In hallways, classrooms and cafeterias, high schoolers this year will be casting off those cropped and fitted tops and jeans so popular last year and opting for comfortable clothes.
According to local merchants, kids are buying roomy jeans, oversized sweatshirts, and soft graphic tees.
“Going to school they like to be comfy but cute,” said Jackie Fodiman, manager of Mixology in Rye Brook.
Sweat sets are a great way to make a comfortable outfit look more put together. At Mixology, sweatshirts and sweatpants range from $60 to $100. You can make a comfortable outfit look cute by styling matching sweatpants and a zip-up or button-up layer with a tank top underneath.
Oversized anything goes. High schoolers frequently choose baggy, low-rise jeans. Just Black Denim sells trendy jeans for around $130. Vervet is another popular denim brand that sells for around $65.
Kids often wear graphic tees emblazoned with the name of their favorite band. Aly & Joshua on Purdy Street in Rye sells band tees featuring Elvis Presley, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Aerosmith, and others.
Kelly A. Farley, owner of Aly & Joshua, described today’s trends as “elevated academia.” This consists of “the varsity style sweatshirts, some with the New York logo or the pleated skorts,” said Farley.
When it comes to Rye students, don’t expect a lot of crazy colors. There are “a lot more blue palettes and whites,” Farley said. “Primary colors do really well here, whereas a lot of neon tones I don’t see as much.”
Denim is also popular, both as a material and a color. “It is a bit of an 80s revival,” said Farley.
Look for jeans, of course, but also sweats and jackets. Oversized, patched, or cropped denim jackets are widely featured in local stores. Mixology sells a sweat set in black and a dark denim color with a soft fabric that imitates the look of denim texture.
Basics are essential when it comes to back-to-school shopping, because, “having basics is like having a new pair of shoes,” said Fodiman.
You can never go wrong with basics, like a simple white or gray T-shirt, which is easy to throw on and can be worn again and again with different jackets or pants. The core, most necessary pieces in a closet are the ones that can go with anything. Z Supply makes high quality basic T-shirts for around $40. Perfect White Tee is another popular brand that sells for around $80.
Students typically are looking for comfortable footwear, and sneakers fit the bill. Shoes ‘N’ More has a variety of cute, trendy sneakers by Sam Edelman, Dolce Vita, Back 70, and Gola. These sneakers have thin soles and a retro style, and come in both monotone and bright colors. The store also sells Uggs and Birkenstocks, both of which have been tromping down the halls of Rye High for years.
“High schoolers are wearing a little bit of everything,” said Sheryl Blit, owner of Havana Jeans.
Regardless of what the most popular trends are, students should have fun with their own personal styles and dress in a way that makes them feel not only comfortable but ready for the day.
