Something old, something new

<p>The best part about going back to school may very well be the excuse to go shopping. A new year requires a new look, and you won’t have to travel very far to get it, thanks to the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets. This is a compilation of the back-to-school fashion essentials for the 2008-09 school year.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><h3>Old trends</h3> <p>If something still works, let it work. Listed below are some of things that the fashion community just isn’t ready to let go of. So hop on these trend trains now before it is too late.</p><p>The flats: Flats are unlikely to go out of style any time soon, so it is safe to recommend you stock up with as many pairs as you can grab. Flats add something that no other article of clothing can to your outfit. They’re fun, fashionable, versatile and so, so comfortable. For the more exotic fashion tastes, they even come in zany designs, such as leopard print and stripes. Add fun and funk to your style with this year’s perfect accessory. An alternative favorite to flats are the slip-ons. Check out the Vans outlet store for a wide variety. </p><p>The stripe: You have to be careful with stripes; there used to be a giant taboo against wearing horizontal stripes because many people thought it made their midsections look wider. To avoid this, pick a piece that doesn’t focus completely on the stripe. You may be surprised by all the variety out there! If you are looking for someone who does it right, the outlet’s Tommy Hilfiger store is the place to go. </p><p>Try introducing stripes to all parts of your wardrobe: pants, skirts, dresses, even shoes. While you can’t go wrong with one striped item, be cautious of wearing clashing stripes, or just too many stripes. You want to freshen up your wardrobe, not give yourself a headache! </p><p>The big bag: Guys may not understand girls’ hold-everything-with-room-to-sleep-in bags, but girls know that this trend will never get old. With the transition into high school and out of backpacks, there is an enormous need to find a place to fashionably store your wallet, binder and lip-gloss. A warning to all big baggers: Keep in mind the body-to-bag-size ratio when looking for a purse. While big bags are in, bags that look like they can fully devour your first-period teacher are not. High-fashion bags can be found at both Off Saks and the high school classic, Coach. For a cheaper find, try PacSun. </p><p>The scarf: A scarf can really pull together an entire outfit. The scarf has survived many years as a beloved trend because it is multi-seasonal, versatile and practical. Sling it around the hip of a dress on a summer night or loosely wrap it around your neck to cure those zero-period chills. Scarves are the perfect combatant for that one teacher who refuses to learn how to use the thermostat and a great way to spice up an otherwise plain T-shirt. For great quality scarves, check out Banana Republic. </p><p>The plaid piece: There is something very comforting about plaid in the fall. When the sun begins to hide its face, we always seem to run back to those tartans and checkered patterns for warmth. For boys, plaid button-ups will always emit a laid-back style. For girls, plaid skirts and accessories will always add flair to a gray winter day. For some stylish plaid finds, check out Saks Fifth Avenue’s Off Saks outlet store.</p><h3>New trends</h3> <p>Comfort: There is a reason you still have those old P.E. shorts laying around — they are darn comfortable! In fact, the only reason you don’t wear them to school is because they are awkwardly colored and scream your name in thick Sharpie ink. Luckily, being comfortable is becoming a growing trend in school fashion. Substitute those P.E. shorts for a sweet pair of basketball shorts from the Petaluma Village Premium Outlet’s Nike store. For girls, try a comfortable and well-designed hooded zip-up. </p><p>Bright colors: Don’t let the start of school and cold weather kill the heat of the summer. Choose your favorite color, and wear it in brighter shades. Pink, yellow, orange and blue are proven successes, but try experimenting with any color that looks good on you. Pair a neon top with a darker jean to really make it pop. Off Saks has tons of bright fun colors in stock, but for a less expensive find, look in your other favorite stores, such as PacSun. With these bright colors, you’ll be bringing the summer sun back to your classmates. </p><p>Sandals: Flip flops? You aren’t at the beach, but you still need a way to show off that cute pedicure. Instead of flip flops, upgrade your style to a more sophisticated sandal. Sandals allow for more control in style, they’re accepted at more schools because they can have a back and they are often much more comfortable. Search the outlet mall’s many shoe stores for a leather looking sandal or, if you are really brave, a metallic gladiator style. </p><p>Full tights: We all know tights were a very trendy thing to have last year, but everyone got tired of the cutoff look. This year, mature your tights collection by adding some tights with feet in smooth patterns or bright colors. Tights are the perfect accessory needed to extend the life of those summer skirts and daring dresses. They keep you surprisingly warm and because they come in so many patterns and colors, they really allow you to declare your personal style.</p><p>(Contact Linnea Grayson and Eliza Kritz at argus@arguscourier.com)</p>