Listen up! Summer is coming to an end, and that means one thing: it’s time to study what’s hot and happening for back-to-school fashion. There’s plenty of time to shop the mall for the perfect wardrobe filled with the latest trends, so you’ll be looking fab when it’s time to hit the books.
Check out these cool outfits and fashion tips that will definitely earn you an A+ in style this fall. Here’s to a sensational – and stylish – school year!
Breaking down the look:
Skinny jeans are still hot, but this season they’re getting a makeover with prints like the ones found on Julie Ford, a 17-year-old student at Paul VI High School.
“Last year, skinnies in bright colors were all the rage. The trend is taking a turn toward more sophisticated patterns like the geometric checkerboard design Julie is wearing,” says Sarah Gleeson, a fashion stylist who blogs about her daily style inspiration at ravingfashionista.com. “It’s a classic pattern, which means you can dress them up or down. And they look great with cute, funky flats.”
Classic patterns are also perfect for pairing with the tribal and bohemian prints that are popular right now, says Gleeson. “They add some flair and pops of color – and don’t be afraid to wear white beyond Labor Day!”
Guys can show off their style by mixing patterns, too. Gleeson says the combination of stripes and plaid looks sporty but not too busy on Adrian Ryczak, an 18-year-old Moorestown Friends School student. “Just be careful not to mix two busy prints – choose one that’s a little more subdued. And layering them, like we did with Adrian’s hoodie and button-down, works because he’s wearing solid-colored pants and shoes.”
On Julie: Pants, H&M, $19.95; long-sleeved blouse, H&M, $29.95; sleeveless blouse, H&M, $17.95; bracelets, H&M, $5.95; ring, H&M, $6.95; shoes, Charlotte Russe, $22.50; bag, American Eagle, $39.95
On Adrian: Pants, Urban Outfitters, $68; hooded shirt, Urban Outfitters, $19.99; button-down shirt, Urban Outfitters, $39; belt, Urban Outfitters, $24; shoes, The North Face, $100; bag, The North Face, $60
Breaking down the look:
Unexpected details can take any outfit from good to great. “Don’t be afraid to add a little edge to a more relaxed look. Accessories are an ideal way to give your outfit that little pop without going overboard and looking like you’re trying too hard,” says Gleeson.
Cherry Hill Mall Style Squad member Madelyn Rosario, 17, of Pennsauken High School, pulls off this hot back-to-school look by combining a few fads. “She’s sporting one of fall’s biggest trends – printed slouchy pants – which are kind of sweet and romantic and popular in lots of stores at Cherry Hill Mall right now. But pairing the slouchy pants with tougher items like her military-inspired camouflage bag, oxford shoes and chunky, studded jewelry makes it a little unexpected and hip.”
Mixing deep shades of green (the olive color in Madelyn’s pants is especially popular right now) with softer colors can also take your ensemble up a notch, says Gleeson. “Instead of relying on black and white as neutrals, reach for a softer shade like peach or light blue. Experiment with different color combinations to find what you love and looks good with your skin tone.”
On Madelyn: Pants, Urban Outfitters, $29; blouse, H&M, $12.95; cardigan, Garage, $39.90; shoes, Urban Outfitters, $19.99; woven bracelet, Urban Outfitters, $10; cuff bracelet, Charlotte Russe, $6; spike bracelet, Charlotte Russe, $6; necklace, Charlotte Russe, $6; bag, Urban Outfitters, $19.99
Breaking down the look:
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to dresses. “You’ll see lots of dresses in large floral prints this fall,” says Gleeson. “You can wear them so many different ways all season long.”
Cherry Hill Mall Style Squad member and 18-year-old Camden County College student Alexa Grussenmeyer shows off one of the season’s hottest looks by pairing her dress with a belt, scarf, jacket, bag and boots. “The belt defines her waist, and the scarf is both fashionable and practical for chilly weather. And her bag is cute but still has plenty of room for a notebook and an iPad for class,” says Gleeson.
Leather accents like Grussenmeyer’s are not only perfect for keeping you warm this fall, they’re also a hot trend. “You can’t go wrong with a statement leather jacket in black or brown.
