You may not be happy that summer is ending, but one good thing about getting ready to go back to school is all the shopping! BFFs from all over SJ are scouring Cherry Hill Mall for this season’s latest fashion trends. Check out these awesome outfits, then grab your bestie for an afternoon (better yet, make it an entire day) of serious shopping. It’s an easy assignment to ensure a spectacular school year!

Maddie Cohen & Jasmine Brown

In true BFF style, Maddie Cohen of Cherry Hill and Jasmine Brown of Medford bonded over fashion – specifically jewelry.

“Jasmine and I sat next to each other in our freshman English class, and I noticed that she always wore these really cool rings,” says Cohen. “I would ask her about them pretty much every day, and our friendship grew from our mutual love of jewelry.”

Four years later, the 18-year-olds are still bonding over the latest trends. “We borrow clothes from each other, read fashion magazines and love to go shopping together, especially at Cherry Hill Mall,” says Brown.

Both teens still love jewelry, though when it comes to clothes, they have different styles. Cohen likes to mix bohemian dresses with unexpected accents. “I love baby doll dresses, and it’s easy to take them from summer to fall by adding boots and layers, like this jacket from Urban Outfitters with sequins for some daytime sparkle,” says Cohen.

Brown says she tends to look for trendy pieces that are fun and playful, like her metallic skirt and Western-inspired, embellished jacket from Nordstrom. “You can dress the skirt down for the day or dress it up before going out at night,” she says.

Since both teens will be extremely busy this fall – Cohen is heading to Tulane University to study political science, and Brown is majoring in pre-med and French at the University of Maryland – clothes that pull double-duty are a must. “Maddie and I are definitely going to do lots of shopping together at the mall before we leave for college,” says Brown.

On Maddie: Mimi Chica Foxy Back Cutout Layered Skater Dress, Nordstrom, $44; Kimchi Blue Geo Metal Embroidered Jacket, Urban Outfitters, $99; Tribal Women Canvas Cross-Body Bag, Charlotte Russe, $15.99; Ybauni Bracelets, ALDO Shoes, $15; Lorreta Slouch Boots in Cognac, Steve Madden, $79.99

On Jasmine: Sequined Paisley Tank in Lilac Purple, Express, $49.90; Hinge Embroidered Yoke Denim Jacket, Nordstrom, $78; Rules of Etiquette Metallic Pleat Skirt, Nordstrom, $58; Feathers Wave Tote, Aeropostale, $42.50; Metal Plate and Fringe Pendant Necklace, Dynamite, $16.90; Double Crystal Pendant Necklace, Dynamite, $14.90; Calvin Klein Phillipa Caged Wedge Sandals in Olive, $89

Natalia & Sabrina Queenan

Both Sabrina and Natalia agree that having a sister is like having a built-in best friend for life. “We’re very close and talk to each other about everything,” says 15-year-old Natalia.

“We take dance classes at the same studio, so we have that in common too,” adds Sabrina, 16.

The sisters also share a love of clothing and shopping at Cherry Hill Mall, though they agree that Sabrina – the reigning homecoming queen of the junior class at Lenape Regional High School – is more of a fashionista who follows the latest trends.

Sabrina says the crop top from Francesca’s Collection that she’s wearing is “comfy and cute” and pairs well with her lace high-waisted skirt from Forever 21. Combined with a big, chunky necklace and sneakers, her outfit nails a number of popular looks for the fall.

Natalia, who writes poetry and is active in the drama club and fencing team at Moorestown Friends School, prefers the vintage- and bohemian-looking pieces found in stores this season. The palazzo pants she’s wearing are a fashionable yet comfortable way to hit that fall trend. “Their bold, bright red color is really popular right now, and the pattern is really cool,” she says.

Paired with layered tank tops from Garage and a knit poncho from Hollister, her ensemble is eclectic, yet fun and comfortable for the busy teenager.

On Natalia: Cropped Tank, Garage, $16.90; Open-Back Tank, Garage, $16.90; Little Harbor Drapey Knit Kimono, Hollister, $39.95; Staring At Stars Wide-Leg Printed Pants in Red, Urban Outfitters, $59; Ruinaux Necklace, ALDO Shoes, $25; Metal Bracelet Set, Garage, $9.90; Jet Set Travel Crossbody Bag, Michael Kors, $198; Borassi Gladiator Sandals in Ice, Call It Spring, $55

On Sabrina: Quinn Boxy Crop Top in White, Francesca’s Collection, $34; Lace A-Line Skirt in Periwinkle, Forever 21, $19.80; Agrigowia Necklace, ALDO Shoes, $18; Earthy Beaded Bangle Set, Forever 21, $10.80; Riccardi Clutch in Light Blue, ALDO Shoes, $25; Airwalk Retro Oxford in White, Payless, $29.99

Quinn Laughlin & Andy Schultz

Riverton teens Quinn Laughlin and Andy Schultz are the typical guys next door – literally. “We grew up living next door to each other and have been friends for most of our lives,” says 18-year-old Schultz.

As youngsters, they attended the same elementary school and even played on the same soccer team. And while the two went on to attend different middle and high schools, they still spend lots of time together. “We see each other pretty much every weekend,” says Laughlin, “even if we’re both working.”

Since both young men head off to college this fall (Schultz is majoring in food science at the University of Delaware, and Laughlin will study business at Rutgers University), they’ve been shopping at Cherry Hill Mall to make sure they have campus-ready wardrobes that are stylish, yet comfortable.

