While not fully formed, back-to-school wardrobes are starting to take shape. Topping the teen wanted list are boleros and blazers, cowboy boots and retro-looking sneakers and watches with wide bands.
By Karen Sommer Shalett
Staff writer, New Orleans Times-Picayune
According to trend forecasters, there's good news and bad news for parents this year when it comes to back-to-school shopping. The good: Your children will shop at more discount retailers than ever such as Old Navy, Target, Burlington Coat Factory and T.J. Maxx. The bad news: It's because what they'd really prefer you spend your money on are new cell phones and iPods.
However, style scouting will still play a large role in getting ready for the first day of classes, said Tina Wells, the 25-year-old CEO of Buzz Marketing, a trend forecasting company who consults international fashion, beauty and recording industry professionals on what teens and tweens want.
"What's so cool about this age group is they always have to own a look themselves," Wells said. "What is special to them changes weekly, depending on what they are seeing celebrities wear and how they can take the look and customize it."
Wells said innovative teens will start with the foundation of their summer clothes and build a wardrobe on it throughout the first months of fall rather than all at once. In addition to acquiring some trendy items, girls will likely swap and share clothes with their friends as well as take older pieces and update them with crafty do-it-yourself projects. Even uniforms will get the customized treatment through accessories.
Guys will focus on layering and inject formal items such as ties and blazers into their wardrobes. However, they'll still maintain casual looks by pairing the formal elements with T-shirts, sweatshirts and jeans.
What follows is Wells' take on what your kids are likely to want as they prepare to make the grade.
GIRLS
1. Cowboy boots. The most versatile shoes of the season, they can be worn with a denim mini and layered T-shirts, tucked into jeans or with a dress.
2. A big and slouchy bag. This is the trendy alternative to a backpack.
3. Bangle bracelets. In bright colors such as orange, these make an impact, particularly when worn with a school uniform.
4. Bolero jackets. Abbreviated jackets worn with long shirts will be paired with jeans or skirts and cowboy boots.
5. Prairie skirts. There is a length and shape for every girl whether it is mini, knee-length or an A-line cut.
6. Embellished jeans. The details define the denim. Big embroidered graphics and details on the back pockets distinguish this year's jeans from last year's.
7. Wide belts. With a prairie skirt, the belt should be worn over the hips. With a white button-down or V-neck sweater, it should be worn to cinch the waist.
8. Military-style blazer. This trend comes direct from the designer runways, particularly Balenciaga's, but can be found at lower price points as well.
9. A bright orange lip gloss. Gloss will always rate high with teen girls who are likely to forgo the matte berry look that will be in style for their adult counterparts.
10. A man's watch. The chunkier the better is the watchword. And unlike their guy friends, the girls will go for a big metal band rather than leather.
BOYS
1. Layered polos. Kahne West made polo shirts a basic and teen guys make it their own by layering different color combinations.
2. Leather-banded watch. The guys also want a watch with a wide band, but their band is even wider than the watch face itself.
3. Jeans. This year the silhouettes are slimmer than ever before. Boot-cut fits are taking the place of baggy and cargo styles.
4. Track jackets. The coolest way to wear these are with the collar up.
5. Retro-looking sneakers. Whether the brand is Puma or Old Navy, the more they look like skate shoes the better.
6. Bold ties. No, you didn't read that wrong. Teen boys will try out ties, but the accessory will be made casual by being worn with dark button-downs and jeans.
7. Flip-flops. This summer staple is still stylish for fall, but the sandals should be made out of leather rather than neoprene.
8. Striped button-down shirts. These will be layered over retro-inspired T-shirts.
9. Blazers. Another element of dressing up while dressing down, blazers will be paired with hooded sweatshirts or open button-down shirts and layered T-shirts.
10. Short-sleeved button-down shirts. Also inspired by the skate movement, these still-popular tops mirror vintage finds.
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