Sometimes I write lifestyle stories for print publications. This back-to-school piece for a national newspaper seems a bit late, I know, but it was to have run a few weeks back. It didn't thanks to unexpected space issues, so I'm running it here in case any of you still has BTS shopping to finish.

One of the best things about back-to-school fashion is that clothing styles for kids and youths are fairly classic: superheroes, sports, pattern-mixing, bright colours and a seasoning of mustard, burgundy and cosy brown. Makes hand-me-downs a lot easier, right? #reality

That said, there are some trends to watch for this Fall according to Afiya Francisco, mom to two young boys, founder of thestylehouse.ca and style expert on CTV's Your Morning and Global's Morning Show. 

"Yes, we're seeing denim again," Afiya says. "But what's noteworthy is that we're seeing boxier cuts, like "boyfriend" jackets, a little roomier and layer-friendly. In finishes, distressed looks are coming back, as well as patchwork and colour blocking."

Metallic accents are big this season too, "so shiny they're almost foil."

I kind of love one trend in particular: Afiya says there's a fun twinning or mini-me thing happening. "You notice similar items in the adult and kid sections when you go through a family one-stop shop like The Gap, Zara or Old Navy," she says. "And it's tastefully done, not kitchy."

One more thing: "This is a great time to pick up summer items on sale for the kids to wear next May, June and so on," says Afiya. #smartshopping

Back-to-School Fashion

New stuff for your kids, kindergarten to high school

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Are you already done with any back-to-school kid-stuff you needed to do?

Image sources: Old Navy, Gap, The Children's Place, Redfish Kids, Sears, Winners, Marshalls, Walmart