This time of the year feels somewhat like Christmas – mainly because kids get a chance to re-up on their gear and reinvent themselves from head to toe.
Now, I know the focus is supposed to be on the books; but like so many adults when we were school age, kids like to express themselves through their appearance. I can remember being that adolescent age (which was only a couple of years ago, mind you) where I had to have the latest trend. We can all relate to the need to be SWAGGED OUT on the first day of school.
I know that completely equipping the student for the school year can seem like rocket science. Not only are they constantly growing, but they also like to keep up with the ever-changing trends of what’s hot. So this season, we partnered up with Dillard’s (St. Louis Galleria) to highlight some of the freshest fits to start the school year off right.
We were able to offer style options that are both chic and tasteful, from pre-K to senior year, that are filled with color, patterns and denim essentials and echo the freedom of the ‘80s-inspired “anything goes as long as it looks good” trend that we’ve seen return this fall in mainstream fashion.
Listed below are some tips to keep in mind while shopping for students’ fall and winter wardrobe essentials.
Don’t be afraid to accessorize. Kids are just like adults! They like to look good from head to toe. So, don’t be afraid of buying the same amount of scarves, hats, shoes and bags that might be purchased for a grownup. Also, these accessories can add a different twist to the same outfit or even jazzy up the “hum-drum” school uniform.
One trend at a time. Sometimes kids can go overboard on the trends. They want to have the new popular sneaker with the matching hat, scarf, bracelet, necklace and lunchbox and wear it all on the same day. That’s a BIG NO GO! Try wearing no more than two trends at a time. Not only does it give the kid a chance to form his/her own style identity without relying on what they see everyone else doing, but it also gives them a breather from wearing the same type of style all the time.
Boys can wear color too! I can’t stand to see a parent limit their child especially a boy to just wearing one specific type of style and/or color. Boys should be able to express themselves as much as girls do. We have become so limited by societal norms, that we program the kids in to thinking they have to be a certain way. But boy’s style shouldn’t be confined to just black and blue. They can rock neon colors, pinks, and patterns and be the freshest dude in the class.
Uniforms aren’t all bad. I know most parents are glad they don’t have to deal with the madness of back to school clothing shopping, because their child wears uniforms. But the kids will find a way to individualize their mundane day to day look. At most schools students are still allowed to wear some unique garments, like sweaters, socks, sneakers, back packs, and hair accessories. This still allows the student to feel like they can be an individual and showcase their ability to swag out the boring blue and khaki.
Our back to school fashion shoot showcases some of the hottest tween/teen styles for your “mini me” to be fully confident when they embark on their new school year journey. For more information on merchandise, please visit www.dillards.com, Dillard’s at the St. Louis Galleria, or email danieraestylebroker@gmail.com.
