Back-To-School Trends 101

It’s that time of year again, parents — whether you're ready for it or not.

Back-to-school season officially kicks off this month with Florida's Tax-Free Weekend. Parents will engage in the gentle tug of war with their children, balancing young wants and needs with the limits of the pocketbook. What are students looking for this year?

En Vogue

The Shops at Wiregrass is celebrating Teen Vogue Back to School Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 10, including a stage show, giveaways and deals. Youngsters may want to download the Teen Vogue Insider app for information and special deals.

“We will have trend cards to give away,” said Wiregrass Director of Marketing Deborah A. Detweiler. “We have some Teen Vogue magazines to give away.”

According to Teen Vogue, there are three trendy looks this summer:

• A modern take on the classic punk look that mixes grit with glamour.
• Whites are white hot. White-on-white sneakers, white graphic tees, white everything.
• Skirts. Pencil skirts, pleated skirts and those of varying lengths.

Seventeen Magazine, meanwhile, says girls should look to a popular ‘90s movie for inspiration.

“If you're Clueless obsessed and Cher Horowitz is your style icon, you're in luck! Knee socks, bold blazers, and Mary-Jane platforms are super popular this fall,” the mag says. “You'll be perfecting your ultimate 'As if' in no time!”

Make It Your Own

There are lots of options for personalization and customization. Flip Flop Embroidery Shoppe in Lutz, for example, provides embroidery and rhinestone services.

“They are trickling in within the last week,” owner Stephanie Ensor said of back-to-school orders. “They’re getting backpacks and trying to make it their own, whether they are into sports or just want their name.

“We’re working with a lot of PTAs, and what we’re doing is coming up with custom logos,” Ensor added, noting interest in the personalization of backpacks does not seem to be higher this year than any other year.

Speaking of backpacks, Hot Topic has a section on its website called “Pimp Your Pack.” It includes links to pins, patches and keychains. There is a Hot Topic location at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Customization can be done for items not worn, too. The office supply store Staples is pushing notebook covers that can be embellished with names and personal photos. It is available for delivery or in-store pickup.

Consider Secondhand 

Jennifer Fleming-Lugo, marketing and media relations manager for Goodwill Suncoast, said many teens come to Goodwill for items to “upcycle” — or the transformation of something uncool into something cool and unique.

“There are high-waisted jeans — mom jeans,” said the mother of a middle school student and high school student. “They are used after they have been cut short, frayed, maybe tie-dyed. Some kids add fabric to them or studding around the pockets.” 

Goodwill Suncoast also has a back-to-school section at each store. Those items are new.

“Lots of new backpacks for boys and girls,” Fleming-Lugo said. “We have pens, pencils, paper and market.”

An added bonus, Fleming-Lugo added, is Goodwill shoppers have the benefit of supporting the nonprofit’s mission to help put people to work.

What trends are you seeing this year, Mom and Dad? Tell us in the comments section below.