What’s hot, what’s not in fall fashion

Clockwise from top left: Gauchos are part of the bohemian trend that’s popular for girls this fall. Pink is no longer a girlie color. Look for polos and other shirts with touches of pink. Try a shrug to add a touch of bohemia to you look this fall. Button-downs are a popular look for guys this fall.

By ScottiAnn Hager
John Adams Middle School

As teens, a lot of us want to be trendy, stylish and fashionable. And we all know that most parents don’t have a clue about what’s hot and what’s not, so I’ve scoped out the stores around town and come up with the latest trends for hot fall and winter fashion.

I went everywhere to see what stores have which clothes. I found that a lot of favorites are at the Charleston Town Center, but other stores and chains also have cute clothing.

At the mall, you can find anything you want. Stores there include Aeropostale, Pacific Sunwear, Wet Seal, 5-7-9, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle, just to name a few.

However, other clothing stores that have great styles are Marshalls, Kohls and Goody’s. Then there are the stores where you can buy clothes, shoes, accessories and really anything else you want, like Gabriel Brothers, Target and Wal-Mart.

For the girls, bohemian is the big look this fall. This means shrugs, flowing skirts, embroidery and gauchos (calf-length pants with flared legs). Also popular are cropped items, distressed jeans with rips and tears, chino pants, blazers, colorful hoodies and denim miniskirts.

Guys’ fashions, on the other hand, are all about logos this fall, but that’s not all that’s hot. Colorfully striped oxfords, or “button-downs,” are also popular. Look for polo shirts and plaid shorts with a good balance of pink in them.

As for shoes, boots -- especially cowboy boots and those with stiletto heels -- are a must-have among the women this fall and winter. If you don’t like those, though, ballet flats, Converse Chuck Taylor’s and Adidas black-and-white sandals are also hot. With guys, flip-flops and tennis shoes will forever be fashionable.

Accessories put the finishing touches on any outfit, so girls, when you’re going somewhere special - or even just going to school — dress up your wardrobe with sequins, beads, metallics and layered, oversized necklaces. Low-slung belts, head scarves and chandelier earrings are the perfect compliments to new outfits, and sequined or metallic saddle bags are great to carry your things in. Hot colors for fall are turquoise, green, brown, silver and coral.

Hairstyles can compliment a look, too, so ladies, don’t slouch in that department either. Scrunching - where you use water and mousse to create a wavy style - is a popular and easy style as are half-ponytails, which are great for a quick, cute style.

If you go to a hair stylist for your look, ask them if they go to “hair shows” because that will give you a clue as to whether or not they keep up with the latest do’s. Some popular stylist cuts this fall are side-swept bangs and razored, choppy ends.

Follow this advice to put together your own hot fall fashion look, and don’t forget the most important fashion rule: have fun with it. Happy shopping!