Back-to-School Fall Fashion Trends for 2014: Cozy and Relaxed Styles

Tweet

It's back-to-school time, and putting together the right fall fashion statement is just as important for most students as it is for the rest of us. Your teen will probably have very definite ideas about what is "cool" to wear and what is not. Although high school trends are less dictated by the runway selections of last spring, they are still clearly identifiable. Fall 2014 will be about a "cozy and relaxed" approach to school colors and styles.

Expect to see purple in many shades including its cousins: purple-black, wine, violet and deep plum. Teen girls will be painting their nails, lining their eyes, and buying t-shirts, jeans and short skirts in these rich colors. Look for graphic plaids and dark floral patterns too, accompanied by lace, reworked denim and leather.

As a throw-back to the 90's, a vintage floral dress with leather knee-high boots and a bulky cardigan is a great back-to-school ensemble. Turtlenecks are also making a comeback this fall. Taupe, silver, gray and dark teal will be popular colors. There's even a place for Taylor Swift's warm mustard yellow short skirt or pants. Plaids will be everywhere and not just standing alone. Find them matched to dark, graphic patterns and layered with contrasting plaids as well. Blanket coats will be a hit in plaid colors. Forever 21 offers a red and navy Plaid Peter Pan Collar Dress that would get an A in any classroom.

When it comes to back-to-school colors, both bold red and soft, pastel pink will be popular choices. Girls will love the Roseprint Blouse sold by Forever 21 or Decree's Pink Floral Scoop Neck Top with Black Lace. How about making a powerful fashion statement by dressing in monochrome,head to toe in red? Others may prefer the slightly less intimidating deep oranges. After all, "orange is the new black." For unexpected playfulness, fast-food colors and logos will be adorning t-shirts, purses, backpacks and other school accessories.

Other 2014 trends in back-to-school colors include graphic prints such as red hearts on black available as Sad Heart Knitted Jersey by The Orphans Arms. Festive colors that bring the tropics into the classroom will be bright and cheery. They may appear as floral designs, layers, mixed patterns and lots of lacy hems.

There will always be those athletic students who love the look and feel of stylish gym clothes. "Athleisure" back-to-school clothes are designed for comfort. Expect to see an abundance of both plain and patterned dark leggings and tops.

When it comes to the guys, denim continues to rule. Whether printed or colored, male students will be living in their jeans. How about a pair of Arizona Brown Denim Pants as a change from the standard blue versions? Levi's Denim Jean Jacket is a great accompaniment for both guys and gals. The perennial hoodie still holds its own in 2014. Arizona's Navy and White Striped Hoodie will make any outfit look sharp.

Finally, expect to find a smaller trend toward scholarly or preppy styles this fall. This more-conservative look is epitomized by Ralph Lauren's sophisticated gray shades and looks. High school can be a difficult place to exert one's own sense of fashion taste, but this year there seems to be a little something for just about every student's desire to feel presentable on the first day of school.