by: Erin Dower
Want to send your kids back to school looking sharp? Check out rising fashion trends for fall 2016, including clothes, shoes, and accessories for girls and boys of all ages.
Peasant Tops
The bohemian-chic, music festival look has influenced back-to-school fashion this year, with flowy peasant tops and ripped denim taking center stage for teens, tweens, and younger girls. Choose from classic white or cream, or more vibrant colors, with crocheted and embroidered accents.
Jogger Pants
Jogger pants are a popular pick for both boys and girls this season. These sporty elastic-trimmed pants are super comfy and convenient for gym class days. They come in a variety of fabrics, from chambray to khaki to terrycloth.
Shirt-and-Tie Sets
Boys' shirt-and-tie sets are a dapper mix of preppy and hipster cool. Skip the formal blazer look and pair with skinny jeans and sneakers for a kid-friendly vibe.
Mid-Top Sneakers
Speaking of sneakers — what's in this year? Mid-tops are a stylish choice for boys and girls. A smidge shorter than high-tops, they hit right at the ankle and pair perfectly with skinny pants, skirts, or dresses.
Lightweight Puffer Vests
Quilted puffer vests are an awesome pick for crisp fall mornings. Layer them over fun graphic tees in the early fall, and flannel shirts or sweaters later on.
Overalls
Overalls were overdue for a comeback! They're an extension of this summer's romper and jumpsuit trend. Rather than the wide-leg look you might have rocked back in the day, modern overalls have more of a skinny or tapered leg and pair well with a solid sleeveless shirt for a high-style look.
Baseball Tees
Batter up! These sporty shirts come in long- or short-sleeve styles and look nice with khakis, jeans, and even plaid shorts on those warm September days.
Maxi Skirts
Move over maxi dresses! These long skirts are perfect for the summer-to-fall transition. You'll find all different styles, from colorful prints for girls, to solid skirts with a modest slit for teens.
Moto Jackets
Motos are everywhere! Try this slightly edgy style for your daughter's fall jacket. It features a cool diagonal zip and comes in all sorts of material, from sweatshirt fabric to "vegan" leather.
Quirky Graphic Tees
This year's graphic tees are totally selfie-worthy, featuring everything from hashtag statements (#jetsetter) to comic superheroes. They're a convenient statement piece for busy school days.
Gray Denim
Denim jeans and jackets are a back-to-school staple. Gray is this year's hottest shade for both boys and girls — and it matches just about anything.
Marled Sweaters
Sweaters with a marled or heathered look are all the rage. Pair them with anything from corduroys to leggings for a great fall look.
Skinny Khakis
The skinny-jean trend has migrated to khakis, giving this preppy look a bit of a skater-boy edge. Rock those chinos!
Cute Cell Phone Cases
Let's face it: most teens have cell phones, and most districts allow kids to bring cell phones to school. Your child's cell phone is almost the modern-day equivalent of a watch — an accessory that she carries every day and checks frequently in front of her peers. So, a new cell phone case seems like a reasonable back-to-school purchase. With a combination wallet/iPhone case, like this one by CM4, we guarantee your child is much less likely to forget her lunch money!
Colorblock Backpacks
Back-to-school fashion isn't just about clothing, of course! Backpacks in colorblock style and other fun prints help your child make a statement from Day 1. Just make sure your child isn't carrying too much weight in it.
