Back-to-School: The Middle School List

From Shopperati

The adjustment your child will make moving from the comfort and simplicity of elementary school to the ever-shifting academic and social “new world order”of middle school might be difficult at first, but once he or she finds a groove, watch out. You’ll be dealing with a full-fledged adolescent, and that means a whole lot of shopping.

“But I really need it!” can apply to everything from the latest skateboard or designer jeans to a calculator that handles complex math functions. It’s often up to you, the parent (a.k.a. “the bank”) to discern the difference.

Backpacks/Messenger Bags

When it comes to hauling books and other supplies from home to school and back again, teens need a sturdy, comfortable bag. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends loads no heavier than 15 percent of the student’s body weight. We say a pack with a bit of style that expresses a teen’s color preference isn’t a bad thing, either.

• At Timbuk2, your kid can design his or her own messenger bag ($130 to $150) or Lex pack ($125 to $175). The fabrics are as “durable as theater seats” and come in a fun array of patterns and solids for mixing and matching on the front panels of the bag. Of course, you don’t have to spend that much to give your child options.
• Jansport’s Super Break backpack ($30) is available in 32 different fabrics/colors with padded shoulder straps and has a front pocket organizer for storing electronics and accessories.
• Dickies also makes affordable, attractive book bags. There’s the basic student backpack ($22), available in mod black-and-white checkered fabric or solids; the messenger bag ($22) available in six fabric options, and the suede bottom backpack ($30) in a range of fabrics.
• For the student with a bit of whimsy and an eye for the arty, we recommend the Little Packrat line from CBH Studio. The Ladybug tote ($50) is big enough for school folders and books, and the Polar Bear backpack ($65) is even bigger — made in the USA of PVC-free neoprene, it’s strong but light, and part of the sale price goes to protect endangered species. Okay, maybe teens are more caught up in themselves than saving the planet. In that case, consider the “I’m Starring In My Own Reality Show!” messenger bag ($26, above left). It’s sturdy, has attitude, and let’s face it: It’s the truth.

Shoes

Teen-age trendsetters will always want to put their best foot forward with the right shoes. Your middle schooler need only step into these:

• Adidas HB Spezial Suede Ws ($65; right)
• Miss Me Minty-6s ($25)
• Tommy Hilfiger Bellflowers ballet flats ($39)
• Keds classic canvas Champions ($35)
• Nanette Lepore wedges ($100)
• The entire line of Vans shoes for girls
• Guys might go for the Ed Hardy Nike line of sneakers
• Any Converse Chuck Taylor high top (we like the Chuck Taylor Grateful Dead with the Deadhead skull logo for $50)
• The Bed Stu Crecy boot with its mix of canvas and leather ($198)
• Any teen may can make the ultimate foot fashion statement with the “design it yourself” Converse sneakers

Accessories

As for accessories, girls can’t go wrong with bigger-is-better jewelry:

• They can really get their bangle for the bucks by loading up on inexpensive chunky bangle bracelets like one with a peacock feather motif ($20) or this blue bangle with gold insets ($13; right).
• At Wet Seal, we found leopard-print sunglasses that will be the envy of all ($7.50).
• Wear them with a paisley headwrap ($5) from Forever 21 for an ultra-glam look. (The store has no less than five pages of hair goods for girls.)
• Check out these argyle knee socks ($4) also from Forever 21.
• For a younger guy, a little bit of TIGI Bed Head “product” applied to the hair after showering will give even the most boring haircut some hip-looking definition.
• Pop on a pair of hip shutter aviators ($18), and he’ll be ready to head out.
• And finally, if your middle-schooler talks, thinks and dreams of someday getting a tattoo, you might be able to take the mystique out of it (or at least test their resolve) with a Visage Naturel airbrush tattoo system ($22). These aren’t permanent, which makes them perfect for your ever-evolving, trend-chasing teen.

For more on back-to-school fashions, visit Shopperati.

Source: Shopperati