Cardigan Empire

Salt Lake City Fashion Stylist

5 Fresh Back-to-School Outfit Formulas (That Kids & Teens Will Actually Wear)

GIRLS: Blouse || Overalls || Bandana || Boots    …….  BOYS: T-Shirt || Overshirt || Sweatpants || Ball Cap || Clogs

Durable Fabrics + Comfortable Fits = Utility Core

If your elementary schooler wants a trend that is as durable as it is fun, fit them in Utility Core. Utility Core clothing was born from working fashion.  Canvas barn jackets, reinforced construction-ready knees, trucker cuts, combat boots, and gardening overalls.  It combines the clean lines of military styling, the strong fabrics of workwear, and adds on lots of pockets. Critical elements include boxy fits, thick soles, carpenter/cargo details, and did we already mention pockets?

Attire your utilitarian princess with canvas overalls (complete with storage for all her playground treasures), rugged boots, and a soft, relaxed-cut blouse. The floral adds just a touch of femininity while a military green bandana finishes the look.

The gear most sought out on the playground this year is extra-baggy bottoms. This olive drab pair is contrasted with a boxy tee and finished with a canvas overshirt, standard-issue ball cap, and slip-on clogs.

GIRLS: Blouse || Track Pants || Necklace || Mary-Janes    …….  BOYS: Polo|| Buttondown || Jeans || Sneakers

Collegiate uniforms + 90s streetwear = Neo Prep

Key pieces include striped polos, baby tees, retro sneakers, and a profusion of plaid. This look is perfect for your nostalgic teenager who didn’t get to experience the 90s and 00s firsthand.

Your varsity trendsetter can juxtapose a preppy, gingham cap-sleeve fitted button-down with street inspired track pants and sporty mary-janes. Don’t forget a tiny choker and lots of bobby pins to secure her mini buns.

For the prep-school wannabe, start with a striped rugby polo. The honors version includes an extra shirt layered underneath for two pops of collar. Traditional chinos can be swapped for khaki jeans paired with retro court sneakers.


GIRLS: Blouse || Track Pants || Necklace || Mary-Janes    ………………………..   BOYS: Polo|| Buttondown || Jeans || Sneakers

GIRLS: Tee || Skirt || Bracelet || Sandals  …….   BOYS: Jersey|| Shorts || Necklace || Bracelet || Sandals

Statement Collar Trend

As an unapologetic romantic, I have not waned in my love for the statement collar as it has bloomed since its resurgence following quarantine lockdown.  We wanted to be fancy, zoom-call ready, and pretty, and this collar answered.

The statement collar draws inspiration from romantic Victorian and prim Puritan embellishments.  This trend is oversized, exaggerated, and meant to nod at youthful ingenue.  Whether ruffled, laced, or tied with a bow, there is nothing subtle about this accessory.

 

To keep this look from going too sweet or prim contrast your frilly collar with modern menswear trousers or rough-hewn denim.  Go modern and clean or even slightly rough and distressed.

Since this style is commonly found with a puffed sleeve, it’s a perfect match for pullover vests.  Flatter sleeves and colder temperatures can be paired with a smart, lapel-less lady jacket.

If you have broad shoulders or a full bust this trend works best with an open neckline.  Alternatively, you can find a smaller collar and leave a few buttons open.  You can also minimize broad shoulders with a dropped sleeve or bishop sleeve where the volume gathers at the bottom of the sleeve.

If you want to experiment with this trend without the commitment of a full top, you can buy a tie-on collar or look for a collar style necklace that you can add on to any turtleneck, high neck crew or a strapless neckline.

 

Whether you go with a full Princess Diana lace or sailor inspiration or a little Peter Pan nod, it’s a fun way to add something unexpected to your wardrobe.  Have you tried the statement collar yet?