Back to School 2022

Summer’s not even half over, but retailers and many families are already gearing up for Back to School 2022.

It may seem way too early to be thinking about the 2022-2023 school year, but consider this: 43% of all U.S. K-12 pupils are back in school by August 16th. Two-percent (2%) of all students begin school in late July.

When it comes to fashion for tweens and teens, the 1990’s vibe is still going strong. Fashion designers (and their legions of TikTok influencers) are embracing a more-is-more, over-the-top sort of vibe. Think boundary-bushing, gender-fluid, big, bold, and experimental. It’s a mood of extravagance.

Mixed in with all the flash, minimalism is also a major trend too. Think simple lines, solid colors in neutral tones, and elevated basics. It’s minimalism juxtaposed next to maximalism. And it’s also minimalism with some more contemporary riffs: shoulder pads (in again), oversized tailoring, sky high waists, crop tops. and neutral colors in loud prints.

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5 Trends to Look for on High School and College Campuses This Fall

Hoodies and quilted jackets and acid washed jeans and puffy vests will still be in, but stretching further, these are five trending pieces tweens and teens may be clamoring for in the coming weeks (and days).

See where to shop these trends below.

1. Simple Ribbed Knit Tank

It’s a basic, foundational piece. Low-key luxury that can be layered with blazers or sky high trousers.

2. Solid Ribbed Knit Midi Skirt

It’s a more contemporary translation of the classic pencil skirt. It hits at the perfect length (below the knees and well above the ankle). And is a great versatile position that can transition from casual to dressy. It can be worn with simple ribbed knit tops, cropped tees, sweatshirts, oversized blazers or cardigans, and really any top in your wardrobe.

3. Biker Jacket

Biker Dude Energy not required. This motocross style is in. It’s on runway models and influencers in a range of colors, but you can’t go wrong with a classic, cropped black biker jacket. You can find them in every price imaginable, from Shein cheap to bespoke lambskin options. A heavy jean jacket in a cropped fit is also a great alternative.

4. Clunky Leather Boots

Kids will be dusting off their parents’ old Doc Martens. Large, stompy moto boots are coming back. Think fat thick soles, square toes (with steel toe caps), metal hardware, and boots stretching to mid-calf or knee length. They add an instant 1990’s flourish to an outfit. Pair them with a short skirt, and you’ll be giving major Clueless vibes.

5. Oversized Blazer

Slouchy, oversized blazers have been in for a few seasons and this trend is going strong. The loose, baggy fit pairs well with slim fitting crop tops and fitted base pieces. It’s part of the pairing of oversized and tight-fitting clothing together for balance. The large oversized fit is also part of a broader gender-fluid clothing trend, too.

Oversized blazers in neutral tones and flashy ones (think hot pink or anything that screams Saved by the Bell)

Where to Shop These Trends

You can shop these five hot trends at a number of fleek retailers. Here’s a handful of the better ones to shop. As an added perk, you can earn cash back for shopping these stores online. The Swagbucks rewards site will offer you $10 cash back when you make a purchase of $25 or more at any of these retailers.

  1. Anthropologie
  2. ASOS
  3. Chic Me
  4. Forever 21
  5. Free People
  6. Madewell
  7. MANGO
  8. SHEIN
  9. Topshop (Nordstrom Rack)
  10. Urban Outfitters

What About Trends for Grade School, Pre-School, and Younger?

Parents of littles, and littles themselves, appreciate great fashion for the younger set. Oversized sweatshirts, gender neutral clothing sets, tees and shorts with ribbed ring color trim, paper bag waists, checked and vichy prints, parachute hoods, and layered looks are all big.

You can find more style inspiration on fall style for toddlers and kids, including the best brands stores to shop.