Styles as cool as a fall breeze

Though students may still be in vacation mode, back-to-school season has arrived. The heat might stick around for a few more weeks, but orange and brown leaves will continue to fall, with crisp autumn air not far behind. If you’re looking for a bargain on trendy back-to-school wear or a new wardrobe for your new college student, Queens is the place to be.

Denim will be a wardrobe staple for students of all ages this fall. While the weather is still warm, girls may opt for a denim jumper and brightly colored T-shirt for a feminine yet comfortable look. When the temperature drops, you may want to send them to class with a warm flannel or trade their dresses for some jeans with a relaxed fit.

Baggy jeans are trendy for all ages, including high schoolers and college students. Whether they’re flared, bootcut, straight leg or the increasingly popular “mom” and “dad” jeans, teens and tweens will rock the halls in a wave of denim. Pair any of these styles with a tee or sweater for an easy, stylish look. Oversized tees and crew neck sweatshirts are hot commodities for as little as $12.99 in JC Penney, located in the Queens Center mall.

For young men, layering tees or hoodies with unbuttoned jackets is all the rage. They may opt to style jeans with a T-shirt or classic button-down for a more put-together look, while sporty types may pair basketball shorts with a hooded sweatshirt and denim jacket. If the weather permits, cargo shorts with a polo or other smart collared shirt create a timeless look.

Students who are more adventurous with their style might even curate their wardrobe to match a certain aesthetic tailored to their individual tastes and personalities.

Mackenzie Dorward and George Coronel, employees at Other People’s Clothes in Ridgewood, spoke to the ever-increasing popularity of the “Y2K” aesthetic, which includes bright colors and pieces reminiscent of the late ’90s and early 2000s, such as low-rise jeans and velour tracksuits. Another common aesthetic, known as “cottagecore,” is characterized by light-colored puff sleeve blouses and gunny sack dresses. With their lace-up bodice and flowy skirt, these dresses are hot sellers, Coronel said. He added that high schoolers generally go for a skater look with large shoes, and Dorward attested to the resurgence of grunge looks that, without saying a word, indicate the wearer’s affinity for new metal bands. Though mostly young adults and postgraduates frequent the buy/sell/trade store, many high schoolers and college students have begun tailoring their wardrobe to an aesthetic.

Isabella, an incoming college freshman, visited Queens Center’s Aeropostale with her mom, selecting flare jeans and a white knit sweater reminiscent of Rory Gil-more’s signature look from “Gilmore Girls” pilot episode. Pair this look with sneakers or black combat boots and a pumpkin spice latte, and you’ve mastered the cozy “downtown girl” look. While the weather is still warm, young women may pair baby tees with black miniskirts and carry a knit cardigan in case it gets chilly.

Whether they stick to one aesthetic or not, thrift stores can provide affordable, sustainable, timeless pieces.

“Things are cyclical, so it makes it easier to transition into the next trend versus having to get a whole new wardrobe. You spend less money on certain pieces ... things are coming and going, honestly,” Coronel said.

Collegians may even opt to reuse their business casual attire from a summer job or internship. Women might pair wide-leg jeans with an oversized button-down shirt. Others may even test the line between comfort and sophistication by dressing up athletic wear, such as leggings and sports tops, with dress shoes and an oversized blazer. This trend of repurposing workout attire for everyday wear, commonly known as “athleisure,” encourages young people not to sacrifice comfort for a polished look. They may even elevate it further by choosing monochromatic shades, especially for an all-black outfit.

Athleisure is in high demand among elementary-school students, too — in patterned sweatpants and zip-up sweatshirts, youngsters can be stylish from study hall to the schoolyard.

While older generations often opt for dark, neutral or jewel tones like maroon and navy blue in their fall wardrobe, elementary schoolers want their clothes to mimic their vibrant personalities. Girls’ clothing this season showcases neon and pastel pink, purple and blue, and boys’ darker palette includes flashes of red, forest green or royal blue.

Children’s clothing stores sell colorful graphic tees galore, including some that reference popular media.

“This generation, where everyone’s watching a bunch of shows that come out and premiere and everything like that, they love,” Alexis Mendoza, an employee at Abercrombie Kids in Queens Center, said.

Kids can literally wear their interests on their sleeve with graphics from “The Mandalorian,” “Stranger Things,” “Top Gun” and even Xbox. The Children’s Place, with locations in Elmhurst, Ridgewood, Jamaica and Astoria, allows boys to become their heroes with a Spider-Man or Avengers tee that matches their slim or straight leg jeans. Girls can take their pick of “girl power” tees for as little as $4.99 and style them with trendy cargo pants.

Varsity, leather and denim jackets can also be appropriate layering pieces and staples in your child’s wardrobe. If your student is still in the market for a new backpack, you can find one for 25 percent off.

To find the hottest trends on a budget, check out one of Rainbow’s locations in Ridgewood, Woodhaven or Elmhurst. You might even find a bargain at thrift stores, including Goodwill in Jamaica, Jackson Heights, Astoria and Long Island City.

Students who like what they’re wearing are set to feel confident in the classroom and beyond, so help them choose stylish, comfortable and practical pieces for their back-to-school wardrobe.

QueensChronicle.com

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