It’s time to get schooled on back-to-school fashion for the fall.
Since the majority of the school year was held online during the pandemic, there is a lot of excitement about what to wear for the 2021-22 school year.
“I was recently working with a large group of high school students and they are so ready to change out of their sweatpants and pajamas,” said Louisville-based fashion expert Jo Ross. “They are definitely ready to welcome back dressing up a bit more.”
For more than 20 years, Ross has served as the director of The Fashion Council Louisville, a year-long program that teaches modeling, including runway, photographic, and freeze modeling. The program also teaches students how to present themselves in social situations and professional etiquette.
To help your kids put their best fashion foot forward this school year, Ross and members of the current Fashion Council will present a free back-to-school fashion show on July 31 at noon and 2 p.m. in Mall St Matthews, 5000 Shelbyville Road.
The Fashion Council’s back-to-school and homecoming fashion shows will include models ages 6-20 wearing clothes from Dillards, JCPenney, Hollister, Sam Meyers and more.
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The shows do not require a reservation, just show up to the atrium where the giant chess game is set up in Mall St. Matthews. It’s easiest to get to the atrium if you come through the entrance near Victoria’s Secret.
Besides viewing the most current fashions, the Fashion Council will also give away movie passes, gift baskets, food coupons, offer makeup demonstrations and prizes.
Here are some back-to-school fashion tips to keep in mind as you start your shopping:
Back-to-school fashion for girls
Kids are returning to school in August when it is still hot outside, so it’s important to avoid heavy, thick fabrics.
“Flowy full-length and knee-length cotton dresses will be more comfortable than jeans, which are made from a very heavy fabric,” Ross said.
In addition, Ross suggests skorts, rompers embroidered tops, and high-waisted fuller jeans.
Back-to-school fashion for boys
Boys’ fashions for the 2021-22 school year will include everything from khakis, jeans, and shorts to graphic t-shirts.
Ross said, “graphic t-shirts are still very much in style because it is still popular to wear your message.”
She also said to look for athletic-styled clothing and neon t-shirts, shorts, and matching socks.
“Boys will also be wearing skinny pants this year,” Ross said.
Back-to-school accessories
These fashion tips can apply to students who wear uniforms, too.
“I know many students wear uniforms to school but there are ways to add your own style to your back-to-school wardrobe,” Ross said. “We’ll be showing unique backpacks, lunchboxes and headbands that can let your personality shine through.”
In addition, Fashion Council members will be available at the event to talk about the year-long program which includes a one-hour monthly training to build self-confidence and help develop maturity and bolster self-esteem. It also offers opportunities for TV appearances, fashion shows, and non-profit events throughout the year.
Applications to take part in the 2021-22 Fashion Council will be accepted in August. You can pick up more information at the fashion show and by calling Ross at 502-777-8507 and by emailing jofashion@me.com.
Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.
