It’s time to redo your family’s closet with the latest gear for these classic activities.
The back-to-school time of year brings mixed emotions to kids and parents alike. New school supplies, new outfits and school year events are all on the horizon.
We’ve got the whole family covered with outfit ideas appropriate for upcoming Friday night football games or the Homecoming dance.
Dressing for Friday Night Lights
For the big Friday night football game, school-age kids should bundle up for cooler temperatures once the sun goes down.
Dress your young kids in easy-to-wear jeans or khakis paired nicely with T-shirts in school colors and hoodies or sweaters.
Stores like Old Navy, H&M and Target offer hundreds of on-trend options at price points that fit the budgets of families with constantly growing children, so you won’t feel guilty if you’ve got to buy them another shirt in three months’ time.
Andy Selesnik, marketing director of SouthPark Mall in Strongsville, suggests a classic trend for all ages. “The denim jacket. It’s back and better than ever. Just about every retailer in every age demographic offers a denim jacket.”
Renee Sanden, director of marketing and business development for Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, explains some of the trends and colors to shop. “Emerald was the official Pantone Color of the Year in 2013, and it’s carrying over to Fall 2014. Look for the hue to adorn anything from jackets and dresses, to shoes and accessories.”
Teen boys can show off their school spirit and pride by pairing school logowear or sports jerseys with jeans or athletic pants. Teenage girls can still take advantage of moderate temperatures with a floral skirt that’s matched with a lightweight knit sweater in a neutral color. Top off the look with a denim or leather jacket and short booties with a thick heel.
Sanden says, “Trends for teens seem to be fleeting, but Fall 2014 will feature a few popular looks from past seasons, including distressed skinny jeans and their favorite shoe, the ankle boot. Emerging trends for teens, which can be found at Charlotte Russe in Great Lakes Mall, are flowy ruffled blouses and chambray shirts. Mary Jane platform shoes, a nod to the fashion of the 1990s, will also hit shelves this fall.”
Moms will feel most stylish and comfortable at the game or tailgate party in easy separates like dark denim or fitted ankle-length trousers and a neutral knit. Athletic-inspired gear is still very popular for fall, so even a lightweight hoodie and denim vest will look seamless and event appropriate from the bleachers.
Moms can give a sign of relief about one of the hottest shoe trends this fall. Sanden adds, “Flat shoes are hot this fall and our feet are thanking us. Oversized knit sweaters will be another fashionable find — bonus points if you can find one in your child’s school colors.”
Dress to Impress for Homecoming
Homecoming brings all kinds of events for your family to participate in whether it’s a big football game, a dance or returning to an alma mater. Homecoming carnivals or fairs are the perfect place to bring the whole family.
For young ones, patterns aren’t as sweet as they were for spring. Edgy and darker hues will be in all the stores this fall. Sanden explains, “This year it’s all about the edgier pirates, skull and crossbones and monsters. Pair these funky findings with jeans and casual shoes for a fun alternative to the usual back-to-school outfit.”
If your teen has a dance to attend, it is the perfect occasion for them to dress up but still show off their personality. At Great Lakes Mall, Sanden suggests, “Teens looking for the perfect dress for the Homecoming dance will want to check out Windsor, which features casual to semi-formal dresses that won’t break the bank. This season’s dresses will feature shoulder cutouts, lace or the ever-popular high-low hem.”
Selesnik suggests, “full and fluffy skirts with sequin bodices, long dresses with lots of sparkle and lots of color — the bolder the better.”
Young men can look for nice slacks and dress shirts at stores like Macy’s, Jos. A Bank, Men’s Warehouse and Kohl’s. Stick to classic colors such as black, white or grey spicing up the look with a tie or vest that matches their date’s dress.
Moms will want to look sharp but casual while photographing every Homecoming event. They can do so by sticking to easy silhouettes like colored jeans and a T or an A-line dress.
“Go for bold, brightly colored blazers, colorful scarves and floral dresses,” Sanden says. “Spruce up the standard black-and-white wardrobe already hanging in your closet with new chunky, colorful accessories.”
Whether you’re planning a fun activity with your entire family or helping your teen dress for a special occasion, follow these tips and your family is sure to look fashionable all season long.
