportune time.

4. Preteens NEVER FORGET their favorite accessories to complete every look!

Everything about this outfit just works!  Try not to be so predictable with your accessories. Mixing things up a bit by adding a totally different color to your shoes or jewelry will add some spunk in your step and some serious interest to your outfit.

Now we all know, clothing which line the shelves for preteen's is often not... hmm... How shall we say it?...  age appropriate or modest.

Finding shorts which aren't too short for those growing legs, being bold without being offensive, showing off your mood as it changes day to day, all add to the difficulty of expressing individual style with healthy boundaries. But we've seen it done and done well.

Fashion is ART. We believe the preteen is pretty amazing. She is one who is worth the extra time to find clothing which fits properly and sends a message to the world that she is way more than just a body. She has a beautiful spirit, a heart to give, a strength to overcome, a mind to change the world around her and some spunk to make us all forget our troubles.

At Top Buttons, we want to give our tween followers a chance to share their style and healthy self-confidence with the world.  This is why we have decided to start featuring them right here on topbuttons.org!  With this in mind, We have also started an Instagram account devoted to preteens, @tb_girls!

We want to hear what you love the most about this age group AND their fashion sense. Let us know in the comments below! We can't wait for our next preteen photoshoot!

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Hair and Makeup: Yolanda Delacerda Photography:   Beth Carter

Genesis & Jenny - A Fashion Feature

Genesis Rosario & Jennifer Suarez are two university students with a passion for fashion and an aptitude for adventure. We had the privilege to document a day in their lives out and about on a windy Tampa afternoon.

Get the scoop on where they purchased all the adorable clothing items they used to put their one-of-a-kind outfits together.

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The SECRET to Jenny's outfit is that her tutu skirt is actually a DRESS from Forever 21. Spaghetti strap tops aren't her favorite, so she cleverly paired it with a cute graphic tee from Old Navy.

"I decided to tie a knot on the side to tone down the look," says Jenny.

Her Peep-Toe shoes, gifted Silver Necklace, and Stacked Pearl Bracelets are all from Forever 21 also!

"I love the look because it's super girly but it's versatile enough to make it a little less dressy simply by pairing it with a tee," Jenny adds.

To see more of Jenny's style and read about what runs through her mind, check out her blog here!

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"My outfit is a really comfy and neutral combination," says Genesis.

She wears a Black Leather Jacket from Forever 21 that features zippered pockets with a silky inner lining!

  Her cargo green pants were purchased from Aeropostale and also have zipper embellishments, which make the ends of the pants adjustable. Similar pants can also be found at Kohls.

Genesis has an extraordinary eye for thrift-shopping! Both her floral statement necklace and her striped top were from the thrift store!

 "I got the Striped shirt from Goodwill and it has half-long sleeves. Its pretty soft and it has black ruffles at the end, making it look super girly," explains Genesis.

 Last but not least are her dark brown Chelsea Boots from Target. 

"The small heel makes it comfortable to walk and wear all day long," Genesis raves!

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We hope you've enjoyed seeing how these two ladies styled their outfits. If anything you saw in this article inspired a purchase or outfit choice, make sure to COMMENT BELOW or tag us in a picture on Instagram.

Whether it's throwing around some confetti, traveling to a new city, or having a spontaneous photo shoot like these two ladies, we encourage you to go out and do something that brings you JOY!

Take It Easy: Effortless Summer Style

Don't sweat it this summer when it comes to your wardrobe! This summer's style is easy, relaxed, and comfortable. With the cool and classic "boyfriend jean" making it's headway this summer,  making a style statement has never been easier!

Wear them distressed, light washed, slim, long, short, cuffed, cropped- however you wear them, they are sure to add an element of effortless edge to your outfit. Not to mention, they are wonderfully comfortable and breathable for those hot summer days. Pair them with your favorite white or message tee for an extra dash of boyish charm. And of course, complete the look with some eclectic accessories to express your personality and add a feminine touch.

This look says confidence and one-of-a-kind style! The top is a bold and fun muscle tank from H&M for only $7! Paired with AG relaxed skinny boyfriend style jeans from Nordstrom for $205. A cute tan bootie heel is another summer essential, found at Nordstrom Rack for $25! The finishing touches to the look are a studded hat from Charlotte Russe for $10 and a multi-chain necklace found at a consignment shop for $7.

This next look features another way to wear boyfriend jeans: boyfriend shorts! These were found at Nordstrom on sale for $25! The message tee is from Aritzia for $15, and the hat is $10 at Charlotte Russe.

This look includes a loose-fitted white tee with sheer panel details from Nordstrom for $25 with a baggy-fit, light-washed boyfriend jean from H&M for $30. Finish this effortless outfit with a chunky statement necklace and a fun printed oxford. The statement necklace is one of the hottest trends in accessories and can be found just about anywhere. The printed oxfords were found at Nordstrom Rack for $15!

So, this summer, keep it simple. Be relaxed. Be yourself.

PHOTOGRAPHER: HANNAH DOBSON