Back-to-school fashion trends

Claire Pickard

Teen Correspondent

With fall on the horizon and a new school year just days away, shopping for back-to-school clothes can be as important as picking out the perfect binder. People's styles are part of who they are, which makes them unique; however, there are some noticeable trends for this coming year. Check 'em out:

1960s revisited

Many of the trends seen 40 years ago are coming back with a boom. Peace signs are everywhere, and the flowy dresses and headbands of the hippie era are making a vivid reappearance. The earthy colors and soft fabrics found at stores such as Anthropologie and Free People contribute to the growing popularity of a simple, uncomplicated approach to clothing.

Ballet flats

There’s nothing wrong with a cute pair of heels, but sophisticated flats are a great way to complement your fall outfits. They are comfortable and charming and go with nearly any style.

Prep school-inspired

Thanks to the influence of shows such as The CW’s “Gossip Girl,” private school chic has been showing up everywhere from the Ralph Lauren runways to Wet Seal. Crested blazers, miniskirts, cardigans and vests will no doubt make an impression this year.

Mad for plaid
Due to the fame of Scottish tartans, these  patterns have always held a place in the world of style. This fall, everyone is mad about plaid. A quintessential autumn tradition, a cute tartan bag or vest can make all the difference in an outfit.

Loose bows

Not the tight, stiff neckties of the ’90s, loose and casual ties found on blouses or on the back of skirts add a perfect amount of elegance to any ensemble. Floppy bows near the collar are especially chic and are almost universally flattering for every body type.

Remember restraint

Of course, the key to any of these trends is restraint. Bows are cute, but wearing bows on your shoes, shirt, head and bag can be  tacky. Plaid is especially dangerous. Wearing several clashing plaids is never a good look, especially when it’s from head to toe. In moderation, these can all be used to jazz up any autumn wardrobe and bring new life to your personal style.

Earlier this month

MacArthur Center in Norfolk hosted a back-to-school fashion show for every teen’s body, including those with disabilities. One of the show’s sponsors was Stephanie Thomas of 95.7 R&B, the “PJ Deejay,” who started a company to raise awareness about the difficulties people in wheelchairs face shopping for fashionable clothes.

Claire Pickard, a rising junior at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, clairepickard@cox.net