It’s that time of year again when kids are feeling the end of summer blues and parents are doing everything in their power to control their overwhelming excitement. It’s time for kids to go back to school and that means it’s time for back to school shopping. Your kids need school supplies, new clothes, shoes and accessories, but what are the biggest trends this year? This list can help you figure out what’s in, what’s out and guarantee you a spot on the cool parent list.
Accessories Everywhere
Pom-pom key chains, backpack accessories, lunch box accessories and even pencil case accessories are all the rage this year. Your kids are going to want accessories on everything. This is a way many kids are able to express their own personalities and their inner feelings about what they love most. Kids love sporting accessories to express themselves.
Pink Is In
Many parents might be a little shocked to hear that pink on trend this year. This new trendy shade is called Millennial pink. It’s a salmon-style pink that’s showing up everywhere you turn. From shoes to pants to polos, boys and girls alike are wearing this color this year.
Bright, Bold, and Big
If you were thinking the 80s seemed a little bit back in style, you were right. This year is all about a combination of 80s and 90s mod with the baggy pants coming back in style, bold colors and even high-top sneakers. If your kids are looking for new shoes for back to school, expect to see heads turn toward high-tops with the boldest, brightest and biggest patterns possible.
This fall you’ll see more baggy clothing for girls. The tunic and boyfriend jean are more popular than ever. Off-the-shoulder and cold-shoulder looks are big right now, but parents might want to check with their kids’ schools to be sure these tops are breaking any dress code rules.
Monogrammed Everything
If you live in the south, you know that everything gets monogrammed. You know to order your kids the designer backpacks with the personalized monogram, your ramblers have personalized monograms and your folders are personalized. Everything is personalized in the south and it seems the rest of the country is finally catching onto the monogram trend.
You cannot go wrong with a monogram this year. You can order personalized items on DIY websites such as Etsy and on major corporate website. You can even order your favorite monograms cups and other personalizations too. Everything has a monogram and if it doesn’t, is it even really yours?
Basic Staples
If your kids aren’t into the bigger and bolder and brighter statement piece, they might be into the basics. They might want the tennis shoes, a basic white tee and a leather jacket. If it’s not bold, it’s all about classic. Think plain sneakers, plain tees and a bomber jacket. It’s all about the basics for some kids and that might just fly more than the bolder statement pieces in your household. It’s not uncommon to walk through the stores today and see a lot of the same items that you once wore yourself when you went to school.
Fun Pencils and Accessories
Kids love personalized pencils. Whether they state the day of the week, a different mood, or something funny and silly at the same time, kids are all about building a collection of fun pencils with a little sass. Kids are even purchasing pencils with inspirational and motivational sayings. Plus personalized pencils are a lot cooler than the classic yellow #2 pencils.
Other accessory trends include notebooks with watercolor paintings on the front, planners and agendas with motivational sayings on each page and pencil holders with fun shapes. Kids are looking for every possible way to personalize their space and nothing is more fun than a motivational or funny quote to express yourself.
Schools are making a point to crack down on things that are inappropriate, too showy, or too personal, but there is always a way around that. This year the makers of clothing and school supplies understand the struggle for parents to find school-appropriate materials for their kids. Be sure to check with your kids before you shop so they can tell you what it is they’re looking for and be sure you know what is appropriate in your kids’ classrooms.
