Over the past couple of years, as a high school student, I've noticed myself and my peers forging identities like youth always do. Our interests diverge and emerge, and pretty often, they end up placing us within subcultures or stereotypes.
When I was younger, I wanted to belong to an identifiable group based on personality, and the idea still holds a certain appeal, but at the same time, there's an unfortunate simplicity to it. Subcultures can divide people, and limit people too, and as a young adult, I'm worried about falling victim to that. I figure there's a line, so I'm hoping some of the people who have walked it can offer up some advice here.
In the 1950's consumer products were only differentiated by quality. You could buy the suit everyone else has, or get a higher quality one tailored for more money.
The sixties rebelled against this. Marketers figured out that consumers liked to create their identities, with the products they chose. Manufacturing was also moved overseas, to make up for the smaller profit margins.
The concept is called psychographics. People choose the uniform of the group they feel the most drawn to. It has nothing to do with being unique, or individual.
I know many people who even as adults, spend ridiculous amounts of money on their appearance. It sometimes puts them in debt, or stops them from doing the most fun, or important things.
Shop at a resale shop with someone honest and fun. Wear what you like, spend your money on the things you really care about. Ingore social pressure from people, that would make you go broke.
I can give you links or suggest books, if you are interested.