Maria Cote - Scripps Howard News Service

Muted tones make the cut, baggy jeans are out

Put away those baggy jeans, boys. That shrug you bought last year? Shrug it off and stuff it way back in your bureau drawer, girls.

That outfit fit right in last year. But this year, those jeans and that shrug will look like . . . well, last year's clothes. This year, think layers. Think vintage T-shirts. Think earth tones.

And we don't need to tell you not to think like your parents.

"Tweens and early teens do not reflect the styles of their parents," says Nathan Welch, merchandising manager for Gap Kids in Denver. "They want their own look. Purple is in for adults. Kids want more muted tones. It's a nice, clean look this year."

According to the National Retail Federation, the average student will spend more than $230 on back-to-school clothing and accessories this fall. More likely, Mom and Dad will fork out the cash.

So make sure you do a little research before heading out to the mall to spend their hard-earned money.

We've got you covered with an update on the latest trends in fall fashion.

2007 Fall fashion trends for the 10-14 crowd:

-- Look for T-shirts and jeans that are embellished, but not over the top. A little lace or a hint of a ruffle will do.

-- This trend continues from 2006: Hoodies are still in style.

-- Don't pack away those Bermuda shorts after summer. There will be plenty of warm autumn days.

-- If the T-shirt looks a bit worn, has a logo of a rock band or an artful graphic image, snatch it up. What's old-looking is new this year.

-- Make sure those jeans aren't too baggy. The focus is on great fits. Everything from straight to wide leg, skinny to straight is in style.

-- Dresses aren't just for the girly girl anymore. Look for sweater knits to be worn with leggings and opaque tights.

-- Avoid bright colors (leave them to your parents). Look for black, gray, earth tones and muted shades like dusty rose.

-- Multiple layering is big. Two examples: a T-shirt under a spaghetti-strap dress for girls, layered lightweight T-shirts for boys.

-- Thermal is the new "it" fabric, either as a stand-alone or used as an accent in layering.

-- Pick your patterns: Artful prints, stripes and plaids will show up everywhere.

Sources: Brittany Elenburg, sales manager at Dillard's at FlatIron Crossing, Denver; Jessica Wicklund, kids- wear regional manager for Nordstrom; Nathan Welch, merchandising manager for Gap Kids

(Contact Maria Cote of the Rocky Mountain News at www.rockymountainnews.com.)