Dressing For School

Shopping for a new school wardrobe can often lead to a heated argument between parent and child. As fashion tastes clash, tensions run high - sometimes ending in nasty showdowns. But this season's fashions may offer many weary parents a break. The traditional (conservative or preppy) look is actually trendy this fall.

But as parents get ready to let out a sigh of relief, they should note kids will put plenty of their own twists on the old traditional styles. Fashion consultant Cindy Abbott has the forecast, using young models:

A pink and purple plaid jumper, white embroidered jersey, tights, and maryjanes. The jumpers are a favorite schoolgirl look, in fun bright colors rather than the traditional muted plaid.
A striped rugby shirt with a denim collar, a turtleneck, khaki pants, and a backpack. Both the rugby shirt and khaki pants are a favorite classic look.
A silver nylon long skirt, in a great gunmetal color, inspired by running pants. An althletic hooded top and colorful running sneakers complete the look. This modern athletic look will take girls from the playground to the mall.
For the boys, a colorful fleece vest over a striped polo shirt. Over the past few years, fleece has emerged from the ski slopes to become a fashion favorite. The vest is great for layering -- it will keep him warm in cooler weather, but works just as well indoors.
Dark denim cargo pants are a hot fashion trend for boys of all ages.
The jumper is a classic look for pre-teen girls. The blue fleece pea coat and matching beret complete the French schoolgirl look.
For pre-teen boys, there's the classic prep school look right down to white tennis shoes. There's the red plaid shirt, navy argyle vest, khaki pants, and wool navy peacoat.
For a fun "girly" look, try a lime green cardigan with floral details over a white tee. The outfit, paired with black bootleg pants and chunky shoes, has a modern '90s style. With it, carry a black messenger bag. It replaces backpacks as the must-have schoolbag this year.
Pre-teen boys love to dress comfortably, perhaps in an olive zip-neck shirt with striped details on both sides. The untucked shirt and the wide-leg and loose-fit jeans have a relaxed look without appearing sloppy. Trendy modern sneakers complete the look.
For the teen-ager, an olive plaid skirt, white button-down shirt, olive and mustard sweater vest with platform wedge shoes and a brown messenger bag. This is the teen version of the schoolgirl look -- traditional with a modern twist.
For a classic mature look, wear a dark navy V-neck sweater over denim shirt with flat-front khakis.
Trend girls may wear a gray cardigan with sequined butterfly detail, a gray skirt with pink pinstripes and floral embroidery. This outfit is many trends in one: gray is the hottest color of the season, cardigan sweaters are versatile and trendy, butterfly and embroidery details are a hot look this season.
Skirt lengths this fall are at or around the knee.
A layered look for guys that is relaxed and cool: Tan wide-leg corduroy pants, with layers on top: an olive thermal, blue plaid shirt, and an olive corduroy jacket with faux shearling to keep him warm while looking stylish.

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