TORONTO – The red carpet seems to be making its way to the classroom this fall, as looks reminiscent of styles worn by young stars are among the emerging trends in back-to-school fashion.
Winners fashion expert Sarah Smithers said while hoodies remain a staple for younger boys, sweaters and cardigans are key pieces for their older counterparts, evocative of styles sported by Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber.
“While we can often see him out wearing a great hoodie, he’s also not afraid to pull on a cardigan or a zip-up sweater, and I think that tween boys are starting to pick up on this as well,” she said.
Fellow homegrown music star Drake has been known to wear collegiate styles of his own, like varsity jackets – not unlike the preppy looks on offer this upcoming season.
Smithers said for teen boys, they’re seeing a bit more of a heritage or rustic look with knits and sweaters featuring shawl collars that channel collegiate cool. But guys can still add their own touches to personalize more casual yet conservative styles.
“Maybe they’re going to wear a varsity jacket with maybe a letterman-style cardigan and really go over-the-top preppy varsity, but then they’re going to add interesting accessories like a retro sneaker in a bright bold colour, maybe a belt, again in a bright bold neon hue,” said Smithers.
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Bowties in bright colours are other potential ways to update their outfits, she noted.
For the girls, singer Willow Smith of “Whip My Hair” fame is an example of how to mix different items and prints together in one ensemble, said Nancy Dennis, brand and trend director of children’s wear for Sears Canada.
“She kind of epitomizes what I describe as the mash-up style,” she said. “The colour is very bright, it’s very electric, it’s very happy.”
Dennis said there’s little in the way of subtlety or understatement when it comes to girls’ wear this season, most notably with fashion tops featuring embellishments like sequins, scarves and vibrant prints.
Smithers says pink and purple remain wardrobe must-haves for girls, and prints are expanding beyond hearts and stars to include stripes, butterfly prints and peace signs.
A good rule of thumb in pairing patterns is to keep prints in similar hues, she noted.
“A grey stripe mixed with a grey-and-black floral or a butterfly print is going to keep the look looking cohesive.”
Even footwear is going bold from ballet flats boasting animal prints, studding or Mary Jane-style detailing to what Dennis describes as the “must-have” for both genders: Converse-style sneakers, available in classic hues and more colourful patterns.
Smithers said flat, knee-high boots, faux shearling details on boots and wedge-heeled booties are also hot looks in girls’ footwear.
Hoodies are getting a stylish stamp too, with bold graphics from boom boxes to skull patterns dotting designs, said Dennis.
“What’s driving bigger boys is anything to do with music, anything with rock and roll or first-generation technology like ghetto blasters or tapes,” she said. “That kind of iconography is really big on T-shirts.”
For both boys and girls, Dennis said perennial pop culture faves such as Star Wars, Lego and Hello Kitty are among the hot properties in licensed tees.
The bright and bold mantra when it comes to colours isn’t strictly the domain of girls. Smithers said plaids in particular are getting an update with the patterns steeped in orange, green and blue.
For girls who may be seeking to get groovy with their style, iconic bohemian-inspired pieces may be more up their alley. Smithers said boho chic is a key trend in both apparel and accessories for fall.
“A tunic or a poncho piece would be a great way to capture that trend, but then they’re going to layer it over skinny jeans or flared denim,” she said.
“The skinny jean is sort of the back-to-school style staple, but this season with the boho trend being so important, the flare is definitely making a reappearance on schoolyards.”
If you want to steer clear of an outfit resembling a Woodstock costume, pare back on the accessories, Smithers suggested.
“The messenger style bag might be your one key piece,” she said. “That would really be enough to get the look without going over the top.”
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