Students hit the books in style

Saturday, August 26, 2006 New trends in clothing result in a hodgepodge of looks in classrooms. SCRIPPS HOWARD You're talking evolution, not revolution, when it comes to trends in back-to-school clothing. There's usually minimal change from year to year, with perennials dominating the scene, from stripes, polos and cargos to denim, denim and more denim. But this year is marked by more new trends than in recent years. Skateboard culture, post-disco, punk and other styles from the '80s make inroads in design and mix with preppy and hip-hop influences, while more layering leaves less skin showing. Celebrities, athletes and fashion runways also influence the season's hodgepodge of looks. "The influences are spreading so rapidly and so quickly," observed Betsy Thompson, fashion public relations director for Talbots. "When you get down to it, starting at an early age, kids have their own say. And they want to have their own look. While they're taking in much more, they're exercising their own sense of fashion, in a much broader way." She said the Talbots Kids line, which targets children in middle school and younger, balances "the kids' point of view" with parents' desire for what is affordable, easy to care for and appropriate for school settings and young ages. That means classics "with options that are more appropriate for kids to pick up on," she said, such as rugby shirts, polos, turtlenecks and sporty yet practical layered looks in neutrals and eye-popping colors. Neatness counts "Our translation for the layered look is a lot more tidy, and that definitely pleases Mom and Dad," she said. For students in high school and beyond, denim goes in some new directions. Waistlines have inched up, washes are much darker and legs are skinnier, especially for girls. "This season is all about denim and classic T-shirts mixed with fun detailing and trendy prints," said Marshalls style expert Amy Cafazzo. Layering is not new, but the newest garments provide more coverage without sacrificing comfort. A common look is visibly different lengths on several pieces — and more if you count outerwear, tights and leg warmers, which have returned. Added attractions Girls will be seen in dresses or belted sweaters worn over pants, and in cropped denim and corduroy jackets layered over tees. For boys, short-sleeve sports and screen-print tees are worn over henleys and thermal tops, or under jackets and cargo vests. Men-inspired tuxedo and corduroy jackets are given a younger cut and less structure, fitting casually over tees, layered shirts or hoodies. "The layered look is absolutely the top fashion statement," said Laura McDowell, fashion spokeswoman for T.J. Maxx. "We're seeing up to three layers of various textures and pieces." Meanwhile, boys' jeans remain loose but are more fitted than the saggy-baggy styles that have dominated for a number of years. The result is silhouettes that are, for the most part, long and lean. Camouflage and plaid, perennial prints for schoolwear, edge argyle to the back of the closet in neo-preppy looks that aren't the least bit nerdy. There's plenty of green camo, but also a lot of gray and brown for guys and pink for girls. Outfits upgraded How are girls completing their looks? With eye-catching tights as a part of any outfit that shows leg. Purses are gigantic, belts are wide, wedges return and bracelets are thick, colorful and stacked. For guys, skinny neckties are back and canvas sneakers are hip in a range of patterns and colors. The varied looks, Cafazzo said, should allow kids to be "whoever they want to be, from '80s punk rock stars to collegiate prepsters."