With the return to school looming on the horizon, students' thoughts are turning to back-to-school fashions. Girls and young women, from pre-K to college age, are consulting fashion magazines to check out the hot, new trends that have arrived on the scene.

This season, almost anything goes -- as long as it's colorful, and students are encouraged to exercise their individuality and creativity.

Denim, a perennial favorite, is returning again this season. Skinny jeans and flats will be seen everywhere. Bold colors of yellow, purple, turquoise and red can be found in cropped tops worn underneath tunics. Layering is big, so girls are able to use almost everything currently in their closets.

Vests are making a comeback to the female fashion scene, and fashion-savvy girls will be seen in pin-striped, cropped vests and menswear ties. For guys, plaids and madras are hot, paired with five-pocket classic-fit jeans in dark to light blues. Colorful T-shirts with graphics are also scoring points with guys.

CosmoGirl magazine reports that the hot new shoes are peep-toe ankle boots. Plaid and pleated mini-skirts are also popular with students. The Gap is showing pea coats, a trend from bygone days. In fact, vintage clothing and accessories are big, especially when complementing new fashions. Sneakers in all colors are still hot, especially in gold and silver metallic.

Elle magazine is showing lots of menswear-type fashions including sweaters, vests and plaid scarves. Every solid color is represented, plus prints and plaids, so girls have a wide field of choice when assembling their back-to-school wardrobes.

Girls' Life magazine is promoting the retro, romantic vibe with felt hats, piles of plaids and silky blouses, which are "gorgeous, girly and instantly pulled together." Accessories add oomph to basics, including open-toe pumps, flirty bows and brightly-colored printed purses and backpacks.

Chunky jewelry and beaded necklaces in contrasting and multi-colors are all the rage. Dresses include florals, big patterns, embroidery trims and plaids. Skirt lengths range from very short to almost ankle length.

Seven fashion-conscious local students at Calhoun Academy recently got together for a "goodbye summer, hello back-to-school" dinner at Santee's Lone Star Barbeque and Mercantile. Kaitlyn Williams, 12; Daisy Williams, 10; Taylor Heckle, 12; Charlotte Williams, 8; Abigail Williams, 4; Cameron Hollingsworth, 7, and Caitlin Hollingsworth, 4, had the opportunity to preview each other's' new school outfits and share them with Times and Democrat readers. The girls' choices are indicative of fashion trends that emphasize color, creativity and freedom of choice.

A consultation with sales associate Connie Etheridge of Belk in Orangeburg confirmed that the girls' preferences are indeed trendy.

"There are many hot trends this season. Mix-and-match patterns are very popular and also tunics with leggings," Etheridge said. "The younger girls are still buying theme T-shirts with 'Hannah Montana' and 'High School Musical 3' pictures, although their mothers are opting for more basic khakis with color-coordinated tops."

Etheridge said chunky and layered jewelry are very much in demand as accessories. "Anything retro is also popular," she noted. "It's a throwback to the '70s."

Seventeen magazine offers some innovative fashion tips for the student stylista:

* Buckle your sandals over your jeans.

* Belt an oversize T-shirt.

* Tie a scarf on the handle of an old purse.

* Tuck in just the front of your blouse.

* Wear bright earrings with an all-black outfit.

* Dress up jeans with a cropped blazer.

* Pair a super-casual tank with a prim pencil skirt.

* Update your look with fringed boots.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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