What to wear on that all-important first day of school? So, kids, whether you’re feeling preppy or pretty, casual or like a cowboy, one of these back-to-college trends is sure to suit your style.
For Girls,
Color denim: Rainbow hues and neon shades continue to be hot this fall, along with new styles featuring animal prints, polka dots and other patterns. Worried about plunking down cash on a quickly fading fad, Mom and Dad? Don’t be. We won’t see the end of color denim anytime soon.
Rugby stripes: Whether on a T-shirt or polo shirt, these bold stripes add a sporty flair to fall. Pair your shirt with your favorite jeans, layer it under a hoodie or dress it up with a skirt. It’s versatile, flattering and widely available at a variety of price points.
Cardigans: These beauties can be preppy or feminine, depending on how you wear them. Layer one over your favorite graphic T-shirt (we love the smarty-pants prints from Geekie, available at begeekie.com — check out the bespectacled panda in our photo gallery) or pair a cardigan with a blouse and skirt for a ladylike look.
Western-inspired shirts: Add a little Southwest flavor to your wardrobe with a denim or plaid button down shirt. But, warns Gasco, remember that these aren’t the same baggy plaid shirts your parents wore in the grunge period. The trendiest styles are fitted with cuffed sleeves or tie waists.
Moccasins: To add to your Western-inspired wardrobe, slip into these comfy shoes. “They’re a huge hit with the younger girls,” Gasco says. “Ours are selling like crazy.” You can find moccasins at variety of retailers in different colors with all sorts of embellishments; some even come with fuzzy lining.
For Boys,
Color denim: Yes, the color craze has crept into guys’ fashion, too. Look for slimmer-fitting styles in gray, dark purple, red and blue, Taylor says. If you’re a little tentative, look for an inexpensive pair. For a little fun, try topping it with a graphic T-shirt.
Polos: “The varsity look is definitely coming back around again,” Taylor says. Embrace it with a striped polo or one with a collegiate-inspired look to pair with your everyday jeans, or make your mom smile and actually wear those nice trousers she bought you.
Cardigans: Add to your preppy wardrobe with a cardigan. Grab one in stripes, one of the hottest patterns for guys this season. Feel a little too dressed up? Layer it over a graphic T-shirt.
Western-inspired shirts: Here’s another trend that mirrors the girls. Look for a fitted style with rolled-up sleeves and cow boyish details such as snap fastenings and embroidery.
High-top sneakers: Finish your back-to-school wardrobe with a pair of cool kicks in a retro style. High tops have come back in a big way, Taylor says, and they work with just about everything in your closet.
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