Weary Parent: Parenting Tweens & Teens

Back-to-School Fashions

by Christine on August 15th, 2008

Have you finished your back-to-school shopping yet? I hate to admit it, but we haven’t even started yet. And school starts on Wednesday. I’ve always been kind of a procrastinator. I admit it.

Being fashion challenged I had no idea what’s in these days. That is, until I had dinner with some friends last weekend and discovered all things 80’s are coming back in. I believe there was a noticeable groan coming from my direction.

I guess we knew this day would come. After all it was that long ago girls were pulling 70’s items from their parents closets and donning the high school hallways in *gasp* bell bottoms and hippy tops. But I firmly believe there is not one single thing from the 80’s that should ever come back in style. Except maybe leg warmers.

So what’s hot this year?

Huge Accessories. Girls are wearing big earrings, big sunglasses, big belts and carrying big handbags. Gone are the backpacks and in are big canvas bags and messenger bags. Girls aren’t carrying small purses anymore. Now they carry handbags that look like a piece of luggage. I’m ok with that as long as big hair doesn’t come back. (Please. I’m begging you.)

Skirts. Apparently skirts are the must-have item this year. Thank goodness I’m not a teen trying to be trendy anymore. I was never much of a skirt or dress girl. But girls today are loving the skirt. But be sure to choose a skirt that’s right for your body type.

Babydoll Dress. I blame MTV for this trend. Lauren Conrad and other MTV stars seem to be rocking the babydoll dress and teenage girls are quickly following suit.

Bold & Bright Colors. No more pastels. Now it’s all about the color. Whether it’s a cute feminine top or a vintage tee, the brighter the color the better. Look for vivid blues and purples as well as greens and yellows. Teens want to stand out this year.

Graphic Tees. The t-shirt is back. (Although did it ever really leave?) But kids don’t want just any kind of tee. They want tees with big bold graphics. And vintage tees are fly. (Do kids still say fly?) My teenage son has some Motley Crew and Metallica t-shirts in his collection. Too bad I didn’t keep my old Skid Row t-shirt from back in the day. And tattoo designs are hot. Not tattooed on your skin, but all over your clothes and shoes.

Hoodies. For both boys and girls. I can hardly believe it, but hoodies are hot. I blame Avril Lavigne for this trend. Apparently she even has her own line of skater hoodies that are quite popular right now.

Layering: Yes, the dreaded layering is back. When I was in high school I lived in leggings and oversized sweaters. And now, so will my kids. (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.) Today’s teens are layering leggings under dresses, skirts, long tunics, babydoll tops and trapeze tops. The leggings should be a dark neutral color while the top should be a bright color like fuchsia or teal. Teens are also layering simple black dresses with big belts, scarves and cardigans. And don’t forget the importance of shrugs, vests, hoodies and blazers. Whenever you can layer, do it.

Dark Wash Denim. My drawer is filled with stone-washed denim. I’m going to be so out-of-style this year because the new trend is dark, dark and more dark. The style of jean isn’t as important as the color. From skinny jeans to boot cut, it’s all good as long as it’s dark washed.

Boots. Boots are making a comeback. While high heeled boots will never go out of style, flat ankle boots are starting to make a comeback. As are Lace-up boots.

Flats. Flats are the hot thing too. Canvas flats and ballerina flats are stylin’ right now. (Am I showing my age here? Stylin’? Fly?)

Skater Inspired Shoes. Guys are digging the skater style; big, bold graphics, including the tattoo graphics, with big shoelaces tied loosely if tied at all.

What are your kids wearing?

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POSTED IN: Teen Fashions