Back-to-School Boot-Camp: What's Hot to Wear for the Fall

Most kids groan at the thought of Sept. 7, the day they say goodbye to the beach and hello to Bic pens, Five Star notebooks and paper-bag lunches. But as the girls store away their bathing suits and finish their last summer reading books, at least there is one thing to look forward to: Back-to-school fashion trends.

Six-year-old Ella Chrzanowski, who will be in first grade next week, said her favorite styles heading back to Glenwood Elementary School are "jeggings [jean leggings], sweaters, and jackets." She also revealed T.V. show lunchboxes are trendy among her age group and plans to sport a sandwich-container featuring characters from the hit Disney show, "Wizards of Waverly Place."

Millburn High School senior Annie Dolan, 17, is most excited about this September's shoe selection.

"I went to Madewell in the Short Hills Mall the other day with some friends," she said. "As far as I can tell, everyone is going to come back to school wearing Oxfords and combat boots. The Oxfords look a lot like bowling shoes with laces and really rounded toes. I think both shoes will be cute and comfortable for the start of the year."

To check out the best boutique for back-to-school fashion, look no further than Millburn's own Gotham City. Gotham has a collection that pulls together edge and pizzazz to start off the year on the right foot (or shoe). Gotham co-owner Gail Levy and daughter Suzy Frankel give the low-down on what's hot this September.

"For going back to school, the look that is most in style would have to be military grunge," Frankel said, dressed in a camouflage tunic herself. "Anything army-inspired is popular right now, especially with distressed leather motorcycle jackets."

The clothing of the season is drab, dipped in colors of green, grey and black. Cargo jackets and pants will be all the rage, with the design originating in J. Brand merchandise, but now being sold wildly at all price points.

To give combat boots and cargo outfits more edge, many simple designs are revamped with nail-heads and studding. Wraps, rocker vests and faux-fur coats are also making a comeback this school year.

"Long, cozy sweaters and coats, mixed with ruffled camisoles are always pretty," Frankel said. "Mixed with skinny jeans or tights, these oversized sweaters with domed sleeves will provide some different, funkier shapes for our fall wardrobes."

Vintage also will be particularly fashionable for the first semester. "The vintage look, as well as actual vintage clothing, carries through all styles this season," said Levy. "From lace slips to outwear jackets to ponchos, you'll always get that vintage touch."

Frankel said this back-to-school season also will feature many 80's-inspired trends. "The 80's theme is back, and the girls will all be wearing patterned tights and knee socks sticking out of their combat boots. Washed-out, boxy-shaped football tees will continue to sell well, and shoulder-padded clothing will show the 80's style, too."

Frankel said plaid and animal print designs will be snapped up this fall. "Plaid and leopard print will look stylish, particularly on tunic bodies and longer silhouettes and then paired with dark skinny jeans to complete the set."

If you are seeking a girlier, brighter look, sequins and sparkles are livening otherwise darker, drabber ensembles. Tinsel, metallics and lace are dressier features for the autumn, even "Wizard of Oz"-like glitter shoes are selling off the charts. Although these glamorous designs tend to be for more elegant occasions, they can easily be made more casual by matching a shimmery top with cargo pants or a leather jacket.

Incoming freshman Sarah Kessler, 14, is excited to show off her new clothes at the high school this year.

"The biggest current trend I've heard of is the military style, along with lace and plaid clothing," Kessler said. "But my own favorite articles of clothing for the start of the school year are my flannel button-down and my messenger bag."

Since an outfit is never complete without its accessories, the Gotham owners also gave an overview of the season's essential fashion extras. Fedora hats are stylish for the first few weeks of fleeting summer weather, but snug leg warmers are a must as the wind picks up and the leaves begin to waver. Big, fun-colored watches will scream trendy in updated or cool-looking versions of vintage designs. Owl jewelry and chunky necklaces are in as well as double and triple-finger rings to jazz up an outfit. Any accessory in an army green shade will look tasteful as the school bells begin to ring again.