Published: August 23, 2008 09:12 pm         

Classes of ’08 will wear lots of looks their parents will find all too familiar

This year’s back-to-school fashion market has kept the economic downturns in mind. Clothing distributors are offering a wider variety of items at affordable prices.

“We’re starting to see sales go up because the fashion market for children and teens has realized the need to keep up with fashion trends but to make it easier financially for parents to outfit their children and teens,” said Rhonda Willson, marketing director for Crossroads Mall in Beckley.

Media, however, continue to drive the fashion market with styles reflecting those worn by the Olsen twins, Hannah Montana and “Gossip Girl.”

“A lot of the fashions are media-driven,” Willson said. “More kids use the Internet, and they’re more aware of what’s out there, fashion-wise. A lot of them go into a store already knowing what they want, so they’re looking for specific styles.”

Many parents of teenage girls will be happy to see those all-too-revealing camisoles and tank tops have given way to a more “covered-up” look.

“I think girls are becoming more independent in their fashion choices,” Willson said. “I think they look for styles they like and that are flattering on them. One of the nice things about the teen market this year is there are so many separates and coordinates. Girls can put together all kinds of different outfits from just a few wardrobe pieces. It saves money, and they can always come up with a new look.”

Specialty teen fashion marketers, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, PacSun, Aeropostale, Hollister and American Eagle Outfitters, keep a close eye on media trends and often arrange music and light displays designed to capture the attention of young shoppers.

Big trends back this year are layering, neon colors and hoodies, Willson said.

“This year, hoodies are softer, but they’re more fun than ever in all of the bright colors.”

Polo shirts and messenger bags have returned with lots of new color choices.

Button-up shirts in casual or dress styles are popular choices for guys and are “put together” with graphic T-shirts and destroyed jeans.

“Whether teens choose a more preppy look or part of that grunge look, they are selecting items with a particular style in mind,” Willson said. “I can assure you an outfit that looks like it was thrown together wasn’t. That was usually a well-planned look.”

Babydoll tunics, short skirts, polka dots and knitted dresses and cardigans remain strong sellers in the teen girls’ market.

Accessories are most likely to be oversize hobo handbags, clogs, ballet flats, fringed scarves, rich jewel tones — and most definitely — skinny jeans.

“I think the skinny jeans will be around for a while,” Willson said. “They pair well with a lot of the layered-look styles, so I expect them to be popular for several seasons.”

“High School Musical” will definitely remain strong for younger girls with a variety of tees, hoodies and backpacks.

Plaid skirts and jeans will be combined with tops embroidered with designs and rhinestones.

And those peace symbols and other retro signs of the ’60s? They’re back, along with stars, which are hot accessories this season, Willson said.

Flip flops may lead the way back into the school year, giving way to clogs, wedges and Converse sneakers in a variety of fun colors.

“It’s a fun season for back-to-school fashions this year,” Willson said. “Parents are surprised to see many of the styles they wore as teens come back into fashion for their kids. Of course, the kids think it’s all new. It’s fun to be around and hear parents and their kids talking about the styles while they shop.”

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com