Most kids are growing, so last year's wardrobe is a limited option. On top of that, styles change, unless your school mandates uniforms. So what will kids want to wear? That's what we asked Kristin Munro, editor-in-chief of "Philadelphia Style" magazine.
Denim is always in demand. For girls, she says, the new look includes bright colors. Tops will be patterned, and plaids or stripes will work.
Guys are more likely to stick to traditional color denim, topped with a logo t-shirt. Options are many, but retro is "in", including sports logos from your favorite team.
As the weather cooks, layering becomes important.
Guys will enjoy a plaid dress shirt. Girls choices are broader, and one option for older girls this year is harem pants. They're a looser fitting version of traditional leggings, stylish and comfortable.
Younger girls might prefer the more-familiar leggings. Magazines like "Philadelphia Style" are a great way to get a handle on this year's trends.
Once you understand the look, you should be able to put outfits together in any price point.
High-end boutiques always have the latest, but mass-marketers will have their own version.
If you can splurge on just some more-expensive items, lean toward items worn more often and they'll probably give you better service.
Here's a list of fashions Kristin featured, and where you can find them:
The Fall 2011 Fall Fashion Forecast for Girls:
- animal prints
- ruffles
- sequins
- colored jeans
- polka dots
- rompers and play-suits
- color-blocking
- lace
- stripes
- leggings
The Fall 2011 Fall Fashion Forecast for Boys:
- graphic tees
- stripes
- nautical styles
- color-blocking
- plaid
Grade School Fashions:
Girl Look 1
Items:
- Flower Ruffle Dress by Love U Lots by Mulberribush - Denim knit dress with a gathered neckline and appliquéd flowers, complete with ruffled hem and lettuce edges, $46.00.
- Matching striped tights- Soft cotton and nylon plus spandex to keep the shape, $27.00.
- Locally made wool knit headband, $24.00.
- Available at Fiona's Childrenswear
- The Piazza at Schmidt's in Northern Liberties
- 1050 N Hancock St, Suite 80, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123
- 941.400.0732
http://www.fionasfairys.com
Girl Look 2
Color-blocking is back with a bang! Girls and boys all over school will be sporting bright complimentary colors on their back packs, hoodies, tees, jumpers, and skirts. This adorable dress from Fiona's Childrenswear is a simple yet trendy staple for the fall. The gray cotton dress is given a blast of color-blocking with tasteful yellow stripes. Compliment the color-blocking with a subtle hint of animal print! This black headband with fashionable feathers and a cheetah-print flower adds just the right touch.
Items:
- Color-block Jersey Dress by Llum - A gray cotton long-sleeved dress with tasteful yellow stripes, $68.00.
- Black headband with fashionable feathers and a cheetah-print flower made locally by Dot Quinlan, $20.00.
- Available at Fiona's Childrenswear
Boy Look 1-
This Wonderboy layered sleeve polo from Fiona's Childrenswear is a MUST! The patterned pocket gives a splash of color that is oh so cute! Pair with Distressed Dark Blue Denim Jeans, also by Wonderboy, and your little man is set for his first day of school! Don't forget this super-hip messenger bag from The 611 Lifestyle!- Concord 2Fer Polo by Wonderboy - A soft, cotton layered sleeve polo with patterned-pocket, $38.00.
- Distressed Dark Blue Denim Jeans by Wonderboy, $54.00.
- Available at Fiona's Childrenswear
Boy Look 2
Plaid returns this fall with much popularity! Have fun with layers and dress him in an electric blue Hanley shirt with a collared plaid snap shirt in steal gray like this one by Wonderboy to compliment the bright blue! Slim jeans are also great for boys this fall-like this pair by Wonderboy! Items:- Steal Gray Pearl Snap by Wonderboy, $55.00
- Electric Blue Hanley, $37.00
- Denim Jeans by Wonderboy, $54.00
- Available at Fiona's Childrenswear
- Kipling Full Size Black Backpack, also comes in tan, navy, and hot pink, $98.00.
