Although children may be groaning at the thought of early mornings and homework assignments, one great thing about back-to-school season is picking new clothes. But for their parents, back-to-school shopping isn't just about making a great first impression; it's about finding pieces that will work all year long - clothes that will please the kids and the wallet.
With sales tax-free weekend on the horizon (Aug. 7-9), now is the perfect time to start making your list.
First on everyone's mind is most likely a pair of well-fitting jeans. Although it's still 90-plus degrees in Mid-Missouri, shorts season is out - at least for retailers - and jeans season is in.
JCPenney General Manager Brent Barr said back-to-school is one of their busiest seasons, second only to Christmas. "We sell more jeans in July and August than any other time of the year," he said. The store sells a variety of fits and brands including Levi, Lee, Wrangler and its most popular, Arizona.
Graphic and novelty T-shirts are also a big staple this year, for both girls and boys. Big, lettered sayings and fun designs are taking over the girls' sections, with statements like "Messy Hair Don't Care" and "Weekend Please." Silly and bold T's along with ones featuring Marvel characters sell well for the boys. All of these can transcend seasons by adding flannel and other long-sleeved shirts over top.
For the ladies
Girls' store Justice Assistant Manager Endya Carbin agreed jeans are definitely a hot item this time of year. "They're all skinny," Carbin said of the go-to style.
Another staple for girls in their teen years is leggings. Although they have been popular for some time, the style variations and versatility are growing. "Printed leggings are definitely back," Carbin noted. The bottoms are popular for all girls, from preschool through college.
Leggings and jeggings are worn under skirts, dresses and as pants themselves along with long and flowing shirts. They pair nicely with sandals and boots, making them perfect for all seasons. Solids may be seen as most practical, but when your daughter asks for the tribal print or polka dot, don't shut down the idea. Mixing prints and bright colors is in.
On top, Carbin suggests grouping plaid shirts with graphic T's, and mixing other core basics with scarves and ponchos to get through the year. Other key items for girls include plaids, prints, sweaters, cardigans, flannel button-ups, fringe and lace.
Pretty much anything goes this fall. "Bright colors, tanks and camis, anything you can layer," Barr said.
For the gentlemen
For boys, jeans are always a main staple. Colored jeans - red, gray and black - are pairing with stripes and plaids. Polo shirts and button-up sweaters are also a fall must-have. Short-sleeved, colored button-ups are everywhere and look nice with jeans, shorts, cargos and khakis.
Looking for something more comfortable? "It seems to be the year of athletic wear," Barr said. Excursion Nike athletic wear for boys comes in bright shirts and dark shorts, jackets and sweatshirts. Athletic tights can be worn underneath to keep those shorts good for colder temperatures as well. Sweatpants, which can be worn along with those athletic shirts, are becoming more popular as well.
Think layers
No matter what you buy for your children these next few weeks, be sure to think about how each item can be layered. Many pieces, especially in the girls and juniors sections, are being sold with layering in mind; long-sleeved, light sweaters with a long, lace tank underneath and scarf already attached are sold together as one piece, as are tanks with cardigans.
This year more than any other, JCPenney is trying to help customers think about the whole wardrobe, "at a great value," Barr said.