Back-to-school shopping with teens requires knowledge and strategy

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By Ann Spivak
McClatchy Newspapers | Friday, August 15, 2008 | (No comments posted.)

The mere thought of a mother-daughter shopping excursion for a back-to-school wardrobe is enough to make many wince. But with a budget and a little planning, the experience can be a breeze.

First, take some time to do a little research, either together or separately, and come up with a list of priority pieces for fall. Find inspiration online and from fashion television shows. Buy teen magazines; circle ideas or tear out pages of looks you both like.

Then raid your daughter's closet (if you dare). Talk to her about which items should stay and which ones should go. If they fit, don't toss that miniskirt or a single pair of blue jeans; they're in style this year.

Halls' president Kelly Cole said there are five pieces that will take teens right into winter: a boxy, cropped blazer, a pant or skirt that accentuates the waist, a chunky cardigan, a feminine blouse with ruffles or pleats and a boot in any height.

"If not a boot, go for a platform shoe or one with a peep toe," Cole said. "As for accessories, bangles worn in multiples and an oversize handbag are the two biggest trends we like."

Lastly, if you're on a budget -- a Lands' End survey found that 65 percent of parents are -- reason with your teen. If your daughter really wants a pricey pair of designer jeans, she'll need to chip in or pay for them herself.

Now it's time for the informed mother-daughter team to hit the stores. Equipped with styles and colors in mind -- gray, red and purple are definitely in this fall -- shopping becomes exciting as you land that perfect plaid jacket or those skinny gray jeans that are the rage this fall.

In the zone

Take Ashley Clifton and her mother, Sonja, who recently took a day to hit the big fall sale at Nordstrom's.

Although Ashley is starting her senior year at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kan., her mother has the final say when it comes to selecting and buying back-to-school clothes.

"I told her she can get the Ed Hardy tennis shoes but nothing with skulls," Sonja Clifton said.

So Ashley found a pair of bright green and pink tennis shoes with fish on them.

"See," Ashley said. "We're both happy now."

And while Ashley continued to pursue designer wear by Juicy Couture and Betsey Johnson, Sonja Clifton was in the junior department keeping her eye on the price tags.

"We came here today because of the sale," she said. "My philosophy, especially these days, is that if you wait and keep your eye out, you can find good clothes at good prices."

Leggings are one way to stay on budget, says Heather Hannan, a public relations manager for Macy's.

"The key to saving money is to buy a few key items and make sure they're versatile," she says.

Ann Nachbor and her daughter, Ellie, an eighth-grader at Nativity Parish School, also were shopping for fall clothes. Although Ellie wears a school uniform, she still needs some basics, such as a coat and jeans.

"I'm lucky in that she wears a uniform, which really helps the budget," Nachbor said.

And Ellie was happy that preppy chic appears to be in style this year.

"I just love these plaid coats," she said. "Mostly, I wear jeans under coats."

Runway to hallway

So what items will teen girls be looking for this fall?

Let's start with denim. You're in luck -- anything goes this year. Racks are packed with low-waisted, high-waisted, wide-leg, slightly flared, boot-cut and skinny-leg options. From black and dark denim to gray or vintage wash, all shades are in, too.

Pleased with a pair of jeans, you can move on to tops and layering techniques. Outerwear has headed indoors this year. You can try to limit your teen to just one jacket, but she will want several to wear over blouses and sweaters.

Short jackets, especially in plaid prints, are going to be big at school, as well as sporty trench coats and the ever-popular hoodie.

And what's outerwear without scarves? At many retailers, including Urban Outfitters, scarves are the No. 1 accessory. Pair them with feminine blouses, cardigans, denim vests and even dresses.

Under the outerwear, draping long tops over skinny jeans or leggings is another trend. There are lots of long sweaters with low necklines out there that look great with frilly, ruffled blouses underneath.

Another way to complete a look is to pair wide-leg jeans or high-waisted jeans with a ruffled blouse or striped T-shirt. Then throw on a short wool jacket or a longer plaid coat and head to class.

And as far as accessories go, vintage jewelry is big. Just hit a second-hand shop or a Goodwill store. Big, bold-colored leather bags take the place of hiking-style backpacks, and the ballerina flat is holding strong.

TEN 'MUST HAVES' FOR GIRLS

Short jacket

Soft, feminine blouse with ruffles or bows

Plaid shirt

Miniskirt, denim or plaid

Skinny jeans

Cardigan sweater

Oversized sweater

Vest

Black tights or leggings

Scarf

TEN 'MUST HAVES' FOR BOYS

Graphic T-shirt

Layered T-shirts under polo

Leather bomber jacket

Sweater vest

Military jacket

Letterman sweater

Argyle sweater

Rugby shirt

Fleece-lined hoodie

Classic button-down shirt

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BUDGET

Get the basics without breaking the bank with these looks for less than $250.

High-waist or destructed jeans: $39.99

Skinny jeans: $29.99

Vest: $24.99

Ruffled top: $24.99

3 screen tees: $16.99 each

2 miniskirts: $24.99 each

Leggings: $19.98

Source: Macy's

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