Too Cool for School

Adults keep an eye on fashion shows for what’s hot and happening, but when you’re in high school the only runway that matters goes to and from class.

Rock it out
This year, school hallways get a little bit rock ’n’ roll. “This whole music-rock thing is really probably the most dominate trend for back to school,” says fashion stylist Roz Pactor.

Through an exclusive deal, Macy’s young men’s line is offering T-shirts with Rolling Stone covers to celebrate the rock magazine’s 40th anniversary. Since nothing says rock like the straight legged jean, expect those to make an appearance too. Get ready to rock it out with half-tucked T-shirts, thick belts, and shiny shoes.

If you’re tired of the bohemian look, keep holding your tongue. Roz says boho is still chic. The look is sticking, with a twist. Think Mother Earth and peace.

That brings us to another hot, hot, hot item. “Peace signs on anything are just blowing out!” according to Wendy Norwood. The fashion stylist with the Neal Hamil Agency, tells us store owners say a peace sign on anything sells.

Flashback
Expect fewer dressing room meltdowns this year, as many parents will be hit with deja vu. For those who love the 80s, it is a reunion of style and color. Kicking off the flashback—mini-skirts. The denim variety rocks the music look, while plaids highlight another fashion retread . . . tights.

That’s right, the thinner version of leggings are once again everywhere. “Tights can be funky,” Wendy says. “They don’t have to be preppy. You go to Urban Outfitters and they carry every funky tight known to man, tights with sparkles and all kinds of colors.”

Joining the fashion reunion—vests. “As you get into September, there will be sweater vests and lots of hoods,” Roz says. “Hoods on everything. Hoods on jackets. Hoods on knit tops. Hoods. Hoods. Hoods.”

Flatfooted
In the shoe department look for things to go flat. “You can put flats with anything from shorts and skirts to a wide-legged pants,” says Wendy.

Here’s it’s all about sole—pretty on top, rubber on the bottom. “Flats are number one in whatever way they want to interpret them,” Roz says. “Really girly and ballet-ish or more borderline athletic with canvas.”

And thanks to Converse’s new line, they come in every color. “I remember my mother saying you have to suffer to be beautiful,” Roz laughs, “but these girls are not going to do that. They want to look cute. They want to be comfortable. And that kind of shoe does it for them.”

Uniform style
Wendy says even kids wearing uniforms are making use of the fashion available to them. Helping out this season is the ruffle. Look for the polo style to get a little frilly around the edges. And when it comes to color, shoot for the rainbow because these preppy staples are in every color and pattern under the sun. You can even mix and match.

“The way to make a vest look new is to layer under it a polo rather than the ruffle shirt your mom wore, “ Roz advises.

It’s in the bag
The easiest buy for school used to be the plain old backpack. Not anymore. With the arrival of the messenger bag and this year’s “tote” invasion, the best way to go on this one is with the heart.

“There is no longer an ‘it’ bag,“ according to Roz. “There are a lot of really cool totes and cool bags to be found even outside the brand stores.“ Vera Bradley and Jon Hart were the big names last season, for ‘08 it’s about more than the label.

And when it comes to lunch, watch out! Tiny purses are replacing brown bags.

Free to be you and me
The best news yet is that this season’s “it” item really isn’t found on the racks. “Women are much more confident, and I think it has filtered down to their daughters,” says Roz. “They will make a statement with that tote, but it is a reflection of their fashion style more than it is about a brand.”

Wendy agrees. “It was all about who you carried but I think these kids have such great self-esteem. I think they are much more into who they are and their own style.”

Trends around the corner
What comes next? Parents can expect their kids to get all sorts of issues . . . and these are the kind any adult will be able to get behind. The next trend will be finding a cause whether it is global warming, saving sea life, or fighting disease. These teens will jump on the bandwagon fully dressed to serve.

Editor’s Note: Styles courtesy of Macy's, Urban Outfitters, Target and Claire's.

Photos: www.andrewsphoto.com