Back To School Fashion: What’s Hot, What’s Not?

As the fall semester approaches, middle and high school students start to think about what they will wear on the first day of classes.

Younger grade school students have it easy—they (often) willingly wear whatever mom or dad lays out for them.

But for teenagers, choosing what to wear—and what to buy at a back to school sale—is a little more complicated.

"Sheer tops that are flowing are what's popular right now," said Alessandra Whitney, a 2012 Montclair High School graduate who works at "The girls like big tops they can wear colorful tanks under."

She said crop tops are another hot trend.

"Tops that are open in the back worn with leggings are also popular," Whitney said.

She noted that many teenagers like to wear bandeau bras under their large, sheer tops.

"These are bras that are not about support but about coverage," she said.

Hip Chic at 533 Bloomfield Avenue has a sale going on that ends Sunday, August 12 featuring a wide range of items, everything from shorts to shirts, priced at just $10.

Even several pairs of shoes are priced at only $10.

Hip Chic also offers a nice range of colorful backpacks including a Roxy backpack for $42.

Fashion experts say that encouraging teens to layer clothes is a good way to save money while clothes shopping. This way they can wear the new clothes in different situations and take advantage of what they already own to create new outfits.  

In general, the layered look is definitely in. And it seems flare jeans are out and boot cut and skinny jeans are what's become popular. In addition, animal patterns are showing up on everything from clothing to accessories.

When it comes to boys, they are opting for looser jeans and also are layering their t-shirts with hoodies or jackets.

Besides Hip Chic, other great shops for back to school clothes in Montclair include:

—on Valley Road in Upper Montclair

— on South Park Street

—on South Park Street

What do you think of back to school fashions? Let us know in the comments section below!