5 Back-to-School Trends You Should Be Thinking About

Aside from sweltering heat and last minute vacays, the month of August will call forth the perfect storm of exasperated parents, moody teens, and indifferent college students. Yep, it’s that time of year again.

Back-to-school is one of the most important seasons to apply your trend expertise. Students seek popular styles from fast fashion retailers to fit in amongst peers and express themselves, while parents search for affordable prices. Appealing to both demographics on product and price is not easy, but here’s data to show you how some key trends are shaping up for the season.

TIE FRONT TOPS

Tie front tops have been a solid summer trend and will be carrying on into the fall months. This cropped style matches well with high waist denim, and students will want to hold onto summer vibes as long as possible. Our data shows a growth in the average product count starting in June from fast fashion retailers like Forever 21 and Asos.

OVERALLS

Overalls are a playground favorite and convenient choice for students. Teens want stylish, 90’s inspired pieces, while parents shopping for younger kids prefer versatile options that last. This transitional item is suitable with both short and long sleeve tees and sweaters, making them a year-round staple. We saw a sharp increase in overalls being carried during July, especially at Asos.

ATHLEISURE

When they’re on-the-go, students tend to opt for comfortable clothing that will withstand a hectic schedule. Sweatshirts, joggers, and tracksuits are popular amongst college students, whether squeezing in a quick workout or just taking in class the casual way. Indeed our data shows a two-month 13 percent increase in sweatpants at collegiate favorite Abercrombie & Fitch.

DENIM

Denim is a back-to-school necessity, but the importance lies in its variation. This season, students are hot for mismatched styling, unique washes, and embellishments. In the last month alone, the amount of embroidered jeans that sold out at Asos rose 9 percent.

PLAID

Plaid has come a long way from the basic-ness of prep schools and Clueless. Now students are incorporating plaid into their wardrobe as edgy layering separates. You’ll see students interested in plaid co-ords, trousers, tops, and scarves. As we prepare for the cooler months of fall, the amount of plaid items to be introduced, as we’re currently seeing at Forever 21, will continue to grow, well into the holiday season.