Sweaters are also superimportant this year

Tag : uniform fabrics
For young women, the fall fashion forecast is a lot moreinteresting. You'll find clothing inspired by menswear, includingvests and tuxedo-style blouses that have been girlied up withruffles and bows. In fact, you'll find ruffles on just abouteverything, from T-shirts to dresses. Sweaters are also superimportant this year, in a wide variety of lengths and styles.
Also big: influences from the 1980s, including -- gasp! --high-waist jeans.
Plus, everyone's favorite color: plaid!
The trick is to combine individual items into specific looks. Andto understand that not everything suits everyone's style. As anouveau hippie girl, you may be all about flowing tops while yourbest friend, the queen of prep, is all about clean classic lineswith an edge. We want to hear from readers on what suits theirstyle; check out how to send your suggestions in the box to theright titled "What's your back-to-school biggie?"
A word of advice before you shop: Make sure you know your school'sdress code before you buy anything. Most schools forbidmidriff-baring tops, super-short shorts or skirts, super saggypants, and clothing that promotes drugs, alcohol, sex or firearms.
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's check out some ofthis season's looks. For more looks -- including a few for guys -- and larger photos,see our photo gallery.
High and mighty
She was the first girl in school to have skinny jeans, now she'sgoing in a new direction with her denim. The high waist on thesesuper-flared, four-pocket white jeans makes them slightly1980s-esque yet oh so current. Show them off with a tucked-inT-shirt, otherwise no one will notice the waist. $209 by Rich andSkinny at www.neimanmarcus.com . Too pricey for something so trendy? Check out the offerings at www.urbanoutfitters.com , where high-waist jeans are selling for $48.
These ruffles aren't prissy
She's wearing ruffles around the neck of her cute shirt, but she'sno prudish pushover. Paired with a cute short-sleeved jacket andtrim-cut jeans, she's ready for whatever the semester brings.Jacket, $44; top, $34; jeans, $44, all by Elle at www.kohls.com and Kohl's.
Lovely in layers
Some people might call her indecisive. But really, all the layers-- a T-shirt under a strappy flowing baby doll top and then acardigan over that -- make her super stylish in a hippie kind ofway. Plus, she'll be set for whatever the weather brings. Whatmakes this cardigan especially current is its elbow-length sleeves.Cardigan, $36; printed top with pockets, $26; jeans, $46, all byDecree at www.jcp.com and JCPenney.
Pretty in plaid
Plaid never goes out of fashion. Dresses are a must-have thisseason and this shift with banded sleeves has lots going for it.It's corduroy, one of the season's popular fabrics, and it's plaid,one of the season's popular patterns. Remember: Plaid never goesout of style. $34.99 from Go International, available Aug. 31 at www.target.com and Target. Pair it with colorful tights and you'll give theoutfit a super fresh twist.
Nouveau prep school
She's the queen of prep, yet there's nothing stuffy or Muffy abouther or her uniform of choice. The festive blouse and striped tiegive her look an updated edge. Vest, $24.50; rolled-sleeve dressshirt, $24.50; tie, $19.50; denim miniskirt, $24.50, all at www.oldnavy.com and Old Navy.
I've got a boyfriend!
Cut longer and made to look like it was borrowed from you-know-who,this boyfriend-style sweater is comfy without being sloppy. Pairwith skinny pants or jeans and pearls and you'll give a feminineand preppy edge to a menswear-inspired look. $39.50 at www.ae.com and American Eagle Outfitters.
Not too tied up
Yes, she's dressed for business, a smart thing since she's classtreasurer. But she looks anything but dowdy. The slim cut of thisstriped blouse with banded sleeves and ruffled placket and tie atthe neck is what keeps it from looking old-fashioned. Paired withskinny jeans, it's a sure thing. $44 by Trixxi at www.macys.com and select Macy's stores.
Pattern of success
Calculus? Advanced Placement English? She's not afraid of anything-- including mixing prints and patterns, in this case a plaid skirtwith a dotted shirt. Both by Juicy Couture. Skirt, $295; blouse,$158 at www.juicycouture.com
The super fashionista
She's destined to win the prize for best dressed -- especially inthis up-to-date, plaid-fringed, draped-collar blazer in purple (oneof the season's signature colors) and a black leather miniskirtwith an exposed zipper. Both by LA.M.B. Blazer, $425, skirt, $298at www.nordstrom.com and Nordstrom stores.
Joe College
He might be a high school sophomore but he'll look like anupperclassman in this classic V-neck and jeans. Sweater and jeans,$39.50 at www.ae.com and American Eagle Outfitters.
Maybe he's not such a geek
He's on the chess team and thinks learning Latin is fun. So thisclassic, studious-looking vest with short-sleeved shirt is justperfect for him. But you didn't expect the punkyskull-and-crossbones tie, did you? Tie, $16.50; short-sleeved dressshirt, $19.50; cotton sweater vest, $19.50 all at www. oldnavy.comand Old Navy.