A back-to-school wardrobe is always an exciting opportunity for reinvention, and with a return to in-person learning, everybody has a fresh fashion slate. But how to make the most of it? And how to help kids transition from loungewear to actual clothing? The Weekly has some tips.

Focus on comfort

After a year of loungewear, it might seem difficult to ditch the comfy clothes. The good news? You don’t have to. “Being comfortable has never been more fashionable,” says Taylor Rice, owner of secondhand boutique Alt Rebel (1409 S. Commerce St. #110, alt-rebel.com). While it’s not trendy to wear your actual PJs in public, Rice says baggier styles, such as “wide-leg jeans, oversize T-shirts and extra-large hoodies are cool for all genders.” Additionally, sneakers are on trend for both guys and gals, especially “Jordans, Doc Martens and Converse,” Rice says.

Be bold

Comfort doesn’t have to be bland. “This past year has flooded our social media feeds with people showing their true colors and style,” Rice says. “One thing we have noticed in particular is the bolder, the better.” She encourages readers to go against the grain in order to stand out: “Wear that bold pattern, that statement necklace or those platform sneakers.”

Retro’s in again

To parents, the ’90s might seem like yesterday. But to the younger generation, the recent past is cool. “As unbelievable as it is, the fashion of the late ’90s and early 2000s have already made a comeback,” Rice says. “Cue baby tees, low-rise flares, logo tees and all the brands of that era—Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Guess and Calvin Klein.”

Denim for days

Why mess with a classic? Denim is stylish, sturdy and comfortable. “Everyone is loving the different options in denim and tops, so choices are endless,” says Sean Blanchard at the Good Wolf Lifestyle Co. (1401 S. Commerce St., thegoodwolflv.com). “A couple vintage tees are always great to pair with denim or shorts.”

Shop local

Las Vegas has an ever-growing number of locally owned boutiques. And when you shop locally over a national chain, you’re not only supporting your neighbors, you’ll probably get better service. For younger children, check out Downtown Summerlin’s LoveBug Baby & Kids (lovebugbabyandkids.com); Henderson’s Archer + Jane on Water Street (archerandjane.com); and Tivoli Village’s Matriarch by R+D (thematriarchlife.com). Teens and older kids can shop at locally owned boutiques for adults. “Alt Rebel is for everyone,” Rice says. “We don’t carry children’s sizes, but we do carry small adult clothing, so we have a lot of teen shoppers.” Also take a look at Market in the Alley (marketinthealley.com) and Third & Arrow (third-arrow.com).

Don’t be afraid to ask

Putting together a new wardrobe, especially after so much time quarantined at home, can be daunting. But you’re not alone. Think of the store clerk as your best resource. These people love clothes, know their product and understand what goes together to make a good outfit. Another reason to shop local? Some boutique owners double as style consultants, like Las Vegas-based Burnt Boutique (burntboutique.com) founder Nicole Camacho, who will even come to you for a private shopping party.

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