You'll have to see it here to believe it: Denim miniskirts are back again.
The clothes your 20-something daughter wore in middle school are now retro-chic, as '90s-inspired looks take over from last fall's bohemian '70s vibe. So when you're back-to-school shopping for three-ring binders and No. 2 pencils, stock up on chokers, Doc Martens and velvet.
That's not the only hot look for fall, said Sara Rogers, Mall of America's in-house trend specialist. There's also an increase in "gender-bender" looks for teens — clothes such as hoodies, bomber jackets and flannel shirts, as well as girls wearing boys' sneakers.
Of course, denim remains the bread-and-butter of a fall wardrobe, but students can update the look with patches and enamel pins, as well as embroidery, frayed edges and, new this year, staggered hemlines.
When it comes to jeans, "the skinny doesn't show any signs of slowing down," said Rogers, who noted, however, that wide-leg and flared jeans are coming to the fore.
Ripped jeans are still popular — in the schools that allow them. Beyond denim, easy-wear fabrics like cotton work for pants, especially in mustard yellows, wine shades, olive tones and spicy oranges.
"Camo is showing no sign of slowing down," Rogers said. And flannels? "Plaid's just not going anywhere."
Athleisure clothes (aka yoga pants) continue to jump off the racks. They're are comfortable, casual and easy to wash — a teen triple threat — but the trend is maturing this season. Think joggers with a leather-detailed button-up instead of a T-shirt.
Danielle Fox • 612-673-4525
