WORCESTER — Back-to-school time isn’t just about hitting the books and checking out TikToks trending on social media.
The latest fashions are also top of mind for many high school students, and that means sporting the right styles for comfort and self-esteem.
Based on a random sampling, it appears that retro sneakers and clothing is in – big time. And that goes along with having a discerning eye for spotting cool attire at the local thrift store.
“Thrifting is in,” said Jean Gomez, a senior at Doherty Memorial High School.
Morgan Granger was styling as she left school recently after the closing bell. Granger, a 15-year-old sophomore at Doherty Memorial, wore a new pair of Air Jordan 1 retro high-top sneakers, ripped denim jeans and a zip-up sweatshirt that dropped off her left shoulder.
“They’re very popular,” Granger said of her Jordan sneakers. “Everyone matches their outfits to it.”
Retro revival
Fashions from the 1990’s are in, said Gomez. That includes high-waisted jeans, which the 17-year-old Gomez happened to be wearing. He also pointed out his Converse Chuck Taylor high-top canvas sneakers, a popular look from the 1970s.
“They’re glossy, which means more quality,” Gomez said of his Chucks. “They’re vintage design.”
Graphic T-shirts are also the rage, and Gomez wore one that had a motorcycle graphic with the words, “Destiny. Look Fresh. Dynamic.”
“Aesthetic dress”
That is the term Vanessa Ansong, a Doherty Memorial senior, used to describe a fashion she ascribes to. Aesthetic dress includes baggy jeans, a “cute” crop top – half shirts that shows plenty of midsection – and a big belt.
Just before catching a ride with her mom after school ended for the day, Ansong stopped to model her outfit that day: a squeaky-clean pair of Tommy Hilfiger sneakers. Plus, an oversized, stylish sweater in a black and white pattern, along with a pair of black pants.
“I don’t have a particular style. I like to mix things up,” Ansong said.
Store fashions
Just about any store at the nearest mall that caters to high school shoppers will have the latest craze on full display.
At the H & M store at Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough, there are oversized hoodies, T-shirts, and sweaters on display. Blazers over crop tops is another popular look.
While he tried on a spiffy blazer at H & M, Miguel DaSilva, a student at Westborough High School, said oversized sweatpants and hoodies are rocking it this fall.
“Skater” is another look popular with some in the younger set, said Brian Diaz, a 20-year-old Worcester resident who bought several colorful T-shirts at H & M.
“Urban style,” with the fashion sense of wrapper Lil Wayne mixed in, is how Diaz described the skater genre that highlights oversized T-shirts and shorts. Plus, Vans are part of the attire, the popular skateboarding shoes.
In fact, Diaz looked like he stepped out of a skater catalogue, wearing Vans, a Nike sweatshirt, ripped jeans and a black beanie that fit snugly on his head.
Popular pairing
A pairing that many high schoolers demand is a crop top with a high-rise, straight fit denim pant, said John Donahue, assistant manager at the Old Navy store in the Solomon Pond Mall.
“Athleisure” – athletic casual attire with an emphasis on comfort – is also popular in the high school scene, Donahue said.
At 39 years old, it’s been some time since Donahue was in high school, but he knows fashion and said he’s seeing some trends from the 1980s — particularly crop tops — resonating with today’s high school crowd.
Short shorts with socks pulled up high are another popular retro look — for both boys and girls — Donahue said.
Nice shoes
Decked out in her Air Jordan 1 sneakers, Granger summed up what could be the biggest fashion item this season in the high school world.
“Nice shoes are in. People love having nice shoes,” Granger said.
Contact Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @henrytelegram.
