Do your kids want to look too cool for school but you want to keep some money in your pocket? P&K spoke to area fashion experts to get the inside scoop on what kids will want to be wearing when the first school bell rings.


 

 

They’ve Got the Look   Be Cool For Less
 
  By Heather Kempskie 

Do your kids want to look too cool for school but you want to keep some money in your pocket? P&K spoke to area fashion experts to get the inside scoop on what kids will want to be wearing when the first school bell rings.

 

The Boys

Despite their shopping protests, boys will be drawn to one of this year’s newest items - a hooded fleece with “all over prints. It’s a new trend and it’s not in his closet yet,” says Bob’s Stores spokesperson Renee Guida.

 

Graphic Tees with prints or sayings are all the rage for both boys and girls this year, says Sonya Cosentini, style expert at T.J.Maxx of Framingham. “These styles are very artistic and allow for some self expression.”

 

Here is some nice news for parents who can’t stand the baggy look. Silhouettes in denim are moving away from the baggy loose fitting denim to slimmer fits.

 

On the color front, you can expect to see colors that revolve around blues and greens, this year, but there will be more subdued versions of these colors. Also, don’t pack up those plaid shorts just yet. According to Consentini, this is a very cool look too. “Girls can also definitely wear plaid dresses during the warmer months when school starts,” she adds.

   

The Girls

“This year, a lot of girls will be dressing like their big sister,” says Cosentini. Is this a bad thing?

 

“It’s good news for parents because the style is pretty covered up with lots of layers, “ says Cosentini. She’s talking about graphic Ts with solid vests layered on top. This trend also means that your child may be able to carry over some clothes from last school year or even from the summer.

 

“Blues, fuchsia and plums are hot colors,” says Guida. “As for styles, it's all about the rock n' roll and peace screen t-shirts and vests.”

 

Add some darker color tights or leggings to those long bohemian tunic tops she wore over the summer, for another super cool look, adds Cosentini.

   

Save $

“Families will definitely be feeling the pinch this back to school season,” acknowledges Guida. “With gas and grocery prices high, items like a new back to school wardrobe or the latest style of sneaker are lower on the parent's priority list, but not the kid's!”

  Here’s our best advice:  

Since it's still warm out, kids will be going back to school in shorts and t-shirts. Buy the essentials kids need to get started at school, and then they'll shop again when the weather starts to cool, advises Guida.

 

The layering look easily allows you to recycle some of your kid’s summer clothes, says Cosentini. “It can be quite easy to update the look of a sundress or t-shirt with creative layering,” she concludes.

 

Consider looks that can transition from season to season. Leggings and jeans can work from spring to fall with a new top or accessories, a great hooded fleece can increase the life of summer tops, and layering can make summer polos perfect for fall once you add a thermal underneath, says Guida.

 

Take a close look at what your child already has in her closet before shopping. Talk about what they like and don’t like and build on that. Perhaps you can build upon a certain look.

 

Once you figure out what your child needs, it’s time to make a budget – and stick to it. Retailers are hurting as well, so expect to find many of the fall clothing on sale.

  Accessorize. Go for an over the shoulder tote bag. Think bright colors and patterns. “If there’s one item you have to get, it’s this. These pieces need to be updated given the abuse it takes during the school year,” says Cosentini.