Taelor (right) tries moto-style on for size with Teen Vogue’s Mary Kate Steinmiller. (Rene Cervantes)
Jacket 8; Bag, LeSportsac ; Top ; Vest ; Pants ; Shoes (Rene Cervantes)
Coat 2; Top ; Bag ; Flannel top ; Pants ; Shoes 0 (Rene Cervantes)
Vest ; Necklace ; Sweater ; Jeans ; Bag, LeSportsac 2; Shoes (Rene Cervantes)
Necklace set ; Shirt ; Jacket ; Dress ; Bag ; Boots (Rene Cervantes)
Necklace, Material Girl Macy’s ; Top, Mstylelab ; Bag, LeSportsac ; Skirt, Mstylelab Teen Vogue ; Shoes, Keds (Rene Cervantes)
Mary Kate Steinmiller, Teen Vogue’s senior fashion market editor, gives advice on how to be stylish this fall (Rene Cervantes)
Back-to-school fever has officially struck, and the thrill of it has teens and 20-somethings alike giddy with thoughts of fall fashion — and the all-important first-day outfit. For a glimpse of what’ll soon be heating up hallways, Pulse took a trip to Teen Vogue’s fashion closet, where senior fashion market editor Mary Kate Steinmiller dished on the season’s must-have trends. From punk to sporty to moto-chic, there’s a trend for every sense of style. Five real girls got a chance to try on the choice threads, unabashedly declaring “Love it!”, “Cute!” and “OMG!” at each look.
The students are dressed head to toe in looks that are on sale as part of Teen Vogue’s second annual Back-to-School Saturday, a nationwide shopping extravaganza, offering across-store discounts on Aug. 10. Turn the page for each girl’s look and the deals for you.
More than 40 brands are participating in Teen Vogue’s Back-To-School Saturday and offering deals, giveaways and special events. Participants include Topshop, Express, American Eagle and a slew of other fashion, beauty and online retailers. Some sales start Friday and last until Aug. 11. For a complete list of retailers and discounts, visit backtoschoolsaturday. com. Prices are rounded off.
Taelor, 13, 8th grader
THE LOOK: Motorcycle Diaries
FIND IT AT: Express
“I really like the vest and the boots,” says Taelor, donning an ensemble influenced by Phillip Lim’s fall collection. Layering and a graphic T-shirt are other staples of the tough-girl look, and a current hot-ticket item. “The main piece is the moto jacket,” Steinmiller says. “It’s a must-have!”
Haley, 16, high school junior
THE LOOK: Punk
FIND IT AT: Topshop
On the tip of every fashion lover’s tongue since arriving at the Met, punk is among fall’s most prevailing trends. “It’s all about anything studded, plaid and in really bright colors,” says Steinmiller. Haley’s look hits all three tenets with a stud-adorned T-shirt, a flannel and a bold overcoat. “I’m very preppy, so this is totally different for me,” she says, “but I love the bright colors.”
Lucy, 20, college junior
THE LOOK: White-out denim
FIND IT AT: Aeropostale
“We feel really strongly about carrying this trend into fall,” Steinmiller says of white separates. “A key way to wear [them] is to mix varying tones and textures.” The styling tip is exemplified with a faux-fur vest and knitted sweatshirt. Printed jeans add even more dimension, and a pop of color comes via camo wedge sneakers. “I’m a big wedge sneaker person,” Lucy says. “They’re perfect for school.” Lucy is dressed in Aeropostale except for her bag, which is from LeSportsac.
Lauren, 20, college junior
THE LOOK: Romantic
FIND IT AT: American Eagle
“This is a romantic look but it’s a little more casual,” Steinmiller says, adding that a sweatshirt and denim jacket instantly dress down a party frock. Neutral tones and a beanie provide extra edge. “This is definitely something I’d wear,” says Lauren. “I love the lace, but I like that it’s mixed up a bit with the boot and the denim.”
Tiffany, 17, high school senior
THE LOOK: Sporty skirts
FIND IT AT: Macy’s
“This is a fit-and-flare skater skirt that all the young girls are wearing right now,” says Steinmiller. “For a while it’s been all about jeans for teenagers, but now we’re saying you can wear a skirt and you can wear it to school.” Tiffany’s mixed-print one is paired with a knit and faux-leather sleeved top. “I wouldn’t normally wear this, so I like how I’m stepping out of my comfort zone,” says Tiffany. “I love skirts, but I usually wear all black.”
BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS
Embrace the punk trend with your own DIY project. Take a rocker tee, old denim jacket or plaid shirt and add studs, patches, safety pins and crystals.
Buy a must-have flannel shirt to celebrate the revival of grunge. It defines the trend and can be worn over a floral baby doll dress, under an oversize sweater or with slouchy boyfriend jeans.
Add a touch of camouflage to your wardrobe. Camo print denim is a big trend, but the military-inspired print on accessories adds a cool edge.
Wear skirts. The coolest are a sporty fit-and-flare “skater” skirt and are worn with graphic sweatshirts and sneakers.
Stock up on winter whites. From white denim to chunky knit oversize sweaters, all shades of white are on trend. Invest in a great pair to carry you through the winter months as well.
Invest in a motorcycle jacket. A wardrobe staple in general, but particularly hot this fall season. Incredibly versatile and can be worn year round. Go for a faux leather version for a cool look that won’t break the bank.