Print edition: 
In just a few short weeks, it will be time to set the alarm clock, get out the cereal bowls and pack the backpacks.
Back to school means lots of preparation — buying school supplies, getting physicals for sports, and of course, acquiring new clothes. Kids want the latest trends, and parents want clothing that's affordable, practical and fits the child who seems to have grown three inches over the summer.
The good news is that trends are available at every price level. Yes, some kids will always want the pricey labels with the hot names, but many less expensive lines feature current styles.
If you're among those who will spend a whopping $50 million dollars on back-to-school clothes and supplies for the new school year, keep these tips in mind:
How to shop
* Start shopping now. Summer sales are plentiful, which means you'll get great buys for those first few weeks of school when it's still hot.
* Add long-sleeve shirts and tops to layer over tanks and T-shirts as the weather cools.
* Even at a young age, many children will have definite ideas about what they want to wear, so take them with you when shopping.
* If they insist on buying an expensive item, require them to chip in on it.
* Suggest a swap party for pre-teens and teens to exchange clothes they're tired of or that no longer fit. Include accessories in the swap.
* Before shopping, go through closets and take inventory of what needs to be tossed, stored or donated.
* Make a list of what your student needs to get started, but don't go overboard. If your child is style conscious, he or she will usually want to see what the hot looks are at their school before spending the entire wardrobe budget.
A look at trends
* Denim remains a staple for girls and boys of all ages. Denim styles for fall range from deep ink to distressed. Super skinny "jeggings" for girls are paired with plaid and printed bright tunic-length tops.
* Jeans for girls, especially the middle school set, include special features such as cuffs and embellishments.
* Mixing and matching prints, textures and colors with layered pieces is going to be popular for boys and girls of all ages.
* Mix styles, too. For girls that could mean mixing soft and feminine items in gentle colors with a "tough" item such as a jean jacket or leather vest. For guys, it could mean wearing a conservative button-down shirt with distressed jeans and a casual, but somewhat tailored jacket.
* Screen-printed T-shirts featuring everything from flowers to rock stars will be popular with all ages.
* Hoodies are still hot in light-weight knits to start the year, and hefty fleece for winter.
* Colors for fall are the ones we associate with the season: burnt ochre and orange, rich browns, deep greens and purples, navy and blue-black.
* Among the fun extras to add to your wardrobe regardless of gender: Vests, long scarves, low- and high-top canvas shoes and wide belts.
