Back-To-School Looks Parents Will Love

Teen Vogue's Amy Astley: Kids' Personal Style Emphasized This Year

(CBS)  It's almost time for kids to hit the books again, and that means it's time to hit the stores to buy them some new clothes!

Rather than looking back to vintage stuff this year, designers sought inspiration in the way young kids put together their own looks, according to Teen Vogue (www.teenvogue.com) Editor in Chief Amy Astley. It's about street fashion, with lots of customization to create a personal style.

Accessories are also very important this season. They add the personal element to the outfit.

Parents will see a bit of '80s-inspired looks. That's a big trend in both adult and teen looks.

And, says Astley, parents will love the new looks, because there's not a mid-drift in sight!

LOOK NO. 1: BOY BLAZER

Blazer: Lands End $79.50
Turtleneck: American Eagle $29.50 Skinny Pant Laundry by Design $165
Ethnic Scarf: Madewell $48
Sneakers: Converse $48

This boy blazer has been customized by adding patches and trim to the collar. Ethnic accessories are important this season, and add a feminine touch to this tailored look. The accessories help off-set the boyish blazer.

LOOK NO. 2: KNITWEAR DRESS

Sweater Dress: Forever 21 $31.99
Button Down Blouse: Gap $44.50
Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Boots: Doc Martens
Belt: Vintage

This season is all about creating an outfit around a great piece of knitwear. Last season sweaters really took the stage in terms of knitwear — but this dress is a great look and you will see this everywhere. A soft knit dress can be dressed up with a crisp button down shirt, and a vintage belt.

LOOK NO. 3: SPORTY OUTERWEAR

Puffy Jacket: Lands End $59.50
Colored Jeans: Indigo Six $68
Colored Knit Sweater: Madewell $49.50
Wide Patent Leather Belt: Theory
Nylon Backpack: Nine West
Boots: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Scarf: Flea Market

This outfit is all about mixing sporty outwear with dressier pieces to make a look more sophisticated.

LOOK NO. 4: NEW JEAN SHAPE

High waist jeans: Hudson $187
Graphic T-Shirt: Urban Outfitters $25
High-heel Sneaker: Nine West

This look is all about the new jean shape — a wide leg and a higher waist. Pair it with a graphic T-shirt to make it cool and personal. Parents will love this, because these are the opposite of the very popular low-riders we've seen for several seasons.

[michelle731-2009]

yes, the oxford-shirt-under-a-knit-dress look *looks* great, but is probably very uncomfortable. No teenage girl woould keep this look on for more than 5 minutes. The first look was my favorite - She could remove the jacket during the day & still look cute in the pants & top with the scarves.

PS - the word is "midriff", not "mid - drift"...