Q: I am a young teen and I find shopping for suitable clothes a challenge. They are usually for people older or younger than my age. Can you recommend some places where I can buy affordable clothing?

A: Don't worry, all of us go through that awkward teenage phase when we don't quite feel at ease in our skin, much less our clothes.

To get through this rough sartorial patch, consider labels such as Esprit and Giordano and any store in Far East Plaza. They have been dressing teens here for more than 20 years and here's why: Their T-shirts, jeans and assorted flirty skirts are affordable wardrobe staples that are casually stylish enough to suit the tastes of any budding fashionista.

To venture into funkier territory, try places such as Samuel & Kevin, Pull & Bear and Topshop. Designs here tend to follow the latest trends. If plaid scarves are in, these are the places to get one.

But rather than seek out places to buy appropriate clothes, I suggest you experiment freely with your teenage style choices.

You will figure out what suits you sooner or later and you have your whole life to look appropriate.

Half the fun of being a teen lies in trying on different identities for size and making the fashion mistakes that you will laugh about later on. So go for that crazy dress at This Fashion or rip up your mother's old jeans. Who cares? Just have fun.

The teen years are also a good time to start inculcating life-long fashion habits, so here are a few tips:

- Designer labels and trends are largely meaningless on their own. Always go for well-made, flattering clothes that you can afford, rather than abide by conventional ideas of what is cool or in.

- Life is always easier if you have these things: The perfect plain T-shirt; a pair of comfy, presentable shoes that go with everything; a go-to dress that will get you through a date, a job interview and an audience with the Queen. Some people spend a lifetime searching for these things, so get a headstart.

- Always buy nice underwear that fits well. It will make you feel like a million bucks no matter what else you are wearing.

- Aspirational clothes - for those wistful, rose-tinted future scenarios when you are thinner or have the right haircut or diamond necklace to go with the outfits - almost never pan out. Live in the present and buy clothes that fit your body and lifestyle now.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Jan 2, 2009.