- Backpack Available at Macy's
High School Fashions:
Teen Girl Look 1
This fall, brightly colored jeans are a huge trend! These 1961 Emma denim leggings in Tabasco from Denim Habit are a must have. The 4-way stretch denim leggings never scoop necked striped sweater for a super trendy, casual look for back to school. Remember, stripes are IN this fall! Complete the look with a pair of hammered hoop earrings and single leaf gold necklace, both by Blue Sky from Denim Habit!
Items:
- DL 1961 Emma Colored Jeans in Tabasco, $158.00
- Free People Scoop Sweater, $108.00
- Luxe Junkie Seamless Cami, $26.00
- Single Leaf Blue Sky Necklace, $30.00
- Hammered Hoop Blue Sky Earrings, $15.00
- Available at Denim Habit
- Suburban Square: 47 Saint Georges Road, Ardmore, Pa. 19003, (610) 649-3419
- The Promenade: 500 Route 73 South, Marlton, N.J., (856)-596-2121 http://www.denimhabit.com
- Large Zodiac glitter vinyl shoulder bag in red, $55
- Available through the 611 Lifestyle online boutique http://www.611lifestyle.com
b>Teen Girl Look 2
For an edgier fun look to rock the hallways, teen girls are taking comfy looks to a whole new level! These comfy yet stylish harem paints found at Betsey Johnson at the Pier Shops at Caesars are a great update to the legging. The long cotton pants tapered at the ankle are perfect to lounge in the classroom. Pair the paints with a striped long-sleeved tee, and complete the look by adding an animal-print messenger bag, a stylish update to the traditional school bag.Items:
- Black Cowl pants, black $64
- Long-sleeved striped top, $58
- Laptop case, metal cheetah gunmetal $88
- All available at Betsey Johnson at The Pier Shops at Caesars
- One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
- (609) 345-3100
http://www.thepiershopsatcaesars.com
Teen Boy Look 1
Boys…get rid of those raggedy tees. This year, update your t-shirt collection with a graphic tee! This light-weight, cotton Philadelphia Eagles graphic tee found at Mitchell & Ness is perfect to show off your favorite sports team, but add a touch of style. As the crisp cool air rolls in, add a cotton heathered body fleece hoody and a flat brim hat for street style. Dress it down with a pair of light True Religion jeans and top the look off with a camo backpack!Items:
- Eagles Off Tackle Hoody - Cotton heathered body fleece jacket with embroidered team name, felt logo and faux Sherpa lining in the hood, $150.00
- Eagles Distressed Tee - Lightweight, cotton ringspun combed jersey, vintage garment washed, with a front chest distressed screenprinted team logo graphic, $42.00.
- Eagles Team Arch & Logo Fitted Hat - 100%, front raised embroidery and contrast color undervisors, $30
- Eagles Team Arch & Logo Flannel Fitted Hat - Wool flannel crown with melt on wool visor, arched team name in raised embroidery on front, embroidered team name on back, $30.
- Available at Mitchell & Ness
- 1201 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107
- 267-273-7622
http://www.mitchellandness.com
- True Religion Slim Straight Jeans, $233
- Available at True Religion at The Pier Shops at Caesars
- DC Gray Camouflage backpack, $44.50
- Available at Macy's, http://www.macys.com
Teen Boy Look 2
For an update on the classic business casual look (perfect for our prep school boys), plaid is in! A plaid navy blue collared dress shirt like this one by 611 Lifestyle makes a bold statement. Leave the shirt open to show off a great a logo tee and pair it with a light colored pair of khakis.- 611 Lifestyle's Standard Plaid Logo T-Shirt, $20.00
- Men's Luxe Navy Blue Collared Dress Shirt by 611 Lifestyle, $100.00
- Available through the 611 Lifestyle online boutique
- Tommy Hilfiger Pants Core Academy Chino , $39.98
- Element backpack, $39.99
- Available at Macy's
For more information about "Philadelphia Style" magazine, visit their website, http://phillystylemag.com, where you can read editions online. You may subscribe by phoning them at 866-891-3144.
