Back to School Style: The Hottest Trends of the Season

As a mom with a very picky toddler who is in a yellow phase right now (that includes food and clothes), I’ve already seen firsthand how picky kids can be when it comes to their wardrobes.

I also know that as my son gets older, he’ll get clearer about what he will and will not wear. But no matter what your child’s style preference, all kids want to look stylish and cool. So instead of buying a lot of things that we parents think are cute, it’s always good to consider the trends that will make your kiddo happy.

Here are some must-have trends for Fall 2010:

Hub Cap for boys

1.    Cool Classics: Cargos, pea coats, cords, striped Henleys…the classics are always in style. While some parents spend a lot on trends that will go out of style and they can toss the next season, others invest in items that can be handed down. Brands like Petit Bateau, Mini Boden, Luna Luna (for girls) and Hub Cap (for boys) offer the best investment pieces that will still look fresh once they’ve been worn and handed down.

2.    Basics with a Twist: There’s a new emphasis on low-key threads that are deceptively simple. A grey sweatshirt with banding on the sleeves. A simple crewneck sweater with a playful stripe. Sweatpants that have cute cuffs or a unique rope tie. Don’t underestimate the power of unique details on simple, comfortable clothes to make a big impact. You can even solve the mix and match problem since there are no crazy patterns to deal with. Companies like Polarn O. Pyret, Urban Munchkin and PopupShop from Sweden are bringing basics back to life.

3.    One-of-a-kind DIY: Whether it’s a cool backpack from Skip Hop or the new Dr. Seuss shoe collaboration with Converse, it’s always stylish to have a playful signature piece that will help your kid stand out in a crowd. By encouraging them to show off their unique personality through individual style, you’ll be laying the groundwork for future self-expression.

Luna Luna peacoat

4.    Vintage Inspired: Whether it’s a cute vintage hat from a second hat store, a detailed reversible top from Right Bank Babies or a frilly frock from Trista Sutter’s new collaboration with My Vintage Baby, vintage-inspired threads look trendy no matter what era you’re in. And when they’ve grown out of it, you’ll have heirloom pieces that you can keep for decades. Blue Pony Vintage also does amazing heriloom pieces inspired by the 1920s and 1930s.

Of course, there’s one thing that never goes out of style and that’s saving big on back-to-school shopping. So whether your kid’s taste runs towards classics, basics or vintage-inspired, you’re bound to find it for less at Zulily.

-Elina at Mamaista