Looking Cool for School

For kids, this can be a tough time of year, with priorities all topsy-turvy.

There still are plenty of summer activities and a desire to stretch vacation a few months longer. But there is also a lot of school-year preparation needed, with the knowledge that academics are just around the corner.

Chief among school plans, for many students, is getting the right clothes.

In our continuing coverage of back-to-school shopping, we have checked in with some local clothiers to see what is already hot and what is expected to be hot among students this year.

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Bruce McFarlin, manager of Millers Outpost at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks, seemed to have a pretty good feel for what is piquing the interest of teenagers. The back-to-school season at the store is 2 weeks old, he said, and already certain items have taken the lead.

For girls, embroidered tops in short-, long- and 3/4-length sleeve designs ($20-$30) are popular for a “sort of retro, beatnik-type style,” McFarlin said. Polyester stretch pants with flare bottoms ($38) also are in style this season.

Boys, he said, are leaning toward short-sleeved button-down Hawaiian print shirts ($30-$35) and short-sleeved plaid shirts in cotton or rayon blend ($21.99). Cargo pants ($29.99) are holdovers from past years.

“The retro look is still popular with guys, too--white tank tops, a James Dean, rebel look,” McFarlin said.

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Angie Lopez, manager of Limited Too at The Oaks, said capri pants (tight, shin-high length, $28-$38) are popular among her female customers ranging in age from 7 to 14. Three-quarter-length sleeve, button-down shirts ($20-$30) also are selling well.

“It’s pretty much what the adults are wearing,” Lopez said. “Those are the hottest items.”

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At the Camarillo Premium Outlets, where prices are generally discounted 25% to 65% off regular retail, the back-to-school season also is picking up steam.

“It’s an important holiday for us, second only to the holidays themselves,” said Teri Cameron, manager of the outlet center. “We do strong with local residential customers, and people come from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.”

The center will hold a Labor Day weekend sidewalk sale, and individual stores offer discounts into September.

At the Esprit, store, two-way stretch pants--yes, they stretch in multiple directions--are popular among teenage girls. The regular outlet price is $24.99, but they have been marked down to $12.49.

The Gap has denim and khaki pants on sale at two pairs for $29.99 for children. Adults can get in on the action with two for $39.99.

“Denim will always be in,” Cameron said. “Every other year corduroy is around, or khaki is back in, but denim is always a good staple.”

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Apparently fleece also is an enduring material. The Adidas store has long-sleeved, hooded fleece sweatshirts (two for $44) selling well, and the Osh-Kosh B’Gosh store’s fleece sweatshirts ($18.99) also are popular.

On the subject of stores for younger children, the hot items at Carter’s Childrenswear come from a line of clothing with artwork created by former Beatle John Lennon. Long-sleeved polo shirts sell for $18. Some of the clothing line is on sale at 50%-60% discounts.