Before kids hit the books, they'll be hitting the stores -- with Mom and Dad in tow -- to shop for school. A new grade doesn't guarantee a closet full of new clothes, but most of the elementary and middle school set will get to pick up a few favorite things along with some No. 2 pencils and color-coordinated folders. We took a tour of the malls to see what's going to be hot in the hallways of local schools. Homework can wait, but these stylish students have their wardrobes ready.
 

DOMINIQUE GÓMEZ

St. Paul

Going into: First grade at St. Rose of Lima.

Wearing: Tommy Hilfiger jacket from Albertville, tutu from Macy's, shirt from Children's Place, hat and scarf from Abercrombie & Fitch and shoes from Gap.

When she wears this outfit: Free dress days at school. Otherwise there's a uniform.

Favorite subject: "Math, because you learn and it makes me smarter."

COLE BAUER

St. Paul

Going into: Kindergarten at Hayden Heights Elementary School.

Wearing: Mossimo outfit from Target.

Backpack: Buzz Lightyear from Wal-Mart. (He insisted on "Toy Story.")

Best part about going back to school: "Making new friends."

Worst part: "Getting up early."

Natalie Nepper

Woodbury

Going into: Third grade at Yinghua Academy (Chinese Immersion Charter Elementary School).

Wearing: Skirt, top, hat and blazer from the Children's Place.

What she did for summer vacation: "Swimming at [my friend] Lucy's cabin -- in the hot tub and Lake Superior."

Favorite color: Orange.

Back to school must-haves: Supplies, Silly Bandz and sweaters.

WES BAUER

St. Paul

Going into: Fifth grade at Farnsworth Aerospace Elementary School.

Wearing: Ensemble from Target.

Favorite part about the outfit: "Pockets."

Favorite subject: "Recess."

What he did for summer vacation: "Legos and video games, bowling and [trip to] South Dakota."

GABRIELLA (ELLA) BENIKE

Shoreview

Going into: Second grade at Island Lake Elementary School.

Wearing: Mossimo dress from Target.

Favorite subject: Art.

Buy or bring lunch? "Both."

Favorite lunch: Mashed potatoes and gravy.

BRITTANY BENIKE

Shoreview

Going into: Fifth grade at Island Lake Elementary School.

Wearing: Shirt and Candie's skirt from Kohl's.

Favorite store: Claire's.

Activities: Soccer. "I play midfield and defense."

What she did for summer vacation: "Went to the Badlands [in South Dakota]. They're like mountains."

KALI WIRTH

Maple Grove

Going into: Third grade at Rush Creek in Maple Grove.

Wearing: Tutu Couture tutu, sparkly T-shirt and Uggs.

Why she loves tutus: "They're fluffy."

Favorite subject: Reading.

What she did for summer vacation: Went to Waikiki, Hawaii. "I went to the beach and swam with sea turtles."

STERLING BROWN JR.

St. Paul

Going into: First grade at Benjamin E. Mays International Magnet School.

Wearing: Akademiks button-up shirt and vest, and Jordans (shoes).

Do you like to shop? "No, I let my parents."

Best part about back to school: "Learning and seeing friends. Oh, and recess."

Worst part: "Having to pay attention."

BRANDON FUHR

New Brighton

Going into: Seventh grade at Highview Middle School.

Wearing: Skinny jeans and tee from Abercrombie & Fitch and Adidas shoes.

Must have for back to school: iPhone 4.

Favorite subject: "Science, because I like to experiment with stuff and I like to build stuff."

Buy or bring lunch? "I buy my lunch, and my favorite is pepperoni pizza."

SAMANTHA (SAMMIE) EWIAH

Roseville

Going into: Fourth grade at St. Rose of Lima.

Wearing: Skirt from Herberger's, shirt from Macy's, hat from Justice, boots from Marshall's and sweater from Gap.

Hats at school? Not allowed.

Favorite stores: So-So and Justice.

Nickname: Bigfoot. "I wear the same size as my mom."

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177