It’s almost time for that phrase that parents either love or loathe: back to school.
Whether your family is stretching out every last bit of summer fun or ready to embrace the return of the school-year schedule, shopping for back-to-school outfits is probably on your back-to-school checklist this month.
Fortunately, this aspect of back to school can be fun for everyone. Wondering what the kids’ fashion trends are this year? We asked some local retailers for advice on keeping your family fashion-forward this fall. Here are the clothing trends they recommend.
1. The bohemian look
Girls will see a lot of bohemian-style choices in stores for back-to-school again this year, says Denise Kort, owner of Connie’s Children’s Shop in St. Clair Shores. The boho look includes features like flowy fabrics, ponchos or fringe in taupes, browns, and khaki.
“I’m starting to get all of my fall merchandise in (the shop) now and that Bohemian look is definitely still in for girls,” she says.
Styles that feature lace details are the top pieces in this look in 2018-19.
2. Grab sporting gear for boys
Plaid has left the building for boys this year and has been replaced by sporting brands, Kort says.
“I feel like, with boys, it’s mostly sports merchandise like Under Armour, Champion and Adidas – anything that’s name brand or has a sports logo,” she says.
3. A straight-forward choice
The ultra-skinny jeans you’ve probably seen in recent years aren’t as common this year, Kort says. Instead, straight leg is always a good choice.
“The real skinny isn’t as popular as it used to be,” she says. “You can never go wrong with the right pair of jeans that you can always pair with anything.”
And ripped jeans are back in style, too, according to Kort.
4. Stand-out slacks
Another trend you might notice for kids this fall is brightly-colored pants for boys and girls.
“If they’re going to wear a navy blue blazer and white dress shirt they might put a red pair of pants on. That’s different but they’re definitely showing that now,” Kort says of designers.
5. Shoes on point
After a summer in sandals, parents and kids are usually looking for a solid pair of sneakers to start the school year.
“Shoes that have lots of arch support is always a trend every year, Leeann Grunland, manager at Goody Two Shoes in Northville says.
Bright shoes for boys and girls are also in style this year, Kort adds.
6. Vest for the weather
Quilted vests and other layering pieces are classics for fall – and a great layering staple for the changing weather. The 2018-19 school year will remain true to this look with styles for back-to-school including bright colors, winter vests and more.
7. A smiley trend
Possibly the most LOL-worthy trend returning this year? “Anything with emojis,” Kort says.
You’ll find a variety of options to choose from that fit in this trend — from emoji graphic tees to sweaters, pullover tops and even jeans.
And unicorns are everywhere this year for girls, she adds.
8. Fur and sequins
A new trend for the upcoming school year is fur.
“A lot of my things have fake fur on them,” Kort says. “We have vests, jackets and outfits for girls, all with fur.”
Shades of dusty rose are popular as are sequins that appear one color when they are pushed down and a different color when they are pushed up.
This post was originally published in 2016 and is updated regularly.
