I love that you are reaching out about this! I am a firm believer for teenage girls to dress appropriately (but not boring!) and also start to cultivate your own style as I find teenage girls tend to copy eachother from peer pressure. I love the idea of jean shorts, but not the really short ones. (They are not appropriate for a teenage girl and not appropriate for Miley Cyrus!). Pick a jean short that comes right above the knee with a double cuff. Yes, Aeropostle and Abercrombie and American Eagle logoed wear is played out and doesn't say you are an individual thinker! I love the nautical look (striped navy and white tops), layered tank tops in fun colors, and vintage top can be fun from thrift stores and are a great way to individualize your wardrobe and your girlfriends will be asking, 'Where did you get that!'. I am a little over skinny jeans too and they don't work on everyone. A straight leg jean is totally appropriate and usually flattering. I love a really light-colored denim as well as white jeans for the summer. If it's cold in school or a movie theatre, etc., throw a cute longer cardigan on with a skinny belt OVER it to accent your waist - it will look more finished that way. Also, an unstructured blazer is cute over a t-shirt, and shorts too. And FYI, the romantic look is big for Fall. So less edgy things are out and flowy feminine skirts and tops will be big so you can get a head start on that! Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions!

Hi Smartbear!
There are absolutely ways to make clothes you already have look updated and more sophisticated. One idea is adding a blazer to your wardrobe, you could wear the blazer over t-shirts or tops you already have. Anoher idea is purchasing a small heel to wear with a pair of jeans.

Is there a specific event you need a look for? I could help you put an outfit together or give you links to stores that have items in your budget? Please let me know where I can help...

I hope all is well!
cheers,
-Adrienne Stylist