Attitudes towards and influences on fashion choices among nutrition, family and consumer studies sixth form students

Abstract

Teenagers think that fashion is important for ones' life because it identifies one person from another through personal styles. This study focuses on such a notion, where it is understood how and why students adopt different shopping attitudes that are influenced through various factors. The research tools were conducted in all local Post-Secondary State Schools in Malta and Gozo. The target group was first year, sixth form, Home Economics students who chose the subject at an Advanced Level and supposedly knowledgeable on the subject matter. Two hundred and four questionnaires were collected and five, focus group interviews were conducted. Through such research tools, the researcher found that the transitional change in clothing, which takes place between Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools, does not quite affect students. Media is affecting the lives of many teenagers at a very young age. At this stage, money is not significant, but as teenagers enter sixth form, students face money issues and so, they learn to budget and limit themselves when purchasing clothing. For some, buying new branded clothes is vital and for others, buying the so-called 'cheap' clothing is essential. Being handed over clothes is being considered as saving upon money. This in turn, makes students aware that they are safeguarding the environment. When fashion is placed under the consumer lens, there is still much to be learnt. A person can only be sensible if good budgeting is practiced and wants and needs can be prioritised.