You can then mix it with other shades of leather accessories and wear it with everything from a dress to jeans,” says Gleeson. “Faux leather is an inexpensive way to get the look. If you’re in a women’s clothing store at Cherry Hill Mall, odds are they’ll have great affordable jackets to choose from.”
On Alexa: Dress, Dynamite, $44.90; jacket, Garage, $39; scarf, Garage, $14.90; belt, Garage, $8; bracelets, Dynamite, $10; bag, Charlotte Russe, $28.99; boots, PacSun, $44.50
Breaking down the look:
Layer-friendly wardrobe essentials are the building blocks of a stylish fall wardrobe, and no guy should be without a chambray button-down shirt this season, says Gleeson. “It’s hands-down the easiest layering piece, because it goes with everything.”
Alex Gambino, a 17-year-old student at St. Joe’s Prep, showcases his chambray shirt with a simple T-shirt, navy cardigan and khakis in a muted eggplant color for a cool, contemporary take on the preppy look.
“His pants are a modern fit and color, but still classic. Guys will have no problem finding stylish pants like these in stores at Cherry Hill Mall,” says Gleeson. “Roll them up, throw on a pair of the boat shoes that are really popular right now and you’re ready to go.”
As the weather begins to cool off, a lightweight jacket is also a must. “I found a lot of options at the North Face that are warm without being bulky, so they’re great whether you’re going to class or heading home after practice.”
On Alex: T-shirt, H&M, $5.95; button-down shirt, Aéropostale, $49.50; cardigan, American Eagle, $49.95; pants, American Eagle, $44.95; belt, American Eagle, $15.50; bracelet, Buckle, $16.95; jacket, The North Face, $130; shoes, Vans, $56; backpack, The North Face, $109
Marvelous Makeup
Makeup can be a great way to highlight your personal style, and getting a flawless face can be as easy as one, two, three with these back-to-school beauty tips from Aveda makeup artist Samantha Christina:
Less is more. “In most cases, teenagers have fresh, glowing skin that doesn’t need heavy makeup. You should use makeup to enhance your features, not cover them up,” says Christina. “Tinted moisturizer is a wonderful way to get a little coverage and even your skin tone while still getting a natural look.”
Develop healthy habits. “Your skin always looks better – with or without makeup – when you take care of it,” says Christina. “Teens touch desks, tables and lockers throughout the day and then touch their faces without even thinking about it. That puts germs and dirt that can cause blemishes right onto your skin, so it’s important to wash your face twice a day to get off all the grime and makeup. Once you get into the habit taking care of your skin, it will become second nature, just like brushing your teeth.”
Terrific Tresses
Whether your hair is long or short, curly or straight, you can step up your style this fall with advice from stylist Darren McHugh of Essensuals London, a salon in Cherry Hill Mall:
Anything goes. “There are so many varied hair trends that are popular right now. The key is to find what works for your style. It can be hipster, urban, glam – whatever,” says McHugh. “If you choose a look that reflects who you are and works with your lifestyle, you can’t go wrong.”
Curls are in. “We went through a long period where everywhere you looked, hair was straight, straight, straight. Girls were spending so much time straightening their naturally curly hair,” says McHugh. “Now we’re seeing a return to natural curls, which I love. Embrace your curls if yo
Hydrate your hair. “Sun, heat and water from the ocean or pool can cause a lot of hair damage over the summer, so it’s important to restore your hair’s condition before you head back to school,” says McHugh. “Once a week, use a hair mask. It will drench your hair with moisture and give it strength and suppleness while undoing damage.”
Trims are essential. “Even if you have long hair, it’s really important to have your hair regularly trimmed so the ends stay healthy and fresh looking,” explains McHugh. “I recommend girls with long hair get their hair trimmed every six to eight weeks. Girls with shorter hair and guys should aim for every three to four weeks.”
Shot on location at Cherry Hill Mall
Makeup artists: Samantha Christina and Valencia Jordan of Aveda
Hair stylists: Darren McHugh and Nilda Ramos of Essensuals London
Fashion stylist: Sarah Gleeson of Raving Fashionista