WORCESTER — Back-to-school time isn’t just about hitting the books and checking out TikToks trending on social media.
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High school students are always on the lookout for the latest fashions. This means that they need to be comfortable and confident in their own skin.
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,”Jean Gomez, a senior at Doherty Memorial High School, said:
Morgan Granger was styling her outfit as she left school 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 spoke highly of her Jordan sneakers. “Everyone matches their outfits to it.”
Retro revival
Fashions from the 1990’s are in, said Gomez. Gomez, 17 years old, was wearing high-waisted jeans. He also pointed to his Converse Chuck Taylor high-top canvas sneakers. This look was very popular in the 1970s.
“They’re glossy, which means more quality,”Gomez spoke highly of his Chucks. “They’re vintage design.”
Graphic T-shirts are also very popular. Gomez wore a graphic T-shirt with words on it that featured a motorcycle graphic. “Destiny. Look Fresh. Dynamic.”
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“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 stated.
Shop fashions
Just about any store at the nearest mall that caters to high school shoppers will have the latest craze on full display.
The H & M store in Solomon Pond Mall, Marlborough has oversized hoodies, T shirts and sweaters. Blazers over crop tops is another popular look.
Miguel DaSilva from Westborough High School tried on a slick blazer from H & M. But, he said that oversized sweatpants or hoodies are what he is wearing this fall.
“Skater”This look is also popular among the younger generation, according to Brian Diaz, a Worcester resident aged 20 who purchased several 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.
Diaz looked almost like he was stepping out of a skater catalog, wearing Vans and a Nike sweatshirt, ripped Jeans, and a black beanie that fit snugly to 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.
Beautiful shoes
Granger was seen in her Air Jordan 1 sneakers as she summed up the best fashion item in high school.
“Nice shoes are in. People love having nice shoes,” Granger said.
Contact Henry Schwan at he[email protected] Follow him on Twitter @henrytelegram
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