How can I help my daughter feel included in trends?
Ways to get creative
Updated April 9, 2026 • Medically reviewed by Dr. Emma Dickie
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emma DickieIn this article
How can I help my daughter feel included in trends?
It’s completely normal for teens to want to feel included in trends, especially with social media moving so quickly. You can support your daughter by helping her get creative with what she already has, setting realistic boundaries around spending, and building her confidence and self-identity so she doesn’t feel pressure to keep up with everything.
Trends can feel all-consuming for teens - at luna, we hear about a new "aesthetic" basically every week, and with each new "aesthetic" come any number of new clothing, skincare, and makeup products. We also know that teen girls feel pressured to “glow up” before school starts - with more than 4 in 5 teen girls feeling this pressure.
It’s not easy as a parent trying to balance inclusion with cost and sustainability. However, by understanding why trends feel so big for teens and helping them explore their own personality and style, you can guide them towards confidence and fulfillment.
Why are trends important to teens?
Trends can feel really important to teens because they’re closely linked to identity, belonging, and self-expression.
Following trends can help them feel part of a group, connect with others, and explore who they are during a time when they’re still figuring things out. You probably did the same when you were their age, whether you were a rocker with Doc Martens or a hippy covered in tie-dye you did yourself!
The shared social connection you might have felt is still there in your teen as they explore trends. However, social media makes it all a bit more intense. Trends change quickly, compassion is rife, and teens can feel really left out. Furthermore, some online trends, such as certain TikTok skincare trends, can actually be harmful.
How can I help my teen save money on trends?
You don’t need to constantly buy new things for your teen to feel included in trends. With a bit of creativity, thoughtful spending, and small changes, she can still take part without it becoming expensive or overwhelming. It’s about finding ways to engage that feel fun but still realistic.
To help your teen feel included in trends without spending too much money, you could:
- Encourage creativity with what she has: mixing and matching existing clothes can make outfits feel completely new. You could even make it fun with a little fashion show!
- Focus on versatile pieces: simple staples or accessories can be styled in lots of different ways without constant spending
- Try second-hand options: charity shops or resale apps can be a more affordable (and sustainable) way to explore trends
- Set a budget together: giving her a set amount to spend can help her prioritise what matters most. This can also encourage independence in your teen as it allows them to manage moneu
- Explore DIY ideas: customising clothes or accessories can be a fun, creative way to feel part of a trend
It's also important to remind your teen that her true friends will value her for who she is, not what she wears or what trends she follows – building confidence in her own unique style can help her feel more comfortable and less pressured to follow every trend as time goes on.
Why can trends be harmful to teens?
Trends can sometimes create pressure for teens to look or behave a certain way, especially when they’re constantly changing online. This can affect self-esteem, lead to comparison, and make teens feel like they need to keep up to fit in.
When trends focus on appearance, teens can feel like they are not enough. However, by boosting body image in our teens and introducing them to empowering resources, like luna, you are able to guide them away from trend pressure and towards confidence.
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
We'd love to keep in touch!
Sign up to our parent newsletter for emails on the latest teen trends, insights into our luna community and to keep up to date
By signing up, you are agreeing that we can use your email address to market to you. You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by using the link in our emails. For more information, please review our privacy statement.