Grab the Red, Bag the Baggies

Hey, Mom and Dad, give us your undivided attention because it’s getting to be that time of the year. You know, school daze, um, school days.

Your kids have been swimming all summer, hanging out with pals, or going to music camp, dance camp or sports camp. But in a few weeks all that will just be a memory. When the school bell sounds, reality will kick in: projects, tests, final exams.

Speaking of which, we’ve got a pop quiz for you. Yeah, you.

Do you know what’s in and what’s out for back-to-school wear? Not to worry. We’ve done the homework for you on what kids want.

“For back to school they want basics, clothes that are simple and not complicated,” says Caroline Lettieri, director of L.A.-based Style Council, a youth marketing research service. “Both girls and boys want cleaned-up clothes that won’t draw attention to themselves. They want solids because solids are easy to work into a wardrobe and because they want clothes that won’t take too much thought. It’s all about lifestyle dressing.”

Here’s a tip sheet. Now, it’s just up to you to do the math.

WHAT’S IN FOR GIRLS

--baseball shirt

--flannel shoes

--drawstring and cargo pants

--hooded sweatshirts

--skants (combination skirt and pants)

--beaded jewelry

--fleece vests

--knee-length skirts

--cuffed jeans

--handmade sweaters

--anything red

WHAT’S OUT FOR GIRLS

--capris

--super sheer tops

--loud logos

--a barrage of barrettes

--lingerie-like slipdresses

--fake fur, except when used as trim

--pleather (plastic made to look like leather)

WHAT’S IN FOR GUYS

--khaki trousers

--cargo pants

--dark denim jeans

--hooded sweatshirt

--bucket hats

--stretched-out pullover sweater

--logo T-shirts

--fleece vests

--hooded Windbreaker

--parkas

--anything red

WHAT’S OUT FOR GUYS

--exaggerated baggy look

--full-on matching athletic sweatsuits

--heavy corduroy

--military or combat styles

--Head to toe workwear

--Anything that makes noise when you walk