By Nicole Rojas, Ariel Gononsky and Kaitlin Prisco-Buxbaum
Back to school. As summer dwindles, the thought on most students’ and parents’ minds is returning to the wonderful institution that is school. While the thoughts of books, supplies, and the like occupy the minds of many, fashion also becomes an important factor. And in this economy it should be. Many parents struggle to satisfy their children’s needs to look trendy while staying within budget. But what exactly is trendy these days? According to Debbie Franzese, owner of Rockville Centre’s House of Style, “The fall season’s biggest trends are leggings, especially red ones, motorcycle jackets, and skinny jeans.” It doesn’t end there, though. Because going back to school means going back to the scrutiny of classmates, we offer this guide of what (and what not) to wear this year.
Back to the ’80s…and ’90s
“It’s quite unfortunate, but the ’80s are back,” says Gloria Baume, fashion director at Teen Vogue. But don’t be too scared. “The young teenage girl is incredibly wise when choosing pieces from the ’80s,” Baume adds, “She takes small elements—like jewelry and accessories—and gives her outfits a twist.”
The biggest ’80s trend to return with a vengeance? Definitely neon. Neon high-tops are big with teenagers today, declares Seventeen Magazine’s Fashion Director Gina Kelly. Accessories in bright neon colors are also a must. Each piece gives an outfit some flair without going in ’80s overkill.
Leather is also coming back strong. “The leather from today is breathable. Nothing like the leather of the ’80s,” says Baume, “It’s definitely one of the cuter ‘80s trends coming back.” Stores, such as American Eagle and Forever 21, will be offering this hot commodity right in time for back-to-school.
Students have also noticed the retro fashions coming back. Hofstra University junior Courtney Klapper says, “I have heard and seen a lot of ‘rocker’ apparel with, like, chains and and the faux-leather look. On the more feminine side, ruffles and high-waisted skirts and pants as well as sequins [are in style]. Both of these styles can be based off of the ’80s and ’90s [looks].”
Marketing director of the online fashion lounge LuLu’s, Colleen Winter, says some popular styles being featured on Lulus.com include exposed zippers, oversized tees, over-the-knee boots, waisted items, as well as taupe and gray for the neutral colors this fall.
“Besides the ’80s, I would say that early ’90s are also important for this season,” says Winter. “Grunge, the blazer trend, and patterned denim are all good ’90s trends. Our girls are loving all of those!”
Boy Meets Girl
The tomboy look is here to stay—at least for now. “I would say that the tomboy trend has been coming for a while,” says Baume. “Oversized blazers, crisp shirts—they’re big right now”
“Black blazers have become a staple when shopping,” says Jordan O’Neill store manager at Emily Sky Fashions in Commack.
“Plaid shirts are a big seller,” admits Nikki Baptiste, the store manager at Forever 21 in Bay Shore.
“They come in all shapes too: tunics, boyish fitted shapes or grunge-inspired oversize ones all go perfectly with jeans or leggings,” adds Kelly from Seventeen.
Plaid is not just a trend among girls; it’s becoming increasingly popular among guys as well. Stores, such as H&M and Gap, have a wide variety of plaid shirts to choose from for guys and men-inspired clothes for girls.
Along similar lines, the military blazer or coat has been seen on the runway during New York City’s Fashion Week, and this style will be seen in various versions in department stores and boutiques for the fall and winter season. Along with the boyfriend blazer, the boyfriend jeans are coming into style this fall. The cuffed and somewhat baggy trend gives a comfortable but stylish look and can be paired with anything. Great for the fall season, they go well with sandals and a T-shirt, or paired with a jacket for the cooler days.
Fun, Flirty, and Girly
For those not into the whole tomboy look, girly is still in. Baume calls it the “little lady” trend, “taking little elements of classic Chanel [tweedy jacket, pencil skirt, flirty dress]” and playing it up.
Floral prints are also a big hit for the girly back-to-school shopper. Baptiste says Forever 21 carries many floral print shirts and dresses that are very popular with their customers.
Also popular at Forever 21 is the harem pant. Casual enough to wear to class, yet dressy enough to wear with heels, these pants are making their way back onto the fashion scene this fall.
Beware!
There are many fashion trends that today’s teens are—thankfully—staying far away from. “Teens today are very wise [in their fashion decisions]. They are a lot less showy and are not too vulgar,” Baume says, “Girls want to look pretty. They love to have personal style! It’s refreshing actually.”
Kelly agrees and also adds, “Girls don’t like anything cheesy—like skirts that are too short or heels that are too high. They want to look cute and appropriate for school.”
Other items to stay clear of? O’Neill says, “Pinstripe pants and bell bottoms are definitely out!”
Staying on Budget
But perhaps the most important element of back-to-school fashion is doing it at an affordable price. Can it be accomplished?
Yes, says Kelly. “There are tons of options. The mall offers plenty of inexpensive yet trendy stores like Forever 21 and H&M. Accessories are a great way to update your look for cheap,” assures Kelly. As Franzese notes, “Many people are more conscious of their spending to the economy and the House of Style line gives them the opportunity to get the hottest trends for under $100.” Want to shop at other stores but don’t want to spend much? Hit the sales at places like Marshall’s and Nordstrom Rack—you will often find the same great items but at wallet-friendly prices.
Baume also adds, “Vintage is the way to go! You can shop at stores like Salvation Army or flea markets and find amazing things. Also be sure to make smart investments, buy things you know you’ll wear for a year or two.”
Clothes swaps are also becoming increasingly popular in these hard times. So let your teen grab a group of friends and neighbors and let the exchange begin! Let your teen pick through your closet as well. Something you may not have worn in ages can be the perfect addition to your teen’s outfit.
What ever you decide to do about your child’s back-to-school wardrobe, remember: fashion doesn’t have to be pricey, a lot can be recycled, and especially have fun with it!
