Accessorizing can be the most fun, expressive part of assembling a back-to-school outfit, and the popularity of adding those personal touches is undeniable given the explosive popularity of the “Labubu” trend, oversized hair bows, and character-based apparel.
The China-based company Pop Mart started a global craze with the introduction of its furry, monster-faced dolls sold in mystery packs, which people took to modeling on belt loops and bag straps.
The exploding market also inspired look-alikes from other brands, earning the nickname “Lafufus.”
Labubu dolls became popular belt and bag accessories this summer, along with the off-brand versions nicknamed “Lafufus.”
Incoming Riverview High School senior Amalia Matthews said Labubus have definitely been popular this year, but so have other accessories, like lip glosses clipped to keychains and purses. She said this lines up with the more simple, fresh makeup looks trending right now.
On the other end of the spectrum, bolder prints, like camo and animal print, are making a resurgence.
“I’ve been seeing the cheetah, leopard and zebra prints everywhere, from bathing suits to dresses to skirts,” she said. “I feel like it’ll still be in fashion this school year.”
However, she said parents doing back-to-school shopping shouldn’t get too caught up in chasing particular trends. Rather, they can pick up some popular end-of-summer staples, like linens and halter tops, and layer them with other trendy pieces.
She looks forward to seeing what prom dresses and other formal outfits will be popular this year, especially considering how fashion-forward students have been bringing back bold colors and sparkle — almost “tacky cute” — but with a contemporary flair.
Above all else, Matthews encourages students gearing up for a fresh year to “stay cool and stay unique.”
Also popular in fashion this year is the uncommon combination of bubble-gum pink and emerald green, inspired by the release of the Broadway-inspired movie “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The sequel is scheduled for release this November, and the color combo is sure to remain on clothes racks.
Bold aesthetics aren’t just accessories, though.
From metallic gold to neon, bold sneakers are among the increasingly maximalist styles trending now.
Teen Vogue claimed this summer that maximalism is “back in a big way,” regardless of the particular style.
Trending tennis shoes run the gamut from metallic gold to neon on black.
Oversized clip-in hair bows and ribbon-like jewelry are popping up in stores for fashionistas of all ages.
Brands like the athleisure-centric Lululemon are also featuring colorful accessories, but their backpacks this season are largely in more natural seafoam green, navy blue and ruby red tones.
Teen fashion trends are experimenting with more atypical silhouettes as well, opting for a more cropped but wide style with shirts to go with high-waisted pants.
As students head back to school, they will be taking their water bottles with them. In recent years, oversized, flashy cups evolved to be as much of a status symbol and vibrant accessory as a drinking vessel.
Oversized water containers remain an essential accessory.
Trend followers wondered if the popularity of the cups would begin to dwindle with growing criticism that vast collections of the otherwise reusable jugs were wasteful, running counter to the ideas that originally inspired the trend.
But store displays seem to indicate otherwise, as the bottles remain on prominent showcase.
As for makeup trends, doll-like features accompany the more feminine pinks and bows flooding the market.
Popular styles are focusing on eye-highlighting heavy mascara, glitter and bold rosy blush.
From doll accessories to Barbie-inspired makeup, pretty fashion — but often with a twist — doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, anytime soon.
