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Tips for going back-to-school in style
Ten must haves for updating back-to-school wardrobes

Longing to update your child's wardrobe for the new school year, but short on time or money?

Sears Trend Manager, Annie Helegda, identifies ten key fashion must haves for girls and guys that make the grade without taking a big bite out of your wallet.

• A great pair of jeans

For girls choices range from, skinny, low-rise, straight leg and boot cut basics. Look for dark stonewash, sandblast and medium wash colours. Details are everywhere from taping down the legs to seam and button detailing on front and back pockets.

For guys, look for wide-leg vintage wash denim jeans with a relaxed fit and simple seam detailing. Sears carries the basics – it's how and what kids choose to wear with their jeans that will make their look unique.

Sears carries national brands such as Levi's, Manager, Point Zero, Indian Motorcycle, and Buffalo, exclusive brands such as, Unionbay and Lee and Sears private brands, Jessica® and Nevada®.

• Skateboarding Influences

Edgier, urban inspired fashions influenced by skateboarders are in high style among skaters and non skaters alike. Sears exclusive brands, such as Extreme Zone™ and Joe Boxer™ offer great pants and tees that are perfect for both the classroom and the ramp.

• Anything vintage inspired

Long or short sleeve fitted tees that look like they've been around the block a few times are hot for girls. The vintage inspired tops from Sears own Nevada® label, have front print detailing and come in a variety of colours and designs.

• V-Neck Sweaters for girls

V-neck sweaters inspired by menswear but cut to flatter a young girls figure are also very popular this season.

• Athletic inspired pieces

For guys, athletic-inspired designs still have a strong influence when it comes to tops. Pullovers, tees and jerseys are fully loaded with trim, patches and embroidered numbers on the chest and back.

• Printed joggers, velour and hoodie tops

When it comes to casual wear, Sears offers great basics with their exclusive Lizzie McGuire™ and BHPC™ (Beverley Hills Polo Club) labels. These lines continue to be a favourite among tween girls. This year's sporty attire emphasizes fashion forward details. Tops and bottoms are detailed with satin trim, zippers, printed inserts, numbers, and words.

• Miniskirts

Miniskirts are popular once again. "One of the hottest things out there is a little pink plaid miniskirt," says Helegda. "It's cute, fun and versatile. Girls can wear it on its own or layered over a great pair of jeans for one of the season's hottest looks."

• Accessories

Make a statement with accessories. "This season it's all about the accessories," says Helegda. "Decorated hats and novelty belts add charm and uniqueness to any outfit." Girls wanting to be extra trendy can wear long dangly earrings. Novelty hand bags and back packs are great choices for carrying books and sports gear.

Sears offers the latest back-to-school fashions in all department stores, catalogue and online at www.sears.ca

Sears, where more Canadians spend more of their fashion dollars than anywhere else in Canada, currently has 122 department stores and 47 Sears Home stores. The Company publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and has over 2,200 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations. Additionally Sears has 148 dealer stores, 12 outlet stores, 51 floor covering centres, 110 Sears Travel offices and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

More about back to school shopping around the Web:

How to Outfit a Child for Back to School

Ten Ways to Save on Children's Clothing

also see in Shopping -> Kids Clothes | Teen Clothing