For back-to-school wear, go West, experts say

By AUBRIE GEORGE | The Marlton Telegram

It’s about a month before it’s time to even think about homework, but it never hurts to be prepared — especially when it comes to fall fashion.

Macy’s fashion experts and About.com’s guide to kids’ fashion, Michelle Kouzmine, offered their advice about the must-have items and must-do looks for the upcoming season.

The days of long summer leisure are numbered, so kids of all ages can start mastering these tips now in order to hit the hallways this September dressed head-to-toe in style.

Style experts are pointing to the Western, or cowboy, look as a major trend making its way onto the style radar this season.

Macy’s experts suggest stocking up on items such as western-style shirts, skinny destroyed jeans, boyfriend jeans, long shaggy fur vests, cowboy hats, Indian and turquoise jewelry, accessories with feathers, silver cuffs, fringe jackets, vintage flat boots, worn leather, ripped denim vests, shearling boots and bandannas in order to achieve the right look.

Hot patterns to look out for include buffalo-checked fabrics, plaids, ginghams, bandanna prints, distressed leathers and denim, fringe, fur and feathers, whipstitching and patchwork, Macy’s experts said.

Kouzmine suggests picking a buffalo-checked pattern in unexpected, vibrant colors. Try hot pink, a shocking blue or a bright green buffalo-check fabrics for a twist on the look, she said.

For a vintage or retro take on the look, Kouzmine suggests sticking with red and black or white and black patterns.

See this week’s print edition of The Telegram for the full story.