Teen Back To School Fashion Trends of 2012

There are three words parents love to hear and teens loathe during summer vacation: back to school.  From skinny blue jean leggings to tribal blouses and accessories, here are some teen fashion tips to keep you chic not geek.

Fashion Color Schemes For Teens

Most yearly fashions take their cues from what famous actors and actresses wear to the latest award shows. This year’s celebrity trend consists of bright colors and comfort. Ditch the all-black Goth look and adopt a brighter wardrobe with bangle jewelry and a nylon cover for your iPad when going to classes.

The bottom line is that bright colors are in. You don’t have to blind teachers in the hallways with the extra bright, full piece outfit. But a splash of color located somewhere in your wardrobe will make you look fashion-conscious. Team up a bright blouse with a pair of neutral-colored leggings, jeans or skirts. Or reverse the look with a neutral-colored shirt and bright leggings or skirt. You can even bring a bright pop to your attire by wearing a colorful scarf or belt. Draw the eyes of your classmates and make them go, “Wow, where can I get those clothes?”

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Don’t just stick with a solid color. The “in” trend for the 2012 school year includes all types of prints such as plaids, stripes, floral, and tribal designs. Just don’t go overboard. Like the solid pattern, you want to team the printed clothing with a neutral colored top or bottom to make the design stand out more. Or place on a nice solid gray or black vest to tone down the print.

Floral and Plaids Teen Fashion Tips:

When you think of plaids and floral, what may come to mind are your grandmother’s linens. Seriously, you can wear both floral and plaids and still be in the hip crowd. A nice floral dress works great before the color temperatures forces you to break out the winter clothing. Skip the light pastel colors and go for bright reds, blues, and yellows. Pick smaller florals to outline your slim figure rather than large prints.

For some reason, it seems that plaids will never fade away into the misty past like 70′s bell bottoms. They continually make a comeback, and can look quite trendy while also being comfortable. Plaid shirts with skinny jeans can give a great look to your figure without the pattern making you appear boxy, according to Seventeen Magazine.

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Stripes in Teen Fashion

Stripes can make you look great (and have the awesome effect of making your body appear slimmer and taller). Stripes work with shirts, skirts, pants, and vests. Choose thin stripes over wide ones to look taller if you are short in stature. Pick vertical stripes over horizontal stripes for the slimming effect.

Teen Back To School Fashion Trends:  Tribal and Patchwork

Tribal and patchwork prints can get you noticed in great ways when paired with the right attire. Let these prints be the showcase of your clothing. You’ll lose definition if you wear too many prints or accessorize with colorful scarves and jewelry that give you an “over busy” look. Highlight the patterns and have people’s eyes focus on the print by framing it with other clothing, such as a tribal blouse with a denim jacket on top, leggings, and pumps.

Pants Make the Teen

When it comes to legwear, denim is definitely the posh thing for 2012. Skinny jeans were the “in” thing last year and is still the hottest fashion for this year. These jeans pair well with a colorful shirt and sneakers. If skinny jeans aren’t your “thing,” you can go for boyfriend jeans when you want a roomier and more comfortable fit. To not look boxy when wearing boyfriend jeans, pair it with slimming top or a layered look.

If you are a leggings girl, the newest fashion trend in stores is denim leggings — also known as jeggings. These jeggings go with any type of top and shoe you can think of, and are the most versatile piece of clothing you’ll have in your closet. Pair it with a sweater and textured leather boots for an on-the-go outfit.

Of course, your entire wardrobe doesn’t have to consist of just blue denim. Prints are making their way into the jean world. While leopard prints might be a bit too wild for your tastes, there’s a large selection of colors to choose from that include the more neutral tones.

Teen Shoes and Jewelry Fashion Trends

Don’t forget to place on your shoes and jewelry to complete your outfit. Leather boots, bright sneakers, and patent flats are the hottest fashion trend to wear. Bury the platform stilettos in the back of your closet and stick with chunky platforms if you are looking for a bit of lift to your feet.

As for jewelry, bigger is better when trying to make a fashion statement this year. Bangles, cuff bracelets, and brooches draws the eyes and won’t let go as the jewelry demands attention. If you prefer necklaces, go for the layered chain look that provides just the right touch to your wardrobe.

Guest post by Kimberly Thompson, who is a technology & fashion writer based in Portland, Oregon.