Do you remember being so excited to go shopping for your back to school wardrobe? The big difference today is that kids are way more sophisticated when it comes to what they WANT to wear. That is why giving your fashionable tot, tween or teen a Goodwill gift card may just make you their hero this fall. Let them explore their budding style sense and choose some of their own ensembles!

There are a few looks for back to school that are trending right now so take my tips (and your kids, of course) to the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center near you to get the ball rolling!

Separates are almost always the order of the day now. I am actually old enough now to remember when schools had dress codes specifically for boys and girls. Today, the atmosphere is more freewheeling and, let’s face it, a lot more relaxed than back in the “good old days”! Knowing how to put together outfits comes almost as a second nature to the kids of today. Let’s take a look at the top trends for boys and girls, and make sure we fit them into our “school supplies”!

Jeans
These run the gamut, but you may expect to see a lot more color in jeans this season. Look for bright pops of color like purple, red and green. These may be a skinny type jean or a looser “boyfriend” cut. The key here is fit, so make sure that the jeans you get to wear to school flatter you, without looking too baggy or, on the flip side, way too tight.

Graphic Tees
The humble tee has gotten a major make over in the past few years! Bright, colorful and available in so many different patterns, the graphic tee shirt is not only a must have for the school year, but it has also become a staple of fashion in general. Look for unique and artistic interpretations of the latest graphics, as well as the season’s hottest bold color combinations. These are the perfect piece for layering with jeans, under shirts, jackets, blazers or sweaters when the weather gets a little chilly. You’ll always look cool, too!

Cardigans/ Knitwear Jackets
The latest looks for topping off your tees and jeans are cardigans. Look for button-down sweaters that are a little more on the fitted side. Details like epaulets, pockets and other frills don’t hurt at all. Think outside of the box when it comes to color as well. Don’t just opt for the safe blue, black or grey tones. Step up your style with colorful cable knits and other transitional outerwear that can replace the blazer as a “go to” wardrobe builder for school.

Accessories
A great backpack or messenger bag is certainly something every student needs and relies on day in and day out. Why should it be boring? Let your child pick out a backpack or bag that stands out from the crowd, like the examples I have here! There are so many styles and colors that make the way you carry your books and supplies almost as important as the contents it holds!! Plus, it is easier to recognize your own bag when it stands out from the crowd in the best of all possible ways!

You’ll be amazed how much fun you can have as a family shopping for new additions to your kids’ “back to school” wardrobes at the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center near you. And best of all, you can let your kids find their own “Amazing Looks” for a lot less. Now that’s what I call smart. You get an A+!!

askbjorn@goodwillsew.com

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