The first day of school is just around the corner.
This means it’s time for school clothes and shoes. Many of you have already started shopping, but if you want to know what is cool enough for school, see the trends below.
Color is king. Gone are the days of black, gray and other neutrals. These days, kids clothes come in a rainbow of colors like Gap’s “summer azalea,” “electric jade,” “brilliant blue” and “orange nectar.” For girls, animal prints are huge. Find them on jeans, skirts, sweaters and even boots. And don’t forget to layer, layer, layer!
Even shoes come in bold, look-at-me shades. Remember the old favorites? Vans, Sperry Topsiders, Adidas and Converse are no longer available in black, white and blue only. They, too, feature patterns and color that will turn heads.
For girls, choose bold color and embellishments in a wear-with-everything flat, rain boot or suede short boot.
Everywhere you look there are stripes and polka dots, even for boys. Vintage T’s, sneakers and puffer vests will maintain a sporty look without making your kids look like they live on the court.
Don’t forget skinny jeans, even for boys. I couldn’t imagine putting my sons in skinny jeans until I picked up a pair of light gray ones at a Gap mega-sale last year. The first time my 5-year-old put them on, I was sold. They didn’t swallow up his skinny frame like boot-cut or loose-fit jeans.
So where do you buy stylish kids clothes without breaking the bank? Among my favorites for kids:
Gap – Oakview Mall, Westroads Shopping Center, Village Pointe Shopping Center
J.Crew’s crewcuts – online only
Crazy 8 – Oakview Mall
Children’s Place – Oakview Mall, Shadow Lake Towne Center and Mall of the Bluffs in Council Bluffs
Gymboree – Westroads Shopping Center and Oakview Mall
Old Navy – Westroads Shopping Center, Village Pointe Shopping Center and Shadow Lake Towne Center
Janie and Jack – Village Pointe Shopping Center
There is little reason to buy anything full-price when things get marked down so quickly. Sign up for emails with in-store and online coupons. For instance, J. Crew’s Crewcuts can be rather expensive to shop when new merchandise comes in, but the sales will get you “vintage” T’s for under $8 and high-quality demin for under $30.
Shopping at the end of a season is a great idea, too.
Finally, don’t forget eBay. I once bought a new pair of boy’s$50 tennis shoes for $12.50. You’d be hard-pressed to find high-quality shoes that inexpensive at Target or Walmart.
A little planning and a little power shopping, both online and in the stores, will leave you with a stylish, comfortable and affordable wardrobe for your kids this fall.
Amy Grace is married with two children. Read her Fridays on momaha.com
