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Curiocity: Top 5 Back-To-School Trends For 2013

By Sara Pelissero
Curiocity Columnist

A new year, a new chance to redefine your look -- but where to begin? Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to be stressful, especially if you have an expert making sure you know exactly what's in and the trends to look for this fall. Carly Gatzlaff, of À La Mode Wardrobe Consulting, is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant in the Twin Cities. She says it's time to pack away the summer neons and focus on earthy tones for fall. Here are her top 5 trends for back-to-school.

For The Girls

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1. Ankle Boots
Whether it's with skirts, dresses or pants, ankle boots will be huge, Gatzlaff said. You can go with lace-up or streamlined but shorter boots are something everyone will want to have, she said.

"The slim ankle pants we're seeing a lot now, whether it's denim, or dressier pants, they usually end at your ankle bone," Gatzlaff said. "So those are perfect compliments to a shorter ankle boot."

Also, maxi skirts are a great pairing for ankle boots -- and a way to take those summer looks into fall, she said.

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2. Distressed or Detailed Denim

Nothing can completely replace the basic, casual denim but a new trend for fall is to mix in a few pieces of distressed or detailed denim, Gatzlaff said. For teens, especially, there will be a lot more of the distressed, or torn, look. Zippers, or even cargo pockets, are some of the detailing you may see this fall.

This look is more prevalent as the summer's big hit, color denim, starts to fade away. Juniors may see a bit more lighter washes in denim, as well, she said.

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3. Heathered Tops
It's a small distinction but heather grey tops and tees, not just grey, will be in for fall. You'll start to see more of the heathering (adding white with grey) details -- especially in tops and sweaters, Gatzlaff said.

"I think it gives items a little more interesting look even though they're still a great basic," she said.

That slight heathered detail makes the piece a little more stylish. You'll see it in some more boxier sweaters so pairing it with a slim pant is a good approach.

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4. Peplums
Peplums have been huge all summer but this trend will certainly make its way into fall, as well. Gatzlaff said peplums are great for any body shape and can be easily paired with a tubular skirt or any slim cut pant.

"The best thing about the peplum is that it shows off or creates a waist," she said.

In the same regard, a peplum can be a great way to hide an unforgiving mid-section.

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5. Flowy Tops, Earthy Tones
As we mentioned before, it's time to pack away the summer neon and bright colors of spring. Fall is all about getting back to earthy tones -- olive greens, browns and oxford maroon, as well as neutrals.

Gatzlaff said the Bohemian look will be big -- look for tribal prints, flowy blouses and anything boho chic.

Tunic sleeves and flowy tops will also be a trend that is likely to continue into next year, Gatzlaff said.

For The Guys

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1. Slim Pants
Guys, it's time to give slim pants a try. Gatzlaff said a lot of men may be a bit shy about squeezing in to a slim-fitting pant but fear not, she's not talking skin-tight.

"They're definitely going to want to be looking for straight-cut pants," she said. "Nothing bigger, nothing baggier, nothing relaxed."

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2. Streamline Shoes
High tops and clunky shoes are becoming a thing of the past. Now, Gatzlaff said, we're seeing a lot more sleek, streamlined shoes for the guys -- TOMS, Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes, etc. Look for very minimal details and a cleaner look.

Boots are also a trend for fall -- again, sticking to that minimalist approach.

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3. Tank Tops
With the recent heat wave we've seen, this trend is perfectly timed. Gatzlaff said tank tops will continue to be big for teens this fall -- whether on their own or as a layering piece as the temperatures get cooler.

For the athletic cut young man, tanks are a perfect fit and super trendy.

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4. Simple V-Neck T's
Graphic T's are on their way out. Instead, Gatzlaff suggests stocking up on those basic T's and simple V-necks. They're not only trendy on their own, they're also great for layering.

"We're really getting back to our basics and more basic colors, so rusty oranges versus a bright orange or soft blue versus a bright blue," she said.

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5. Fitted Zip Hoodies
Ditch the oversized zip-ups and baggy sweatshirts, guys. This fall it's all about the fitted zip hoodie -- a perfect layering piece over a tank for the start of the school year or over several pieces for winter.

Gatzlaff said guys should look for that thinner material for more versatility. Bonus -- this trend is not only stylish, it's comfortable and traditional and can be worn with shorts or those slim cut pants.

Overall, the theme for Fall 2013 is back to basics. Gatzlaff said it's a great time to stock up and shop for those basic looks that can easily be transformed with a few trendy pieces and accessories.

For more information about Carly Gatzlaff or À La Mode Wardrobe Consulting, check out her website.

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