Laughlin says he’s a big fan of the military-inspired green and gray hues that are popular in stores like The North Face and Zumiez this season, especially when they’re paired with bright shades of red and blue. “A little bit of color gives some character and makes you stand out, but in an understated way,” he explains.

Schultz says he favors a more preppy, sporty look, and the varsity-style sweaters at stores like Express and boat shoes at Journeys this fall are right up his alley. “I play soccer and lacrosse, so I like that I can be athletic and on-the-go but still look stylish.”

On Quinn: Wingate Jacket, The North Face, $199; Guilder Button-Down Shirt in Chili Pepper, Vans, $44.50; Free World Drifter Stay-Press Slim-Fit Chinos, Zumiez, $29.95; Free World Belt in Brown, Zumiez, $24.95; Authentic Decon CA Shoes in Federal Blue, Vans, $70; Canvas Backpack in Blue, Old Navy, $24.94

On Andy: Heathered Stripe Shawl Collar Cardigan, Express, $79.90; Indian Cotton Shirt in Rhone Red Plaid, J.Crew, $75; Slim Straight Jean in Dark Tinted Indigo, American Eagle Outfitters, $49.95; Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Boat Shoe in Khaki, Journeys, $79.99; Rigor Sporty Multi-Function Watch in White, GUESS, $125; Abingdon Messenger Bag in Solid Khaki, J.Crew, $98

Jeron Stephens & Katie Loane

BFFs Jeron Stephens and Katie Loane know how to laugh together – and at each other. “I think what makes us great friends is that we can always be goofy with each other, and we don’t expect each other to act a certain way,” says Loane.

“I think the basis of our friendship is our humor, but we can definitely talk to each other about pretty much anything,” adds Stephens.

The friends, who are both 20 years old and students at Rutgers University, say they have the same easygoing attitude when it comes to fashion. “I’ll try anything, which makes shopping at Cherry Hill Mall great, because there are so many different stores to choose from,” says Stephens.

He adds that comfort is a big must for him, so this fall’s sportswear trend in stores like PacSun and Old Navy is a favorite. “I’m studying music education, and I’m in the classical choir and an a cappella group, so I’m always on the go,” says Stephens. “Sweats can look sloppy, but these drawstring pants are a cool alternative – I can wear them with a T-shirt and sneakers and still look put together.”

For Loane, who is a social work major and works as a camp counselor, comfort is also a key factor. “Jeggings are great, and I love the long, flowy tops at Urban Outfitters. You can do so many things with them, and I can easily throw a sweater on top if I need to.”

On Jeron: Vintage-Style Football T-Shirt, Old Navy, $19.94; Haystack Mountain Denim Jacket, Abercrombie & Fitch, $120; Modern Amusement Canvas Jogger Pants in Olive, PacSun, $49.95; Adidas Seeley Athletic Shoe in Gray, Journeys, $64.99; Rastaclat Dahlia Bracelet, Zumiez, $12.95; Rastaclat Maroon Bracelet, Zumiez, $11.95; Navy Canvas Tote, Armani Exchange, $78; Urbanears Plattan Headphones, H&M, $49.95

On Katie: Band of Gypsies Boho-Print Maxi Shirt, Urban Outfitters, $79; Sweater Hoodie, Gap, $64.95; High-Waist Jegging in Cloud Blue, Dynamite, $44.90; Learwen Wedge Heel in Bone, ALDO Shoes, $120; Dressy Bracelets, Claire’s, $9.50; Boho Crochet Detail Backpack, Wet Seal, $32.90; Dream Love Peace Ring Set, Garage, $5.90; Infinity Ring, Garage, $4.90; Midi Ring Set, Garage, $5.90

Styling Hip Hair

Both guys and girls heading back to school this fall will find hair trends that will put them at the head of the class.

“The new trend for men’s hair is a very groomed, put-together look. The high-shine, sleek look goes with the tailored, fitted look that guys seem to be going with now,” says stylist Amy McHugh of Essensuals London. “But if you want the style to look right, it has to be maintained. Guys should visit the stylist every two to three weeks to maintain it. And they need to maintain it every day at home.”

Stylist Nilda Ramos says that for girls, less is more this fall. “Messy, beachy waves are very popular. It’s a natural wave – nothing too neat,” she explains. “Girls can use a flat iron or curling iron to work some waves into the body of their hair. Make sure you leave the tips alone – that creates a natural look at the ends. After you’ve finished with the iron, work through your hair with your fingers and style the way you want.”

Makeup Made Easy

Makeup can be a great way for teens to enhance their look, but knowing how to properly apply it can be overwhelming. Samantha Christina of Aveda offers these easy-to-follow tips to put your best face forward this fall: Natural can be beautiful.

“You don’t need to pile makeup on to look great. You can make your skin glow and look radiant by doing soft colors on the eyes and cheeks, then add a little shine to your lips,” says Christina. “The key is to be diligent about taking good care of your skin. Wash your face twice a day, just like brushing your teeth. Add a lightweight moisturizer so your skin stays comfortable, pliant and fresh.”

Find your own inspiration. Fashion magazines and runways are great places to see makeup trends in action, but they don’t have to be your only resource. “Style-wise, this is a very free time,” says Christina. “With all our media resources, we can discover more makeup ideas. We can look at international websites for global trends, or movies and videos set in different eras for things we personally like. It’s wide open, and everyone is able to enjoy borrowing from different things and have fun with their makeup.”

Shot on location at Cherry Hill Mall
Makeup artist: Samantha Christina of Aveda
Hair stylists: Amy McHugh, Darren McHugh and Nilda Ramos of Essensuals London
Fashion stylist: Sarah Gleeson of Raving Fashionista