Back to school: Strut your stuff in style

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Emma, Zoe and Shiloh Chamberlain are ready for school wearing the latest fashions from Target.

TOP TRENDSGirls• Motorcycle-style jackets• Animal prints• Rain boots with cuffs• Equestrian boots• Skinny cargo pants• Graphic tees• Statement backpacks• Colored denim jeans• Ballet flatsBoys• Track pants• Sports logo tees• Surf/skate tees• Edgy jeans• Funky shoesSource: kidsfashion.about.com

A back-to-school survey by Lands' End and Momtrends found that cost and quality are parents' top concerns when choosing back-to-school apparel for their children.

No. 3 on that list is finding stylish mix-and-match pieces that can make it easier for children to get dressed each morning.

Liz Pierce, senior design director at Lands' End, said this season's line offers several solutions for clothes that coordinate easily.

"For girls, the Knit Kit features tees, tunics, dresses and leggings in an array of complementary colors and patterns," she said. "Dressing boys is a snap with our No-Sweat outfitting that includes vintage-inspired graphics on tees and hoodies, and a variety of cool, yet comfy, bottoms."

Meredith Greaf, executive team leader at Target in Hixson, said the retailer focuses on keeping up with trends while offering affordable prices, whether families are looking for school uniforms or the latest in tunics and leggings or jeans and tees.

"Target is always looking to stay ahead of the curve through partnerships with Disney, Shaun White, Gwen Stefani and numerous other well-known designers," she said.