Back to School Trends for the New Academic Year

From bold colors and patterns to functional yet fun items, this year’s back to school fashion statements update old school with bold school.

Bright Backpacks

A fashionable backpack is the perfect way for fun to meet function. Backpacks in bright colors or geometric, plaid or floral patterns are all the rage and give some hip personality to an otherwise functional item. Look for updated features such as a padded laptop or tablet pocket or consider a trendy leather backpack for a style-conscious teenager.

Eco Friendly Lunch Bags

It’s easy for students to forget the environmentally unfriendly paper lunch bags when there are so many stylish reusable lunch bag options. You can replace paper lunch bags with a reusable, insulated lunch bag that allows the packing of perishable items (with an icepack) and improves lunch choices from home while helping the environment.

Instead of plastic bags and disposable drinks, many families are using reusable plastic containers with lids for snacks and sandwiches and aluminum beverage containers in various sizes for healthy drinks.

Bold Fashion

Printed, patterned or embroidered graphic tees in a wide selection of designs are still popular for both boys and girls.

Boys can freshen up their looks this season with button down shirts in a striking plaid or bold stripe for a nice touch of trend.Girls may want to show off some shiny bling detailing on their tees or take a walk on the wild side with zebra prints.

Both sexes can also add pops of retro neon colors in the form of shoes, accessories or even apparel items.

Also, look out for a range of new Angry Birds items that capitalize on the popular iPhone app, which may have special appeal to techie kids.

Layering Looks

Layering remains a popular trend with both boys and girls.

Boys layer easily with tees, polos, woven shirts, hoodies and, yes, even blazers!

Girls can go for a bohemian layering look with asymmetrical bottom cardis over layered tanks and tees with jeans, leggings or a cute skirt.  Or girls can go the boyfriend fashion route with a casual blazer.

Technology Cases

Most kids these days are extremely tech-savvy, and a big fashion trend associated with electronics involves personalizing and protecting them with cool cases customized for each product. Cases featuring bold colors, textured materials and geometric patterns are a popular way to decorate and personalize each technology item in a unique way.