Back-to-School Clothes for Teens 2008 Buying Guide

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Teenagers and back-to-school don't mix well. If your teen has finally left the pool and can be spotted more often sulking about the house, it can only mean one thing: summer is ending and school is beginning! With these tips for back-to-school clothes,  your teen will have a reason to smile this fall. Yes, I said smile. 

Back-to-School Shopping Tips

  • Don't let your teen go shopping by his or herself for a new fall wardrobe.  Even the trustworthiest teen can make poor wardrobe choices if you hand him or her a wad of cash and keys to the car. Unless the teen is completely paying for this new wardrobe, a parent should be present to encourage proper spending of the money.
  • Beat the crowd and buy online. You'll find great sales and have an easy time comparing prices by buying clothes online.
  • Don't spend too much money on trends. If you have a teen, you already know why.
  • Look for quality clothes that won't be destroyed by horseplay or the washing machine.
  • Avoid dry-clean only clothes.
  • Never give your credit card to a teen and allow him or her to go shopping by themselves or with friends without your supervision. No matter how much you stress that maximum spending amount, expect double that (at least) to appear on your bill.

Back-to-School Clothes for Teen Girls

Stay Cool at School

The Pants

The Shirts

  • Baby doll tops  are ultra hip and cute!
  • Prints are in, so look for artsy or cute prints.
  • Camis  are great to buy in a variety of colours. Mix and match and wear under any outfit.
  • Classic polo shirts  are academic and neat.
  • Invest in a hoodie  for chilly days and cooler classrooms.

The Dresses

  • Stylish dresses  are great for back-to-school. Look for fun, festive prints.
  • An empire waist dress  in a pastel plaid print works well for the first day of school.
  • A cotton v-neck dress  is casual enough for the school hallways.

The Skirts

  • Look for skirts with some ruffles  on the bottom.
  • Solid colours will match with more tops and shoes.
  • Plaid skirts  in pastel shades are cute and great for school.
  • Patchwork-style skirts  are gaining popularity quickly.

The Shoes

  • Get a nice pair of sneakers  for gym class.
  • Ballet flats  are still in, so grab a few new pairs and hit the hallways.
  • Mary janes  are preppy and perfect for skirts and dresses.
  • Flip-flops  and sandals  are more back-to-school than boots now (thanks, Global Warming), so keep your summer shoes nearby.
  • Crocs  are still pretty popular in some areas, but this trend may die out soon.

Back-to-School Clothes for Teen Boys

Stay Smart with These Clothes!

The Pants

The Shirts

  • Graphic tees  are very trendy for guys!
  • A classic polo shirt  will get you an A+ in the hallways.
  • Buy a hoodie  to keep you warm after practice.
  • Invest in some solid colour shirts  that you can mix and match.

The Shoes

  • Sneakers  are the best bet for guys. Go with something classic that won't show up on some "remember this stupid trend" segment that your kid's will watch and laugh at.
  • Boat shoes  are great for those who want something other than sneakers.

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